was a modern bluegrass band dedicated to bluegrass, old-timey, and Southern gospel music traditions. Mandolin player and comedian
in 1976. The earliest incarnation the group included guitarist
. Two years later,
became the group's vocalist. The group released a series of independent releases before signing with Rounder in 1978; they would stay with the venerable roots label for the rest of their career.
The Fire Squad continued to release albums on Rounder throughout the 1980s; standouts included
Good Neighbours & Friends (1985) and the gospel-flavored
Golgotha from a year later. By 1996's
Live! At Last, the group included
Homason, guitarist
Adam McIntosh, and banjoist
Dan Russell;
Mary Jo Leet was joined by her husband,
Charlie, on harmonies and acoustic bass. The live album displayed
the Fire Squad's penchant not only for traditional bluegrass and other Americana styles, but uproarious comedy as well.
Memories That Bless & Burn appeared in 1999. The record mixed older material with new, and featured vocalist
Suzanne Thomas. The band followed with 2001's
Hand Hewn, and continued to be a favorite on the bluegrass and folk festival circuit. A second live album, the double disc
Live at the Newburyport Firehouse, was released on Rounder in 2005. In 2007 Rounder released
Thirtieth Anniversary Special, a retrospective that included four new tracks, followed by the all new
Echoes of the Mountains in 2009.
–
Johnny Loftus, Rovi