Harmony in Tradition: The Story of Cuttin’ Grass

Cuttin’ Grass is a traditional bluegrass and Gospel band based in the Durham, North Carolina area. Co-founded in 2016 by Wally McKay and Amos Rozier (who coined the band’s name), the band aims to honor the roots of the music they play, as well as those who have pioneered the growth of the genre through the years. Steve Moore, who plays bass and is a vocalist for the band, served as their spokesperson. “We are still pretty much the same group as when we started,” says Steve. “Four of the five original members are still in the band.” New to the band is Ricky Stroud, the mandolin player. “While all of us have played in other bands, Ricky is probably the most professional player we have. He grew up playing with his father in a group called The Pilgrims. They played Gospel music all over the East Coast. He also played with the Hager’s Mountain Boys.”

Steve says that all the guys in the band grew up playing music with their families. “We didn’t realize what a big deal jam sessions were until about 15 years ago. People came to our house at 7:00 every Saturday evening to play. It was a way of life for me while growing up, and I’m so thankful for that now.”

Cuttin’ Grass got its start at Lorraine's Coffee House & Music in Garner, NC. “Lorraine Jordan, the owner, told Wally and Amos she needed a bluegrass band,” says Steve. “Wally called all of us together, and when we played together, it clicked. We have stayed together all these years. We all get along, even though we come from hugely different backgrounds.”

The harmonies of the band blend well, which has been a big part of their success. They play for special social events, churches, and festivals. “We play good ol’ music in a hard-driving bluegrass style.” Everyone in the band sings. “We do a lot of covers in our shows – songs by Lonesome River Band, Balsam Range, and many of the old standards. We know a lot of the old songs, and we love it when the crowd sings along.” In a two-hour set list, the band will play about 35 songs. “We try to maximize how much music people get to hear.”

After nine years of playing together, the band released their first CD last year (Cuttin’Grass Volume 1). The album contains all original music, written by the band members. Steve’s wife, Sandra, wrote two of the tunes, “For the Love of Bluegrass” and “Let Jesus In.” Wally McKay wrote three songs on the album, all coming-of-age songs. Steve wrote a song called “Mountain Stream,” and Doug Mead wrote “Trail of Tears.” Ricky Stroud wrote “He’s Done so Much for Me.”

Over the years, the band has played at several bluegrass festivals, including Willow Oaks, Bluegrass Island Festival, DeweyFest, and they have performed in the Heritage Village during the North Carolina State Fair. They have garnered accolades as well, from winning the 2017 Lil John Band Competition to placing third in the Got to Be North Carolina Bluegrass Band Competition in 2018, and second place in 2019.

Most gigs are on weekends, but they will play on Thursdays and Fridays when an opportunity arises. “Only one person in the band is still gainfully employed,” Steve says. “The rest of us are retired.” The Band performs regularly at Lorraine’s Coffee House in Garner, where every Friday night is bluegrass night. Among other performers frequently seen at Lorraine’s are Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, Danny Paisley and Southern Grass, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, and the King James Boys.

“We have a lot of fun together, and we are always joking around on stage,” Steve laughs. “This is something we love – playing bluegrass music and making tens of dollars.”

In closing, he said, “We want to honor the roots of the music. We also work some more modern tunes into the mix. We want folks to enjoy an energetic, artistic, and heartfelt authenticity when they listen to us perform.”