Published: July 02, 2009 09:41 pm      

Triple L Band performs July 12 at Rush Springs church

DUNCAN — Members of the Triple L Band say they play music the way God intended it — bluegrass style.

The band based in Portales, N.M., will present a free concert at 6 p.m. July 12 at First Assembly of God in Rush Springs.

There are lots of “Ls” in the band. Lance, Landon and Levi Miller are the sons of Len and Amy Miller. The group is best known for its skillful instrumentation and three- and four-part harmonies, and by band members’ love for working together as a family. It’s a young band in more ways than one, making its public debut at an amateur country music show in 2000.

Lance Miller, 21, was featured in the March issue of Flatpicking magazine in an article headlined “One ‘L’ of a Guitar Player.” Lance’s versatile flatpicking abilities an lead vocals have gained him national attention along with giving the band the capability to perform a greater variety of music. Lance won his first guitar in 2004 at the Texas Best Flatpicking contest in Brownwood. He is pursuing a degree in electronic engineering, making him a perfect pick for the job of sound technician for the group.

Landon, 19, plays banjo in a “dressed up” traditional style and sings bass. His strong voice baritone voice makes him a major component of Triple L’s vocals. Landon was one of the top five finalists at Winfield, Kan., in the National Banjo Picking Championship in 2006.

Levi, 17, plays mandolin. He has been playing and singing in the spotlight since he was only 7. His voice range allows him to sing lead, tenor and even bass. His mandolin playing has been called “Monroe style.” He was second-place

winner of the Wildlife Bluegrass Park mandolin contest of June 2006.

Mom Amy plays upright bass and serves as emcee for performances, along with keeping members of her brood on track.

Len Miller’s aggressive style of dobro fits perfectly with the up-tempo style the band plays. He also sings lead or harmony.

The group won 2005 Youth in Bluegrass Championship from Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. Made it to the final round of the SPBGMA band competition in Nashville, Tenn., and came second in the 33rd annual Gospel Music Association’s “Music in the Rockies” band contest and in the National Single Mic contest at Silver Dollar City.

The group’s latest CD release, “W.A.O.,” was named Traditional Bluegrass and Gospel CD of the year by Rural Roots Music Commission, a subsidiary of the National Traditional Country Music Association.