Formed in 2008, Volume Five is a bluegrass ensemble led by Mississippi fiddler and lead vocalist Glen Harrell. He is joined by guitarist Jacob Burleson, mandolinist Aaron Ramsey, banjoist Chris Wade, and bassist Jacob Eller, each contributing instrumental mastery and rich vocal harmonies. Although they were originally a casual jam band, Volume Five quickly evolved into a distinctive presence in bluegrass, characterized by their unique song selection, inventive instrumentals, and harmonious vocals.
The group has received numerous accolades, with nominations and awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America, and the Josie Music Awards, among others. Their discography includes critically acclaimed albums like Down In A Cell, Children of the Mountain, Run, The Day We Learned To Fly, Voices, Drifter, Milestones, For Those Who Care To Listen, and Karma, which alone boasted seven chart-topping tracks. Volume Five continues to solidify their influence in bluegrass, blending tradition with innovation in every release.
In October 2021, Volume Five released the single “When Karma Comes Calling.” The song, recorded in January 2021, includes Glen Harrell, Patton Wages, Jacob Burleson, Aaron Ramsey, Jeff Partin, and Kameron Keller
“Ronnie Bowman told me that he and Terry Herd had written a song just for Volume Five. I couldn’t believe how much I loved this song on the first listen. It definitely fits our style of music, and we are so excited to share this song with everyone,” said Harrell. Bowman agreed, saying, “Karma’s always a good thing when a great band and a good song comes together!“
The 2022 single “Losing My Religion,” not to be confused with the R.E.M. hit song, was written by bluegrass songwriter and musician Josh Miller. This track included the award-winning talents of Glen Harrell on lead vocals and fiddle, Jacob Burleson on guitar, Patton Wages on banjo, Aaron Ramsey on mandolin, and Jeff Partin on bass and resophonic guitar.
Glen Harrell, shared, “I was so fortunate to have this song dropped in my lap. Josh Miller is one of my favorite writers and musicians. This song shows how anyone can have their world turned upside down and become hurt so deeply that they doubt everything they know to be true. This is a great song to remind people once again that it rains on the just and the unjust.”
Volume Five’s 2024 single, “County Wishing Well” is a classic banjo-lead tune about a glimpse at the past and a symbolic source of rich memories.
“Josh Miller has always been one of my favorite musicians and songwriters because of his approach to songwriting and creating melodies. I love ‘County Wishing Well’ because of its depiction of the life of someone gone off to war and what they experienced in their life during wartime, including their vivid and precious memories of home,” stated Glen Harrell.
The song featured Glen Harrell on lead vocal and fiddle; Jacob Burleson on guitar and tenor vocal; Aaron Ramsey on mandolin and baritone vocal; Chris Wade on banjo; Jacob Eller on bass; and Jeff Partin on resophonic guitar. Partin also engineered, mixed, and mastered the song.
Discography:
Run (Mountain Fever Records, 2013)
Drifter (Mountain Fever Records, 2016)
Milestones (Mountain Fever Records, 2018)
For Those Who Care To Listen (Mountain Fever Records, 2019)
Karma (Mountain Fever Records, 2022)
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.