Malpass Brothers & Don Helms

Location: R.A. Fountain

From the April 24, 2007 FAD:

Helms, a native of New Brockton, Ala., was a member of the Driftin’ Cowboys and played the slide guitar that virtually defined Williams’ sound. In addition to performing on 10 of Williams’ 11 gold records, he has played on recordings by over 40 Country Music Hall of Famers.

Now 80 years old, Helms has resurrected his career in large part because of his interest in Christopher Malpass, with whom he has performed his Hank Williams tribute all over the United States. Malpass, for his part, bears a striking resemblance to a young Hank Williams, and his singing, along with Helms’ guitar, virtually mimic the decades-old recordings.

The Malpass Brothers formerly known as the Malpass Family, also include Taylor Malpass and the boys’ dad, Christopher, Sr., and Kinston’s Clyde Mattocks. They will perform an opening set of classic country and bluegrass. Helms will join them to present the Williams tribute as the evening’s second set.

The Helms/Malpass show was a late add to the Fountain General Store schedule. “It’s hard to tell when Mr. Helms will be up to traveling,” said Alex Albright, Fountain General Store proprietor. “And we book so far in advance that the only way to get this show booked was to play it on a Wednessday. He’s been wanting to come back here for over a year, and we’re all really glad to finally see this happening.”

Don Helms with the Malpass Brothers’ April 25 concert begins at 7:30. General admission is $10; reserved seats are $12.50.

Tags: bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, classic, Concert, country, tradtional bluegrass