About HighBanks
Although The HighBanks Bluegrass Band is one of Canada's newest units, they come with years of experience. They pack incredible instrumental virtuosity and smooth vocal arrangements into their exciting and entertaining live performances.
They are a band you don't want to miss.
The band members all have rich backgrounds in bluegrass music and a real appreciation for all music well performed whether it be classic bluegrass, original songs or music borrowed from other genres. Here's a little more about each person.
Denis LePage
Denis is one of the best known banjo players in Canada and a veteran virtuoso. He has 2 feature solo banjo albums to his credit and has recorded several albums with each of his former bands, the London based Dixie Flyers, Station Road and Limited Edition. He has performed on stage and in banjo workshops, with many bluegrass greats including Mac Wiseman, Byron Berline,
Alan Munde, the Seldom Scene, Tony Trishka and many more. He has been a sought after session musician and has contributed to many commercial and artistic projects including albums by some of Canada's top country and folk music artists.
Eric Brousseau
Coming from a family steeped in music, Eric has a profound knowlege of both traditional bluegrass and newer influences. He is one of the Canada's best new guitar instrumentalist as well as being a fantastic vocalist with a welcoming and energetic stage presence at live shows. During his career, Eric has performed as a soloist, and in groups and is always in great demand. In addition to his traditional bluegrass music repertoire, his contemporary influences add a special blend to all of HighBanks' shows.
Maurice (Moe) Juteau
Moe’s long career in bluegrass music kicked into gear when he joined Hamilton, Ontario’s well known group, The East Mountain Boys. He met the other band members at one of the now legendary Bluegrass Canada Festivals in the early 80’s. He started his mandolin playing with that band and has now become a true virtuoso on the instrument drawing cheers and accolades from audiences when he steps forward to take a solo!
Since his early days, Moe has been part of several bands and has performed at countless festivals and shows. He is a prolific song writer, and accomplished guitar and harmonica player. His original songs, unique vocals and easy stage presence are a huge contribution to HighBanks.
Jim Young
Hearing Jimmy on the violin is a rare treat you won’t soon forget. He hails from a country music background and can make his fiddle fill your heart with sadness, joy and happiness - he is a true virtuoso. Jimmy was born and raised Niagara Falls, Ontario and he currently makes his home in nearby Stevensville. Jimmy came from a musical family on both sides. His father played in played guitar in local Country bands, his uncle on his mother’s side was a fiddler and his grandfather was a square dance caller. Jimmy started playing guitar when he was 8 years old, chording to square dance and fiddle tunes at family house parties. When he was in junior high school, he was introduced to violin playing by a local high school teacher who came into his music classes and eventually studied violin at the Bradley Institute in Niagara Falls throughout his high school years. Although classically trained, he never lost his love for country music and fiddle tunes.
He has toured Canada for many years, playing and singing with top Canadian country entertainers. Now Jimmy has returned to his roots in Bluegrass music holding down fiddle and vocal.
Glenn George
Holding down the low end is bass player, Glenn George. Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, Glenn now lives in the village of Alma with his wife Norma. Glenn has been playing bluegrass bass for nearly 40 years. He is the founder of the Waterloo Wellington Bluegrass Music Association and currently holds the position of Founder and Vice President. Glenn has played in many Bluegrass ensembles throughout his tenure, notably with Clean Sweep, Foxtail and the Barn Katz. He has been twice nominated as Bluegrass Bassist of the Year by the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards. You will enjoy his contributions both on bass and vocally to Highbanks Bluegrass Band sound.
