Reuben's Train on Track

Reuben’s Train is on Track

Still Pickin', a country-western and bluegrass trio based in eastern Connecticut has just released its debut album, Reuben’s Train. The performers of this unique trio are among the oldest musicians of the genre still actively working in Connecticut. They hail from Coventry, Mansfield and Chaplin.

The group has two lead vocalists: Bob Coxx, a life-long balladeer and son of the renowned New England fiddler, Slim Coxx of Cowboy Caravan fame, a staple at Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT for several decades; and Jim Sharpley, former lead singer for the historic western swing group Jim Sharpley and the Sharpshooters. Jim’s parallel career took him into broadcasting at WNHC-TV. You’ve likely seen him over the years on the Channel 8 News. Both Sharpley and Coxx are members of the Connecticut Country Music Hall of Fame. The group’s most senior member, Myrna Riquier, plays bass for the trio and turns eighty-one this year.

The trio spent several months gathering materials for their Reuben’s Train project, selecting songs for a very specific audience. Still Pickin’ is a favorite of retired folks because they play the early country music that seniors grew up listening to which is no longer readily available on the radio. Their very traditional country-western music features the classic songs of the genre’s pioneers. Still Pickin’ specializes in songs from that era.

Another unusual aspect of Reuben’s Train is that all of the lead instrument tracks were performed by Jim Sharpley. Jim is unique in that he taught himself to play several stringed instruments after he had retired, an inspiration to anyone facing retirement who may be wondering what to do with their new windfall of time. Jim’s musical astuteness also landed him the additional task of being Project Producer for their recording.

Lead singer Bob Coxx said “We enjoy seeing the faces in our audience brighten up when we kick off a tune that they heard a life-time ago. They start recalling the lyrics to that old song and soon they are singing right along with us. It doesn’t get any better than that”.

The Trio doesn’t perform in winter months but works steadily from May to November. Generous with their time and talents, Still Pickin’ has a reputation for performing at fund-raisers for non-profits.

They appear at venues both large and small; from the Woodstock Fair and the Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival to backyard parties and family reunions. They’ll go just about anywhere.

Among their upcoming dates are two CD launch concerts; June 3 at the Storrs Community Church in Coventry and June 17 at the Burton Leavitt Theatre in Willimantic. Sharpley pointed out that “both of these events are fund-raisers for their respective venues where ticket prices have been set at just $10 to accommodate everyone.”

He also added “we want to encourage folks to be our guest at any of our day-time concerts at Senior Centers or nursing homes where the Trio will appear in the months ahead.” You can follow the trail of these senior musicians by checking their web site.

To see a listing of live bluegrass music events in the tri-state area, including the dates of Still Pickin', go to their website at natchaugmusic.com or call 860-455-9400. To receive their free email Newsletter send your request to natchaugmusic@gmail.com.