Bernice Hembree (bass and vocals), Bryan Hembree (guitar and vocals) and Bayard Blain (guitar, mandolin and vocals) named their band after the price paid for the Louisiana Purchase, the deal that expanded a young country's territory and destiny. On the group's latest release, "Highway 71," a sense of history, place and unforgettable characters suffuses songs driven by expert but never showy picking. In voice and musicianship, the trio always serves the song.


