Robert Hale’s New Solo Album, Pure & Simple, Available Now

Columbus, NC – August 28, 2012 – Wildfire frontman Robert Hale has released his first solo album, Pure and Simple,
on Pinecastle Records. For the recording sessions, Hale called on his
old bandmates from Livewire, Scott Vestal on banjo, Wayne Benson on
mandolin, and Ernie Sykes on bass. Joining them are Steve Thomas on
fiddle, Randy Kohrs on dobro, along with Shawn Lane and Alecia Nugent on
harmony vocals. Hale’s song selection is a direct reflection of the
music that has influenced him most through the years. The group pays
homage to Lynyrd Skynard with “Pure and Simple” and turn right around
and knock out Reno and Smiley’s “There’s Another Baby Waiting For Me
Down The Line”. The result is an exciting mix of bluegrass and country
featuring four Robert Hale originals including the blazing instrumental,
“Dirt Poor” and the country ballad, “You’re Wrong”. Hale concludes the
project with a grassed up version of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke”
showcasing the instrumental prowess and versatility of the band.

Robert Hale was a longtime member of JD Crowe and The New South
before teaming up with Curt Chapman and Phil Leadbetter in 2000 to form
the band Wildfire, which has recorded three albums for Pinecastle
Records. Hale has also recorded with Dolly Parton on Halos and Horns and For God and Country.

“The new album out by Robert Hale,
Pure & Simple is exciting and fresh bluegrass music that reaches
into traditional country and beyond. From the folk favorite “Did She
Mention My Name?” to “Sir Duke”, the listener is in for good time
listening to Hale’s latest project.” – Bob Cherry, Cybergrass

“Pure & Simple from Robert
Hale is not bluegrass, but bluegrass fans will love it…not country,
but country fans will love it…kinda like folks have always been about
his old boss, J.D. Crowe. Taking on Sir Duke is brave, and cool!” – John
Roten, WPEK/WMXF Mountain Music Time

“I was particularly excited to
hear the latest release from Robert Hale–I’ve been a fan of his since
Livewire and Wildfire, and his CD is fantastic!” – Jennifer Ramm, WUIS

Robert Hale at www.pinecastlemusic.com

About Pinecastle Records:
Pinecastle Records was created nearly 22 years ago as a favor to a
friend and has since grown into a legendary label with nearly 250
releases in its catalog including titles from some of the most
influential musicians in the bluegrass genre such as Eddie Adcock, The
Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse and Charlie Waller & The Country
Gentlemen. Pinecastle has always placed an emphasis on fostering the
talents of bluegrass up and comers and has helped with the growth of the
careers of Terry Eldredge, Jesse Brock, Josh Williams, and Kristin
Scott Benson, among others. Today,
Pinecastle is situated in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina
owned by businessman and medical doctor, Lonnie Lassiter.