The WELL DRINKERS
BAND
The Well Drinkers are a progressive, original bluegrass band based out of Western North Carolina, whose range extends to festivals and venues across the United States, Canada, and the UK. The Well Drinkers have shared the stage with the likes of Molly Tuttle, Ketch Secore (Old Crow Medicine Show), Town Mountain, Songs from the Road Band, Chatham County Line, Balsam Range, and many more. They are a consistent force in the Western North Carolina bluegrass scene, hosting bluegrass every Sunday at the world renowned NC Music Trails venue "Jack of the Wood" in Asheville, NC.
Since the band's creation in 2019, the group has striven to combine the traditional roots of their Appalachian region with progressive instrumentation, songwriting, and subject matter. The group doesn't shy away from the opportunity to bring experimental jams, jazz, Cajun, classical, and reggae into their live performances.
Jake Bachman | lead vocals, mandolin
Adam Bachman | dobro, pedal steel, vocals
Norbert McGettigan | upright bass, vocals
Jeremy Rilko | banjo, vocals
Andrew Wakefield | guitar, vocals
MEDIA
PRESS
"Make Good Neighbors - The Well Drinkers - Bluegrass Today
"First things first. Did the band choose their handle based on the fact that they drink well or simply drink from a well. It really doesn’t matter, given the fact that their seven song EP, Make Good Neighbors, provides an impressive introduction. Founded just three years ago, the Western North Carolina-based band, The Well Drinkers — Jake Bachman (lead vocals, mandolin), Adam Bachman (dobro, pedal steel, vocals), Josh Riley (upright bass, vocals), Jeremy Rilko (banjo, vocals), and Andrew Wakefield (guitar, vocals) — specializes in a sound that basks in the basics of bluegrass while taking a progressive posture. Other elements are occasionally tossed into the mix — a stirring take on Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight affirms their inventive approach overall — but they never stray too far afield. Opening track Neon Train kicks up the energy at the outset, while proving their prowess for the sake of creating an instant impression. Nevertheless, the songs mostly tend to emphasize emotion over flash and frenzy. Ball and Chain, Saluda, and Southern Town reflect the band’s songwriting skills while also stirring up some sentiment. On the other hand, the most upbeat entry, Good Neighbors, provides a positive vibe that also makes it the albums most immediately accessible entry. It’s nothing less than a down-home delight, and along with the earnest and engaging closing track, Sara Sorrow, it leaves a lingering impression that ought to encourage listeners to anticipate much more.
Hopefully though, they won’t have to wait long. Make Good Neighbors is a strong debut, one that indicates The Well Drinkers have plenty more memorable melodies waiting to surface from below their reservoir as well. For the time being, however, they deserve credit for an able debut, one that lives up to all the optimism and engagement the title obviously implies"
- Bluegrass Today
The Eden Fest | Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
"The World Needs Well Drinkers – Carolina's Own Newgrass”
"This week at Charlotte Concert Guide, we’re excited to announce our Featured Artist – The Well Drinkers. Born and brewed in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Carolina, this band will have you ready to crack open a cold beer on a summer night. Fire up the grill or the bonfire, pour a stiff drink, and pull up The Well Drinkers on Spotify to add some Newgrass Bluegrass to your evening.
These guys really know their way around the strings, playing a variety of instruments like mandolin, Dobro lap guitar, acoustic guitar, upright bass, and more. With incredible finger picking, smooth harmonies, and intoxicating vocals, this band puts their own spin on the familiar sounds of the bluegrass genre. These experienced musicians play at a high degree of difficulty, but it’s easy to forget when you’re listening to their songs because it all blends together better than ginger ale and whiskey.
The Well Drinkers travels throughout the southeast playing events and festivals, and they are self-described as “offering their own brand of Neo-Appalachian Newgrass, with a twist of Swampgrass and Delta-Blues.” With all of these southern roots, it’s not hard to imagine why the beauty of bluegrass holds such a special influence over these musicians. At Charlotte Concert Guide, we’re eager to see what the future holds for this talented group of artists."
- Charlotte Concert Guide
"New podcast episode featuring The Well Drinkers is live now. Hailing from Blue Ridge SC, and reminiscent of days gone by The Well Drinkers bring you harmonies only two brothers can achieve. With haunting dobro slides, classic guitar picking and lonesome bass notes they create their version of Bluegrass/Americana."
- Picks and Bones