Mandolinist, vocalist, composer and songwriter Thomas Cassell grew up in the bluegrass mountains of southwestern Virginia, in the United States of America. He is among the highest-ranked modern bluegrass musicians.
Cassell is a founding member of the respected progressive bluegrass group Circus No. 9 and has performed as a sideman with Billy Strings, the Bryan Sutton Band, Jim Lauderdale, Missy Raines, Becky Buller, and many more. Currently, a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, he is developing new and original music rooted in tradition.
In addition to his 2021 National Mandolin Champion award, Cassell was named the 2021 Fresh Grass Mandolin Champion; 2020 Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association; and 2016 Rockygrass Mandolin Champion.
In 2022, he released the album “What You Need To Prove,” a recording focused primarily on songs instead of instrumentals. “What You Need To Prove” features Thomas Cassell on mandolin and vocals. Additionally, he brought in a top talent and award-winning musicians and vocalists for the album, including Dale Ann Bradley on harmony vocals; Tim Stafford on guitar; Julian Pinelli on fiddle; Jacob Metz on Dobro; Vince Ilagan on bass; Ned Luberecki on banjo; John Gardner on drums; and Dan Boner on harmony vocals. Becky Buller joined Cassell on their co-written song, “Traveling Shoes,” the first single released from this new project.
“I’m so excited to finally get this album out into the world,” said Cassell. “After releasing “Voyager” in 2018, I knew I wanted my next album to focus primarily on songs rather than instrumentals. During the pandemic, I tried to write as much as possible (it helps to have great co-writers like Becky, Tim, and John) and wound up with a handful of material that I liked enough to put into this record.”
Cassell continued saying, “In addition to what I wrote, I really wanted to include a cover of Mark Knopfler’s “Redbud Tree,” as well as record “New November,” which was written by Tim Stafford and Graham Sharp. I called some good friends (and even better musicians), and we laid down the album in a handful of sessions during the summer of 2021. Even though the record comes in a little shorter than usual at eight tracks, I think it says what I needed to say.”
Thomas Cassell’s The Never-Ending Years was released in 2024. Cassell shared, “I’m thrilled to announce the release of my third solo album, The Never-Ending Years, which I co-produced with Casey Campbell. After several years in the making, this album features eight original tracks and two covers, with contributions from a remarkable roster of collaborators and personal heroes, including Dale Ann Bradley, Becky Buller, Casey Campbell, Jason Carter, Max Etling, Amanda Fields, Ashby Frank, Rob Ickes, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Ronnie McCoury, Bob Minner, Jeff Picker, Missy Raines, Wyatt Rice, Tim Stafford, Jake Stargel, Ron Stewart, Cory Walker, and Marshall Wilborn. The title is inspired by the first track, ‘Reincarnation in Retrospect,’ which reflects on the endless opportunities, successes, and mistakes that life offers.”
Discography:
Mellifluous (2016)
Voyager (2018)
Thomas Cassell & Friends: Live at Bigtone (2021)
What You Need To Prove (Mountain Fever Records, 2022)
The Never-Ending Years (Mountain Fever Records, 2024)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Updated biography and discography.