Tom Cook is honored to be playing mandolin, singing tenor and lead with Bluestone. Dick Laird once told him “keep at it”. Tom has studied thematic of the bluegrass masters such as Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin and Flatt & Scruggs. Tom first got interested in the mandolin after listening to his Grandfather Jack and learned to play from his father Ed and Uncle David. He loves playing and singing with Bluestone’s strong rhythm section, saying “they have the real sound.”
Russ Hooper plays traditional style Resonator (Dobro) guitar. Russ has work with The Country Gentlemen, Marvin Howell and The Franklin County Boys, Walt Hensley & The Dukes of Bluegrass, Bob Baker & The Pike County Boys, Shades of Blue, Steve Wade and is a true producer of the old “Josh Graves” sound. One of the most humble guys you will meet. In his early years he was asked to go on tour with Flatt & Scruggs. He has more stories and history about bluegrass than the rest of the band put together.
With the passing of his father Dick Laird in 2019; Heath is trying to continue the legacy of the Bluestone name and being the leadership as the “Band Director”. As was his fathers passion to play bluegrass; he is determined to play at another level as well as form additional friendships this music is known for. Playing the bass professionally since the age of 17 he has had the honor of playing with Chris Warner, Gary Ferguson, Paul Adkins and others. Heath’s spirited and solid bass playing along with his skillful vocals help round out Bluestone’s sound and rhythm.
Ben Sapp is the newest member of Bluestone a multi instrumentalist playing the banjo dominantly. Although the newest member he has been playing bluegrass since the age of 12. He was one of the founders of the PennDel Mountain boys with Jim Good. One of his fondest memories was being on stage backing up Mac Wiseman. His hard driving “Scruggs-style” banjo playing maintains the “bands legacy sound.” When not playing music Ben is using his amazing hands and attention to detail in his custom body shop.
Carroll was also the founding member of Keystone as well as Bluestone. He has recorded with The Franklin County Boys and Jeff Presley and South Central Bluegrass. Carroll’s distinct lead voice delivers smooth vocals in a variety of styles and his guitar is the foundation of Bluestone’s rhythm. Although he plays the guitar with Bluestone he is also a bass player and fine singer song writer.