Photo by Thom King

Sibling harmonies are one of God’s greatest creations. The sound of two brothers or sisters singing together is a beautiful thing. But getting to hear three harmonizing brothers is a rare and special treat. Well, look no further my friends than the fresh Country sound of the Sitze brothers who make up Nashville’s Flat River Band. Brothers Dennijo and Andy have trusted elder brother Chad to take a stab at our 11 Questions.

After 20 years singing bluegrass gospel as The Sitze Brothers, the three have been the FRB since 2006 and have a new long player out, their lucky seventh. You can now view the video for the title track “Every Dog Has Its Day.” And if that isn’t enough, the band has a 2018 LP “Christmas Time,” a collection of classic Christmas tunes. A set of both these records would make a fine gift for the Country & Bluegrass fan on your holiday list.

There are currently no live dates on the band’s calendar, but I suspect that’ll change real soon. A Merry Christmas to the Sitze three and thanks for the holiday music.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

In South East Missouri, a small town of 3,600 called Fredericktown. I moved here about 17 years ago. I had just gone through a divorce and was just sort of drawn to the songwriting aspect of Nashville.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

Ricky Skaggs on cassette many, many moons ago was probably the first. The last CD I bought was at McKay’s a few weeks ago. I bought Larry Cordle, Glenn Duncan & Lonesome Standard Time.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen? 

The first major concert I remember going to was at the Arch in St. Louis, MO at the VP Fair. I remember seeing Kenny Rogers sing “The Gambler.” The opener was Kool & The Gang and yes, they had the crowd singing “Celebration.” A few weeks ago, I was at the Jazz Standard in New York City and had the privilege to meet and listen to Joey DeFrancesco. He played In the Key of the Universe. Absolutely amazing!

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Ricky Skaggs

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

It’s not right in Nashville, but just west of Nashville in Kingston Sprigs is Sky King Pizza for both coffee and pizza.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

The 1972 Will the Circle be Unbroken by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Peg Leg Porker BBQ

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

This is a super, super hard one because there are so many great songwriters in this town who I feel that are simply the back bone of Country Music. I’ve got to give you five instead of three: Jim Rushing, Carl Jackson, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley and John Scott Sherrill.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Bluebird, Douglas Corner or any place that has a good sound system without having an overzealous FOH (“front of house”) guy.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Jeff Wamble from South East Missouri is a multi-instrumentalist who played on our very first family band album years ago. He tours with Canadian artist Paul Brandt.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

We walk by faith not by sight. It’s just one day at time like Kris Kristofferson wrote about. But we always look forward to recording new music together. It’s always a blast!