TIM CUSTER JR
Tim "The 2stepp" Custer represents the third generation of a family where musical tradition and heritage still really mean something. The name Coal Mountain Ramblers is a tribute to Tim's Grandfather, a founding member of the well-known Central Pennsylvania bluegrass band "The Coal Mountain Boys". A few years after Mark Calhoun and Andrew Luttrell first started playing music together, the group was truly formed officially in 2003 when fellow music-lover and CMR co-founder 2stepp joined the band. Whether on guitar, banjo, harmonica, percussion, or background vocals, Tim strives to selflessly embellish each song while laying down a solid foundation for improvisation. In addition, Tim's songwriting skills have provided The Coal Mountain Ramblers with such solid original songs as "Santos", "Long Time Ago", "Bluegrass Blues" and the rollicking and joyous "Monkey in the Middle" which he co-wrote with his then four year old daughter Teresa. But make no mistake about it; Tim does not exist in the shadows. When the chips are down and the crowd is restless and The Coal Mountain Ramblers need someone to step into the limelight and be a true rock star, they only need to call on Mister Tim Custer Jr. Don't be surprised to occasionally see the live CMR rip into such cover songs as "Gloria", "Fever", "Simple Man", and the crowd pleaser "Maggie's Farm" all with Tim at the helm. It never gets too rowdy for "The 2stepp".
-M. Calhoun
