The Lonesome River Band, whose latest Rural Rhythm Records release, Still Learning, was #1 on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s top 15 albums chart in March, has added a new member. Randy Jones made his debut appearance with the band, on mandolin and vocals, during a March 19 concert in South Carolina.

Jones, who resides in Strunk, Kentucky, began playing mandolin at age 8 with his dad’s band, The Southfork Gentlemen, and was with the group until age 20. Following a year-long stint with Larry Starks and the Lonesome Ramblers in 1986, Young left the bluegrass scene for a number of years, returning in 2003 as a guitarist with Kentucky Wind. He also owns and operates his own recording studio.

In addition to Jones, The Lonesome River Band’s current lineup includes Sammy Shelor (its leader and four-time IBMA Banjo Performer of the Year), Brandon Rickman (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Barry Reed (bass).