Introduction to Nightflyer

introducing...

Nightflyer is one bluegrass band you don’t want to miss -- a perfect blend of contemporary bluegrass with strong traditional roots, a little gospel and just a touch of the blues thrown in, and always a good time.

Their 2012 debut self-titled CD met with great success and acceptance by fans, DJs and critics alike. You will find several excellent reviews of the CD on the following pages. The project spent many months on the Roots Music Report Top 50 Bluegrass Al-bums Chart, remained in the top spot on their Ohio chart for even longer, and finished in the Top 100 Bluegrass Albums for the year. The gospel song, “Power Position” from the CD was selected for inclusion in Mansion Entertainments’ Radio Hits collection.

Although virtually unknown as individuals or a band, Nightflyer was able to quickly book shows across the country from Minnesota to Pennsylvania to Tennessee, as well as being huge favorites in their hometown area, the South Western quarter of Ohio, from Cincinnati to Sidney. In addition to a great many festivals and concerts, Nightflyer was thrilled to be selected to perform for the prestigious “Song of the Mountains” television series for PBS, aired across the U.S. in syndication. We have included a copy of the episode in the back of this booklet.

The band attributes their quickly-achieved successes to their attention to vocal harmonies, musicianship, song selection and showmenship -- they have a great time on stage and don’t mind bringing the audience along for the ride.

One of the comments we hear most often is how each band member shines in their own way. The band’s lead singer and guitarist Richard Propps consistently receives rave reviews on his powerful and often awe-inspiring vocals and excellent guitar playing. Superb mandolinist and occasional lead vocalist Rick Hayes, spent four years touring nationally with the Gibson Brothers, and recived a coveted Highlight Review from Bluegrass Unlimited on his solo CD “Fly By Night.” Tony Kakaris is the rock solid heartbeat of Nightflyer on the standup bass, lending baritone as well as lead vocals to the group. Tim Jackson adds spice to the mix with his fiery dobro performances, and an occasional lead and baritone. Rounding out the sound is Ronnie Stewart, contribut-ing killer banjo, and sweet lyrical tenor and lead vocals. Each individual is outstanding on their own, but this is truly a band that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The following pages will tell you a little more about the Nightflyer story...

When you think of the qualities it takes for a band to reach star

status it is easy to see why Night-flyer is moving to the forefront of the bluegrass world. Having five

superbly talented musicians, there is nothing Nightflyer can’t play.

Vocally, their harmonies are dead on and in a group that has four lead singers it is Richard Propps

who reaches notes that are beyond most mortals with his powerful soaring vocals. From

traditional and progressive blue-grass, to gospel and blues, the

group can play any style. For pro-moters, Nightflyer is a must have for your event and for bluegrass lovers, Nightflyer is a must see

for you.”

Ron KodishSmoked Country Jam

www.smokedcountryjam.com

“I hired Nightflyer for our 2013 Lakes BluegrassFestival without having heard or seen them in

person, but they were such delightful people andeasy to deal with that I decided to take a chance

on them. To say they exceeded my expectations isan understatement. They are marvelous musicians,

great entertainers, and just good people.

Many of our audience commented that they werefavorites among many other well-known national

bands. I will definitely have them back when I can.”

Tim Roggenkamp, Entertainment Director

The Lakes Bluegrass Festival.www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com

“I heard great things about the band Nightflyer for years. I even had a CD but never heard them live. I found out that

they were playing at the Blue Ribbon Fox-hunters Lodge so we went over to hear

them and they absolutely killed it. A short time later they were booked at Rudy Fest and they did not disappoint. Nightflyer is a killer band, good musicians, tight vocals and best of all, a great bunch of boys.”

Rudy BurchettRudy Fest

www.rudyfest.com

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This is a very enjoyable production from this powerful southwestern Ohio quintet. Lead singer and guitarist Richard Propps shows off the considerable abilities he has gleaned from his time as a Southern gospel singer. Rick Hayes, who has acquired a Highlight Review in these Bluegrass Unlimited pages, is a tremendous bandmem-ber on the mandolin and occasional lead vocals. Ronnie Stewart is a fine banjo player and tenor harmony singer. Tim Jackson’s reso-guitar picking and baritone vocals fill in just perfectly. Tony Kakaris provides the band’s bedrock on bass, baritone and occasional lead.

Nightflyer’s success owes much to a selection of excellent material. “99 Years (And One Dark Day)” will just give you chills. Similarly, “The Legend Of The Lost Confederate Gold” starts like an old cylinder

record and from there it will doubtless draw you in. Singer/songwriter Paula Breedlove has contributed several songs here, and Nightflyer is a good showcase for her considerable writing talents.

The CD ends with an excellent, driving straight-on version of Townes Van Zandt’s classic “White Freight Liner Blues” on which the soaring vocals match the fiery in-strumental work. Let’s hope that Nightflyer keeps flying on for many more albums to come.

RDS. © 2012 Bluegrass Unlimited.

It is very seldom that a group of accomplished musicians like the ones that make up the new southwestern Ohio band Nightflyer form a new group. However, with the issue of their brand new self-titled release on Kang Records, there’s definitely going to be a new group to look for traveling the bluegrass festival circuit. The combination of Tony Kakaris (bass), Rick Hayes (mandolin), Ronnie Stewart (banjo), Tim Jackson (dobro), and Richard Propps (guitar) is sure to make an impression on the bluegrass world.

From straight-ahead bluegrass versions of popular country tunes, like Dierks Bentley’s Got a Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do, to banjo-driven numbers like Larry Sparks’ classic number These Old Blues, the boys in Nightflyer seem to offer

something for any bluegrass fan to enjoy. Jam standards like 99 Years, offered here in a quite soulful fashion, sit comfortably beside haunting sound-ing songs like The Legend of the Lost Confederate Gold, a tune which tells the tale of a fabled lost treasure supposedly hidden 150 years ago. Fans of Ameri-can Idol may recognize the tune Walkin’ the Country, which recent Idol winner Scotty McCreery included on his debut album.

Strong vocals are delivered by all band members as nearly all of them are featured on at least one vocal number. Harkening back to his days singing gospel music, the vocals of guitar player and lead singer, Richard Propps, really shine through the album’s sacred selection entitled Power Position. Featuring close knit harmony, Power Position is performed with Southern gospel flair as it describes bowing in prayer as the place where “God hears it all.”

Stewart, the banjo player, sings lead on multiple selections like Are You Lonesome Whippoorwill, which also happens to feature a blistering guitar solo by co-producer Clay Hess. Hayes delivers the vocal on the awesome story song The Hangman’s Daughter, which depicts the tale of an unfortunate man who pays the ultimate price for love.

By rounding out the 13 song set with Townes Van Zandt’s White Freight Liner Blues, the band really seems to keep toes tapping. The band members are all greatly talented and showcase their skills throughout the album, keeping listeners intrigued through all thirteen of the album’s tracks. Nightflyer’s drive and wonderful mix of haunting ballads, gospel songs, and straight ahead bluegrass is sure to appeal to a wide array of listeners.

John Goad. © 2012 Bluegrass Today.

This is the first album from a fine Cincinnati, Ohio area group. After hearing this first effort, I am really looking forward to hearing future material from them. This group really has all the bases covered toward becoming regionally or nationally recognized. They have an exceptional lead singer in Richard Propps, and they have well-executed, powerful harmony arrangements. Each of the members is in total command of their chosen instru-

ment, not relying on “stock” licks but rather bringing creative energy to the instrumentals. They’ve got all the tools they need, or anyone could want, but these guys aren’t about showi-ness and “hot licks.” Aside from the instrumental and vocal prowess, there is a cohesive-ness to this group that seems natural and comfortable, belying the group’s relatively short existence.

On this album, there are a few tunes that have made the rounds on other bluegrass albums, like Tim O’Brien’s “99 Years and One Dark Day,” and the Newgrass Revival staple, “White Freightliner Blues,” written by Townes Van Zandt. Their inclusion here speaks volumes about the bands ability to perform rock solid, driving bluegrass. But the real story of the album is the ability the band has to round up lesser known materials that fits them perfectly. The diverse selection of material indicates the group can get their arms and hearts around pretty much anything you throw their way.

Every cut on the album is really a standout in its own right. One that I found myself playing over and over was “Power Position,” a gospel tune which is a wonderful showcase for Richard’s powerful, heart-felt vocal, evoking comparison to the great John Cowan. Keith Urban’s “Walk in the Country” is given an especially nice bluegrass treatment with some great drivin’ five by Ronnie Stewart and resonator guitar by Tim Jackson. An especially nice tune, with a touching message and swingy rhythm, is Duane Whitt’s “That Old Barn.”

Mandolinist Rick Hayes contributes the lead vocal work on the murder ballad, “The Hangman’s Daughter,” and he aptly demonstrates that, were he not working alongside Richard’s awesome talents, he could easily be called upon as the featured singer. Banjo player Ronnie Stewart contributes fine lead vocals on two cuts; “Are You Lonesome Whipporwill,” a great driving tune written by Marvin Clark, and Aubrey Holt’s “The Sad Wind Sighs.” Bassist Tony Kakaris also contributes a vocal lead on Larry Sparks’ “These Old Blues.”

I mentioned earlier that these guys have all the bases covered, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the production work on the album. In addition to being a musician, Rick Hayes is also a recording engineer and graphic artist (as well as luthier). The album was recorded at Hayes Productions in Cincinnati, and it was engineered, mixed and produced by Rick and Clay Hess for Hayes Productions.

This is a fine first effort from this group, and it reflects well on them in every respect.

I can’t wait for the second album!

Joe Steiner, Vice President of NIBGA (Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association) and DJ at WLFC

Debut CD reviews

Release Info:Artist Name: NightflyerTitle: (self-titled)Release Date: May 25, 2012Label: Kang RecordsProduct ID: kr0309Release Formats: CD, MP3’sAvailable on: band website, iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon

Band Info:Band Members: Richard Propps (guitar, lead vox on tracks 1, 3-6, 8, 11-12), Rick Hayes (mandolin, lead vox on 7), Tony Kakaris (bass, lead vox on 9), Tim Jackson (dobro), Ronnie Stewart (banjo, lead vox on 2, 10)

Website: nightflyerband.comFacebook: facebook.com/nightflyerbandYouTube: youtube.com/nightflyerbluegrassAirplay Direct: airplaydirect.com/nightflyer

PR Contact: Lyn Hayes, [email protected]: 513-382-55524603 Primer Ct., Batavia, OH 45103

nightflyer kr0309

Tracks: 1. Back to Cumberland Gap (3:33) 2. Are You Lonesome Whippoorwill (3:10) 3. Got a Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do (4:26) 4. Mama Like Mine (3:48) 5. 99 Years (and One Dark Day) (3:37) 6. The Legend of the Lost Confederate Gold

(3:20) 7. The Hangman’s Daughter (2:45) 8. Power Position (4:04) 9. These Old Blues (3:06) 10. Sad Wind Sighs (3:57) 11. Walkin’ the Country (2:32) 12. That Old Barn (3:11) 13. White Freight Liner Blues (2:57)

About the CD:Nightflyer’s self-titled album has something for every bluegrass fan. From blistering fast and driving (Back to Cumberland Gap) to powerful gospel (Power Position) to high lonesome mournful (Sad Wind Sighs) and back around to solid grass with a contemporary feel (Got a Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do) -- and a lot more in between. This collection has it all yet still manages to create one consistent sound that is undeniably Nightflyer. There is a mix of original tunes, as well as old standards and unexpected covers. Their dynamic arrangements and delivery make for a non-stop ride in this full 13 song excursion with this new band from Ohio.

The album is as entertaining as the band’s live shows and you won’t want to miss either!

Please turn over for additional information on the band.

About the Band:Nightflyer, named in honor of Tony Rice’s song and album of the same name, consists of a group of talented professionals, hailing from Southwestern Ohio. The band’s lead singer and guitarist Richard Propps, consis-tently receives rave reviews on his powerful and often awe-inspiring vocals (polished by years on the Southern Gospel circuit) and excellent guitar playing. Superb mandolinist and occasional lead vocalist Rick Hayes, spent four years touring nationally with the Gibson Brothers, and received a coveted Highlight Review from Bluegrass Unlimited on his solo CD. Tony Kakaris is the rock solid heartbeat of Nightflyer on the standup bass, lending baritone as well as lead vocals to the group. Tim Jackson adds spice to the mix with his fiery dobro performances, and an occasional baritone as well. Rounding out the sound is Ronnie Stewart, con-tributing killer banjo, and sweet lyrical tenor and lead vocals. Each individual is outstanding on their own, but this is truly a band that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Entertaining Personalities + Soulful Singing + Drive = Nightflyer

www.nightflyerband.comwww.facebook.com/nightflyerbandwww.youtube.com/nightflyerbluegrasswww.airplaydirect.com/nightflyer

Booking: Rick [email protected] (513) 300-6613

Endorsements:

Release Info:Artist Name: NightflyerTitle: (self-titled)Release Date: May 25, 2012Label: Kang RecordsProduct ID: kr0309Release Formats: CD, MP3’sAvailable on: band website, iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon

Band Info:Band Members: Richard Propps (guitar, lead vox on tracks 1, 3-6, 8, 11-12), Rick Hayes (mandolin, lead vox on 7), Tony Kakaris (bass, lead vox on 9), Tim Jackson (dobro), Ronnie Stewart (banjo, lead vox on 2, 10)

Website: nightflyerband.comFacebook: facebook.com/nightflyerbandYouTube: youtube.com/nightflyerbluegrassAirplay Direct: airplaydirect.com/nightflyer

PR Contact: Lyn Hayes, [email protected]: 513-382-55524603 Primer Ct., Batavia, OH 45103

nightflyer kr0309

Tracks: 1. Back to Cumberland Gap (3:33) 2. Are You Lonesome Whippoorwill (3:10) 3. Got a Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do (4:26) 4. Mama Like Mine (3:48) 5. 99 Years (and One Dark Day) (3:37) 6. The Legend of the Lost Confederate Gold

(3:20) 7. The Hangman’s Daughter (2:45) 8. Power Position (4:04) 9. These Old Blues (3:06) 10. Sad Wind Sighs (3:57) 11. Walkin’ the Country (2:32) 12. That Old Barn (3:11) 13. White Freight Liner Blues (2:57)

About the CD:Nightflyer’s self-titled album has something for every bluegrass fan. From blistering fast and driving (Back to Cumberland Gap) to powerful gospel (Power Position) to high lonesome mournful (Sad Wind Sighs) and back around to solid grass with a contemporary feel (Got a Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do) -- and a lot more in between. This collection has it all yet still manages to create one consistent sound that is undeniably Nightflyer. There is a mix of original tunes, as well as old standards and unexpected covers. Their dynamic arrangements and delivery make for a non-stop ride in this full 13 song excursion with this new band from Ohio.

The album is as entertaining as the band’s live shows and you won’t want to miss either!

Please turn over for additional information on the band.

PromotionalOnesheet* sent to DJs with CD

Kang is Onyxrecords is wide latin

generic flyer & poster Templates *provided in digital and/or printed format to promoters and venues

nightflyer

kr0309

Kang is Onyxrecords is wide latin

Song of the MountainsLincoln Theater, Marion, VA

taped sept. 1, 2012

lyn hayes513-382-5552

[email protected]

rick hayes513-300-6613

[email protected]

www.nightflyerband.comwww.facebook.com/nightflyerband

www.youtube.com/nightflyerbluegrasswww.airplaydirect.com/nightflyer