Mix five of the West Coast's hottest instrumentalists with original material and a high-octane bluegrass sound and the result is Due West, a group that combines the innovations of new acoustic music with a rhythmic drive rarely heard west of the Appalachians.

Guitarist Jim Nunally is one of the best bluegrass guitarists in the world, lighting a rhythmic fire under many of the most important West Coast bluegrass bands (David Grisman, John Reischman and the Jaybirds) and recordings of the last several years. Banjo player Bill Evans, a veteran of the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience and the Bluegrass Intentions is known for both his traditional and progressive styles as well as his original compositions. Add the award-winning mandolin playing of Due West co-founder Erik Thomas, the fiery playing of multiple National Fiddle Champion Megan Lynch (also of Cabin Fever, Copper Canyon), and the rock solid support of bassist Cindy Browne, who has played with everyone from Wake the Dead to Mel Torme.

The result is an original synthesis of the traditional and the progressive that evokes both Flatt and Scruggs and the New Grass Revival. Last year, Due West released its second album, These Boots.