BIOGRAPHY

Bryan McDowell began his musical experience as a young child. Using his God-given talents and patience in learning, he quickly became adept on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and most recently banjo. He has won numerous competitions to date, but none as prestigious as the coveted Walnut Valley national competitions in Winfield, Kansas.

Age twenty at this writing (Fall 2011), his overall musicianship is exceptional. He has already compiled an extraordinary resume that far exceeds his years. He is a vocalist, songwriter, and gifted multi-instrumentalist whose playing reveals a captivating style and balanced intellect that allows him to fit seamlessly into almost any genre. His polished arrangements are smooth, innovative, and inspiring. While his marked desire for excellence and pronounced attention to detail serves to affirm his passion for the music he loves performing and recording.

Bryan began making music with "The McDowell Family Band" at the early age of eight while performing at churches, festivals, and private events throughout the southeast. The band recorded two CD's. "Precious Memories" is an all gospel album and "Old Traditions New Faces" featured the brother/sister duo's instumental talents. Bryan and his sister Emma also recorded "The Triple Fiddle Album" with their longtime mentor and friend, Master Fiddler Arvil Freeman.

When the band disbanded in 2008, Bryan and Emma continued performing as a duet. They were honored to see two of their songs selected for for the 2008 International Bluegrass Music Association's Songwriter Showcase held in Nashville, Tennessee, during the annual IBMA World of Bluegrass event.

Meanwhile, networking at various music events, Bryan met the individuals that would eventually form "Second Circle", a band that first came together just for fun to enter the bluegrass band competition at the 2008 Galax Fiddler's Convention held in Galax, Virginia. At that time, the band was called "4 Fret Kord" and won 1st Place Bluegrass Band out of 170 band entries. The same group of individuals came together again at the 2009 Galax Fiddler's Convention but this time under the name of "Second Circle". The band again won 1st Place in the Bluegrass Band category as well as placing high in individual competitions.

2009 proved to be a year of first's for Bryan. The most momentous and memorable being his triple win at the Walnut Valley Festival. Bryan placed 1st in three instrument categories.....flat-pick guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. This feat had never been done before in the history of this distinguished competition. In years past, only a small handful of competitors had won two categories in the same year. Mark O'Connor and Randy Howard were among those.

Though Bryan was honored to be a part of the history at this competition, he was elated to share this honor with two of his best friends. Band members, Brandon Davis and Eric Hardin (from "Second Circle"), also came in 2nd and 3rd respectively in the flat-pick guitar competition along side of Bryan. Bryan, Brandon, and Eric have since come to be known as "The Winfield Three." Though each of the members have won a vast majority of the most prestigious competitions held on their respective instruments, their greatest strength is playing as a unit. These gifted individuals showcase a versatility and expertise that is the trademark of their sound, beautifully spanning styles from smooth jazz to old time and everything between. The trio is now booking for 2012.

Ending up 2009, Bryan went on to win an additional triple crown in fiddle, mandolin, and flatpick guitar, at the Georgia State Championships. Then 2010 brought two more triple crowns including one at the Rocky Grass Festival in Colorado.

As for current plans, in January 2012, Bryan joins forces with the Claire Lynch Band as their youngest member. He will be contributing fiddle, mandolin and vocals to the group. Bryan's ambitiously looking forward to touring with the CLB and moving to Nashville to  continue adding to his portfolio. He will continue  recording and teaching music workshops and private instruction as time permits.

Bryan appreciates all the opportunities, friends, fans, and mentors the Lord has brought his way. And to those who know him best, he is a truly humble young man.

Included below is a summary of Bryan's championship wins:

2009 Merlefest Mandolin Champion (April)
2009 Robin Kessinger Festival Guitar Champion (May)
2009 New England Flatpick Guitar Champion (July)
2009 Galax Fiddlers Convention Fiddle Champion (August)
2009 Walnut Valley National Flatpick Guitar Champion (September)
2009 Walnut Valley Mandolin Champion (September)
2009 Walnut Valley Fiddle Champion (September)
2009 Georgia State Fiddle Champion (October)
2009 Georgia State Mandolin Champion (October)
2009 Georgia State Flatpick Guitar Champion (October)
2009 Georgia State Fiddle King (October)
2010 Doc Watson (Merlefest) Guitar Champion (April)
2010 Wayne C. Henderson Guitar Champion (June)
2010 Rocky Grass Fiddle Champion (July)
2010 Rocky Grass Flatpick Guitar Champion (July)
2010 Rocky Grass Banjo Champion (July)
2010 Galax Fiddlers Convention Guitar Champion (August)
2010 Walnut Valley National Mandolin Champion (September)
2010 Georgia State Fiddle Champion (October)
2010 Georgia State Mandolin Champion (October)
2010 Georgia State Flatpick Guitar Champion (October)
2010 Georgia State Fiddle King (October)

DISCOGRAPHY

CDs

The Contestant

PURCHASE: Flatpicking Mercantile | iTunes

	Bryan McDowell is perhaps the most successful all-around contest player of all-time. During the past two years he has won an unprecedented number of contests on a variety of instruments. Anyone who has not heard Bryan play and is curious about this young talent, should check out Bryan's new CD titled "The Contestant".
Track List: 1. Whiskey Before Breakfast 2. Clarinet Polka 3. Angel's Waltz 4. Swing 42 5. Sweet Georgia Brown 6. Over the Waterfall 7. New Camptown Races 8. Salt Creek

Appearances on other FGM Releases:

Click item to purchase and learn more information.

The Songwriting Sampler

LINKS

Check out Bryan McDowell's official website at: http://www.bryanmcdowellmusic.com