The Daily Expeditionist
Official Newspaper of WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION
Archives from Recent Issues
WCE Listed in Top Ten Reviews!
NASHVILLE, TN- Bluegrass website, Cybergrass.com list WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S "Old Kentucky Road" CD as one of it's ten most read reviews! To Read all the wonderful things reviewer Joe Ross had to say about the project, click below and scroll to top ten reviews.
"Old Kentucky Road" Reviewed in BU!
WARRENTON, VA-The March issue of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine has a very positive review of WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S latest CD, "The Old Kentucky Road". Reviewer Bill Foster says, "this is a lively collection of up-tempo, foot-tapping songs that will keep your interest throughout.". He also goes on to call the project "nicely produced and recorded by Williams & Clark Expedition". The review appears on page 80 if you'd like to see what else he had to say about the CD.
Williams & Clark Expedition Announces
New Partnership with Upper Management!
WCE Returns from Successful Japan Trip
KUMAMOTO, JAPAN- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION is back home from their busiest two months of touring yet, topped-off by their trip to Japan to play the Country Gold Festival. The Expedition treated the crowd of 20,000 to a high-energy, bluegrass set that left the enthusiastic Japanese audience yelling for more. But, alas, the show had to be kept on schedule so that headliner, Darryl Worley could take the stage and wow the Wrangler-wearing, line-dancing country music fans with his fine show.
Williams & Clark, along with other acts, Blue County and Jill King, joined Darryl and promoter, Charlie Nagatoni, for a rousing finale of “Y’all Come”, followed by an impressive fireworks display.
The bands were all treated to sight-seeing and fine dining during their 4-day stay, as well as taking part in a press conference with the Vice-Governor of Kumamoto. Williams & Clark Expedition also performed at the local University and were warmly received by the 200 students attending with a standing ovation as the band arrived.
Highlights of the Japan trip were captured by a television crew from GAC cable network and were aired as part of Country Music Across America that ran everyday from November 2nd-15th. Hope you were able to catch it!
The Old Kentucky Road Hits #4!!
NASHVILLE, TN-The title cut of Williams & Clark Expedition's latest CD, "The Old Kentucky Road", was released as a single September 15th through Prime Cuts of Bluegrass to over 1000 radio stations across the U.S. and Internationally. We are proud to announce that the single tied for the #4 spot as voted on by the disc jockeys
Expedition Makes Bluegrass Now's "DJ Hot Picks"
ROLLA, MO-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S song, "Get Gone Blues", showed up in Bluegrass Now Magazine's December "DJ Hot Picks". It was picked as the #2 favorite by Bruce Bergethon on his Acousticity show on WGLT, Normal ,IL. WCE sends out a great big "thank you" to Bruce and Bluegrass Now for their support.
Gets National TV Exposure on GAC!!!
NASHVILLE, TN-Be sure and catch footage of WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S Japan trip on GAC's Country Music Across America show, airing November 2nd through 15th. WCE, along with Darryl Worley, Blue County and Jill King appear at various times throughout the show. A segment on WCE's appearance at a Japanese University happens near the end of the show and was called "the highlight of the trip" by host, Storme Warren! Click below for show times.
http://www.cmaa.tv/schedule.asp
Vince & Co.
Wows 'em in Franklin 
FRANKLIN, TN-The first annual Franklin KY Music Festival, hosted by WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION, is now in the books and can only be classified as a roaring success. All the pieces fell into place (after a year of planning by city officials and WCE) to make it an excellent first effort.
First off, the venue was top-notch. Jim Roberts Park provided a spacious and beautiful setting with plenty of room for growth. Secondly, the weather conditions, with sunny skies, highs around 80 and lows in the lower 60s, couldn’t have been better.
A giant big-top tent provided a comfortable environment for audience and performers alike, while Alan Lutz and company did a first-rate job on sound. Sam Jackson was MC of the event and gave out numerous door prizes provided by Gibson, Diamond Gusset and many local businesses. Also, a beautiful Gibson Earl Scruggs Deluxe banjo was raffled off to a lucky winner with proceeds going to youth programs in Franklin.
Friday’s
music kicked off with host band, Williams & Clark Expedition getting things off
to rousing start, followed by Trayler Parker & the Propane Tanks, the Chapmans,
New Road, Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, Marty Raybon & Full Circle and Rhonda
Vincent & the Rage. Each band performed twice to an enthusiastic crowd that
brought several of the groups back for more. Despite all of the encores, the
show stayed very close on schedule.
Saturday’s show kicked off with a high energy set by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. The Chris Jones Coalition followed, along with Lost & Found, Williams & Clark Expedition, IIIrd Tyme Out and Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys. Each band performed two sets and, like Friday, there were many encores. By the time Vince Gill’s Saturday night grand finale rolled around, the audience had grown to several thousand people and had already been well-entertained.
Backed by an all-star band of veteran bluegrassers, Vince did not disappoint. With Dan Tyminski on guitar, Michael Cleveland on fiddle, Charlie Cushman on banjo and Barry Bailes on bass, Vince delivered a smooth and driving set of straight-ahead bluegrass that included a few numbers with his old pickin’ buddy, Bobby Clark.
Vince was then presented with the key to the City of Franklin by Mayor Jim Brown and the night was wrapped up with a fireworks display in honor of Patriots Day.
If you missed out on this years event, please make plans to attend next year’s event, which will again have it’s proceeds going to Franklin’s youth programs. Click here for a preview of next year’s lineup.
WCE Releases New CD!
SPARTA, TN-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION is proud to announce the release of their brand new CD, "The Old Kentucky Road". The new disc will ship to bluegrass radio in the very near future and a "Prime Cuts of Bluegrass" single release of the title track is planned for early September. "The Old Kentucky Road" contains practically all original material and the band feels that this one is it's best release yet! If you would like to order a copy, please click here.
Expedition Featured in Bluegrass Unlimited!
WARRENTON, VA-The June 2004 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine includes a very nice feature story on WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION written by Joe Ross. Be sure and pick up a copy and turn to page 70 and find out all sorts of interesting tidbits about WCE and the upcoming Franklin KY Music Festival hosted by the band.
WCE #4 on "Prime Cuts"
NASHVILLE, TN-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S single release of the hard-driving song, "Standing on the Mountain", was rated a lofty #4 by the DJs responding to the "Prime Cuts of Bluegrass" survey. WCE's cut of "Standing.." has received airplay on at least 420 different stations and the band sends out it's thanks to those helping "get our music out there."
Website Surpasses 100,000 Visits!
HENDERSONVILLE, TN-WCE’s website, www.williamsandclarkexpedition.com recently reached a major milestone. During the past months we received our 100,000th visitor. Thanks for helping make our site one of the busiest ones in Bluegrass.
Expedition Still #12 on Roots Bluegrass Chart!
SAN MARCOS, TX- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION has been on the Roots Music Bluegrass Chart for the past 21weeks and is hanging in there at #12 amongst some pretty strong company! The band's "Born to Roam" CD peeked at #6 last month, which is pretty amazing considering artists like Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson and the Cold Mountain Soundtrack are all at or near the top of the chart. Thanks again to all the DJs that continue to play WCE's CDs., as well as the radio listeners who support our music. The Expedition's "Born to Roam" CD was also reviewed on the same website. Click here to read the review.
Bobby's Column Debuts on MelBay Website
LEVELLAND, TX-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION mandolinist Bobby Clark was recently asked to join the writing staff of melbay.com/mandolinsessions, a webmagazine that focuses on various aspects of mandolins and how to play them. Bobby's column appears bi-monthly and is called, "What's in Your Case?". Bobby will interview professional mandolin players and find out the scoop on what instruments and accessories they take with them on the road or into the studio. The first installment appears in the April issue and takes a look inside Joe Carr's and Bobby's own case.
Band Returns to SPBGMA Convention
NASHVILLE, TN-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION, seen above performing at the 2004 SPBGMA Convention, made quite a splash at the event. In addition to their Friday night performance, the WCE band members were on hand at the Franklin KY Music Festival booth at various times throughout the convention. The band would like to thank all those who took time to stop by to visit and pick up a Franklin Festival flyer.
Expedition
Booked on Japanese Tour!
KUKAMOTO, JAPAN-2004 looks like it will be a fantastic year for WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION. The band already has more show dates on the books for this year than it had for 2003, but as if that wasn't enough, WCE recently learned they are being added to the lineup of the prestigious Country Gold Festival held in October at the foot of Mt. Aso in Kukamoto, Japan! Darryl Worley is slated to headline with other acts TBA. More details on this event later.
Another Gibson Added to WCE Arsenal
NASHVILLE, TN- One of the many high points of this year's SPBGMA Convention for WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION was when guitarist Wayne Southards received a beautiful Advance Jumbo model from Gibson. Wayne should have ample opportunity to break in his new guitar as WCE's 2004 calendar has over 50 dates booked and growing!
WCE Hits Roots Bluegrass Chart
SAN MARCOS, TX-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S recently found out "Born To Roam" has been solidly in the Top Thirty on the Roots Music Report bluegrass CD chart for the past 10 weeks. The band would like to thank all the DJs that have been playing the disc.
2004 Franklin, Ky Line-up Takes Shape
FRANKLIN, KY-Mark your calendars early for this one. WILLIAMS AND CLARK EXPEDITION will be hosting a gangbuster line-up at next year's Franklin, KY Music Festival. WCE will be joined by Rhonda Vincent, Marty Raybon, IIIrd Tyme Out, Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, Lost & Found, the Chapmans, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, the Chris Jones Coalition, Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, New Road and Trayler Parker & the Propane Tanks. As if that roster isn't impressive enough, the grand finale will be an acoustic set by none other than VINCE GILL ! The site will be the scenic Jim Roberts Park, with plenty of RV hook-ups and rough camping. For dates and more information, CLICK HERE.
Bluegrass Now Mentions WCE & Franklin
FRANKLIN, KY-In it's Oct. "Inside Bluegrass" column, Bluegrass Now magazine had high praise for WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION. Under the heading "The Cream Rises", BN said- "Although Williams & Clark Expedition has only two CDs to its credit, with Blake Williams, Bobby Clark, Wayne Southards and Kimberly Williams, the band can boast of nearly a century of talent. With such an experienced quartet it’s hardly surprising that they have been selected to serve as the 'Host Band' for the newly established Franklin, Kentucky Music Festival." After listing the festival's talent line-up, they went on to say- "Williams & Clark’s singular position as 'host' among such distinguished artists lends credence to the truism, 'The Cream Always Rises to the Top.
'"Another Great Review of "Born To Roam" CD
NASHVILLE, TN--WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S "Born To Roam" CD has picked up another stellar review. This time from reviewer Joe Ross, for several music-oriented websites. WCE would like to thank Joe for the fine review and also his tireless efforts supporting acoustic music in the Northwestern US. To read his review of "Born To Roam", click here.
"Around This Fire" on Nov. 15th Prime Cuts
NASHVILLE, TN--WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION will be releasing the single, "Around This Fire", to Bluegrass DJs worldwide as part of the November 15th Prime Cuts of Bluegrass disc. "Around This Fire" is a beautiful number sung by Kimberly Williams, written by Billy Smith and Jeff White, that tells of memories of the special times spent by different generations around the family fireplace. It is the second Prime Cuts release from WCE's "Born To Roam" CD. Please call your local Bluegrass DJ and request "Around This Fire" by WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION.
Mike Clark to be Honored
GUTHRIE, OK-Byron Berline recently contacted Bobby Clark to let him know about plans to honor Bobby’s late brother, Mike Clark at this year’s Oklahoma International Music Festival. Starting this year the festival’s music scholarship program will be known as the “Mike Clark Scholarship Awards“. This program has already assisted 22 youngsters in gaining instruction on their chosen instrument.
Mike played an integral part in helping Byron and the festival committee launch the OIMF , serving on the board and as the treasurer for the event until his death in 1999.
More Photo Memories From 2003
GUTHRIE, OK-Our good friend, Cameron Eagle, clicked this shot of WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION onstage at the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival. Please visit our Snapshots From The Road page to see this and many more photos from our 2003 roadtrips.
Expedition Deemed Newsworthy in OKC
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION and it's native-Okie, Bobby Clark, was the subject of a nice article on the front page the Friday, October 3rd edition of The Daily Oklahoman's "Weekend" section. The article appeared (complete with color picture of Bobby) in conjunction with the band's appearance at the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie, October 3rd and 4th. Thank you to Brandi McDonnell for a well-written article.
WCE Van Gets Facelift
FRANKLIN, KY-The big white Ford Econoline recently became a rolling billboard for the Franklin, KY Music Festival, just in time for WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S big road trip to IBMA, Guthrie, OK, Glenrose, TX, Harrison and Turkey Track, AR, Columbia, MS and Ridgetop, TN. The fancy lettering job is bound to attract some attention as WCE rolls into various festivals around the country between now and September, 2004.
"Born To Roam" reviewed in BU
WARRENTON, VA-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION once again picked up another nice review in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. Click here to see what reviewer Bill Wagner had to say.
"Born To Roam" Proves Radio Friendly
NASHVILLE, TN- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S single release, "Born To Roam", featured on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass disc 63, has received airplay on 388 stations worldwide. The band was overwhelmed with rave reviews from DJs far and wide. For a sampling of DJ comments about the song and band, Click Here.
Expedition Big Hit in North Carolina
LUMBERTON, NC-According to the Lumber River Regional Bluegrass Association website, WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION went over big as the featured act on their July show. The band had a great time performing for and later chatting with the appreciative crowd. For a review of the night's performance, click here.
Band Now Endorsing Gibson Instruments & Strings
NASHVILLE, TN- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION have always included Gibson instruments in their arsenal, but recently became official endorsers of their fine products. The band met with Charlie Derrington and Todd Wright at the beautiful Gibson Bluegrass Showcase to pick and grin and look over the latest stuff. Blake was impressed with the tone of his new RB75 banjo, while Wayne put in an order for a flattop guitar and Bobby was seen drooling near some F-5 Master Models that were yet to be strung-up.
Bobby Does Co-Mando.com Q&A
NASHVILLE, TN- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S mandolinist, Bobby Clark, was recently honored to be selected to serve as Co-Mando.com's Guest of the Week. In addition to answering technical mandolin questions, Bobby also shared some pretty nifty stories about Vince Gill, Big Mon, KISS, Mike Snider, etc. To check it out, Click Here.
WCE to Host Annual Flatt Tribute
SPARTA, TN-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION have been asked by the city of Sparta to host the annual Liberty Square Lester Flatt Festival starting in 2004. The band is very excited about the news and will have more to report about it as the time draws nearer.
New CD Featured Down Under
NEW CD NOW AVAILABLE-click here for preview
WINDSOR, NSW, AUSTRAILIA- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION'S new CD, "Born To Roam", was recently the featured CD by Austrailian DJ, Mike Kear on his "Music From Foggy Hollow" on Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM. Please click here to go to our DJ of the Month page to learn more about Mike and his exploits promoting bluegrass music in the land down under.
Ready To Roll...
SPARTA, TN-If you see big white E350 Ford van with an Edd Rogers tag on the front rolling down the interstate this summer, there's a good chance it's WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION on the way to a festival. With a lot of ground to cover this year, the band decided the little Astro Van was getting a wee bit snug. Kimberly says, "If you see us, honk and we'll be glad to pull over and sell you a four-pack of CDs to make your trip go better."
Expedition Gets International Attention
NASHVILLE, TN–Although out just over a month, WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION's new CD, "Born To Roam", has already been getting steady airplay by many DJs across the country and around the world, including the following International DJs: Charlie Hansen-CFCY, P.E.I., Canada, Arthur & Andrea Berman-CITR, North Vancouver, Canada, Dave Byrne-107.2 FM, Dublin, Ireland, Dominique Lemarechal of Radio RCF Rivages, France, Irwin & Diny Schapendonk-107.2 FM and 105.7 FM, Holland, and Ted Clark-JRRI Radio, Holland, 4OUR-FM RADIO/Bluegrass In The City- Caboolture Qld 4510 AUSTRALIA. BBC RADIO LINCOLNSHIRE 94.9 FM- Lincoln. UNITED KINGDOM, CAROLINE COUNTRY- London N6 4JH ENGLAND (38 countries and global internet), RADIO VENRAY/Peel Grass- THE NETHERLANDS, RCF Vivarais/Interstate 40- 07100 Annonay FRANCE (6 stations).
"Born to Roam" Released
NEW CD NOW AVAILABLE-click here to order
EMMINENCE, MO- WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION has just released their second CD, "Born To Roam", and debuted it at Jim Smith's big festival in Emminence, MO. The project, which was recorded at Bobby Clark's Top Dog Studio, is already getting airplay on WSM and several other stations, with a single to be released in May (more on that later). Meanwhile, the band had a great time in Emminence, getting to visit with many old friends from the area. Festival promoter, Jim Smith complimented WCE's sound and said he'll be in touch soon about next year.
WCE Subject of "Bluegrass Now" Article
ROLLA, MO-WILLIAMS & CLARK EXPEDITION has received a nice write-up in the May 2003 issue of Bluegrass Now magazine. The story tells about the band's new CD, "Born To Roam", and gives a brief biography of the members of the group. Click here to see article.
Jim Triggs Builds Beautiful F-Style Mandolin for Bobby
SHAWNEE, KS-Master instrument builder, Jim Triggs recently completed work on a custom F-5 mandolin for Bobby Clark. The instrument has several special features requested by Clark: a dark sunburst satin finish, an unfinished neck and an action matched closely to Bobby's '29 Fern. After receiving the mandolin on Christmas eve, Clark commented, "Jim is one of the very few makers capable of truly capturing the '20's F-5 sound. This mandolin has the purest tone of any new instrument I've played and surpasses many Loars and ferns."
(At right) In this photo from October, Bobby examines the Triggs F-5, in progress, as Jim describes the finish and modifications he would apply.
Instructional Video "In the Works"
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK-January 2, while in OKC, Bobby Clark shot an instructional video to be titled "Bobby Clark's Bluegrass Mandolin Workshop". In the video, Bobby answers many questions posed by the subscribers of mandolincafe.com, as well as, sharing many of his trademark licks. It will be available on DVD and VHS hopefully by summer.
For more "Expedition" news-click here!