Ricky Skaggs is proud to introduce Jeff Picker, the newest member of his band, Kentucky Thunder. Starting this December, Jeff will be replacing bass and singing sensation Scott Mulvahill, who has been with Kentucky Thunder since 2012.
About Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Scott says, “So, so thankful for these people and the music we’ve made over the last 5 years. They have all changed my life. I will miss this family dearly!!” Adding, “Ricky has been so much more than a boss to me. He responded with so much love and encouragement, prayed for me, and gave me a blessing that was much more father-son than boss-employee.”
On his future, Scott continues, “It’s time to do my thing and give myself wholly to that. Here’s to the next chapter and the many adventures coming.”
We are sad to see Scott leave, however, we know he will be an incredible asset wherever he may go and wish him many blessings and all the best for the future.
As the newest member of Kentucky Thunder, Jeff Picker plays the double bass. His unique blend of bluegrass, folk, western swing, and jazz influences has made him a highly in-demand sideman and an exciting creative voice on the roots music scene. As a teenager, Jeff immersed himself deeply in the jazz idiom, and at the age of 18 was awarded the title of Presidential Scholar in the Arts in Jazz by the U.S. Department of Education. In his early 20s he fell in love with bluegrass and roots music, and has never looked back. Since then he’s had the pleasure of working professionally with a wide variety of roots artists in New York City and beyond, including several years on the road with GRAMMY-winning singer/ songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz. Jeff was raised in Portland, Ore. and Dallas, Texas and lately has been based in New York City for 11 years. He’s excited to be joining Ricky and the guys as the new bassist in Kentucky Thunder.