Branch House Pavilion was initially thought of as a way to branch away from bluegrass but it was more about exploring originality in songs that we love no matter the genre. Whether it be an interesting back story on how the song was written or a heartfelt display of emotion singing it, Branch House Pavilion has a focus more on the song rather than individuality. Having a singer as dynamic as Amber, the versatility that Abe has on mandolin or guitar, and the songwriting passion that Scott carries with him, all on one stage with 3 part harmony, it creates a close and comfortable musical journey at each show that will feel like a private concert in your own living room! We’ll even play in your living room if want us to!
Amber Collins-lead singer/songwriter-Damascus,Va
Amber, formerly of the band No Speed Limit has a long list of achievements but most notably she has performed on NPR, toured with the Crooked Road, played America’s 400th Anniversary festivals, including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the National Folk Festival. Amber has also toured the west coast as well as Scotland during her 10 years performing in bluegrass. She is also an accomplished songwriter who has several original songs on her solo album “On The Corner”. Amber has a big personality and an unmistakable voice that can stand on its own.
“Amber is a strong singer, in the process of developing a distinctive style all her own. Her voice is pitched high, closer to a true soprano than has been common in bluegrass of late, and it makes for a sound refreshingly outside the modern grass mainstream. She is given to “Reba-like” vowel sounds, another trait we hear only rarely in the bluegrass realm.” –John Lawless-Bluegrass Today
Abe Goorskey-mandolin extraordinaire/guitar/vocals-Floyd, Va
Abe hails from Floyd, Va which is a very unique, one stop light town near the Blue Ridge Parkway and home to the world famous “Floyd Country Store”. He is also a studio musician who has provided mandolin tracks or performed with just about every musician who has ever struck a chord in the county. He’s an instrument builder and wood craftsman by trade. He carries with him a beautifully handmade guitar as well as his wonderfully crafted mandolin made by local luthier, Stanley Lorton. Abe has performed or recorded previously with Blue Moonshine, Mike Mitchell, Scott Patrick, and Bernie Coveney in the area. He has written 4 instrumentals for a 2009 release with Scott called “Back When I Had You”. Abe takes on much of the mandolin duties while also switching to guitar and providing both lead and harmony vocals in the trio. He is also contributing as a songwriter with some of the trio’s new material as well.
Scott Patrick-guitar/vocals/songwriter-Christiansburg, Va
Scott wears many hats in the trio but mainly contributes as guitarist, songwriter, & harmony vocals. Scott has quite a list of album credits dating back over 10 years. He works as the trio’s recording engineer and producer as well. He has co-written with Amber, “These Moments” on the “A Dozen Reasons” EP and has been the driving force behind the trio’s music production to date. Scott also has recorded guitar on 7 other projects and is credited as a producer on 3 albums thus far. He’s had two songs recorded by artist’s on major bluegrass labels most notably a song called “Jesus Walk Beside Me” on the Darin & Brooke Aldridge album “So Much In Between” (2011) released on the Crossroads/Mountain Home record label.