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By Joyce Fox
Bulletin Correspondent
No one knows for sure where the original Mudsprings are, but the clear, sweet music
that flows from the acoustic instruments played by Mud Springs Gospel Band members
can be heard whenever they play.
The Mud Springs Gospel Band started 12 years ago, according to one of the oldest members,
George Klos.
Began at tent revivals
The band started as a trio formed by Harry Miller, Bob Branson and Klos.
They enjoyed playing bluegrass gospel music and first performed at a series of
old-fashioned tent-revival meetings held by a local Madras church.
The band needed new members when Miller moved to Texas and Branson had neck surgery.
Don Mobley joined in 1987, when the band dropped down to two members.
"We do the band for a ministry," Mobley said. "We like to do the four-part harmony
and like the acoustic music, but the main reason is to spread God's word."
Mobley plays the doghouse bass, a 6- to 7-foot-high stand-up bass fiddle named such
in the music world, according to Mobley, because it resembles a doghouse.
Mobley does vocals for the band, singing most of the high harmonies.
Darrell Glaspie heard the band play at one of the tent revival meetings, and later
joined the band with his mandolin in 1991.
Unique playing style
Glaspie began his musical career as a lead singer for a rock 'n' roll band, and now
both sings and writes music for the band. He ended up developing a unique three-finger
playing style after his wedding band severed his finger in a work-related accident.
Both the love of gospel music and longevity is prevalent within the band.
The "newest" member, Jerry Burk, has been with the band for six years. Burk plays the
mandolin, guitar and dobro, which Burk describes as "the granddaddy of the steel guitar."
The four are joined by their love of acoustic instruments, bluegrass gospel music,
fellowship -- and sense of purpose.
"All of us in the band have had our lives drastically changed as adults, through
accepting Jesus Christ in our lives or renewing a commitment made when younger."
Klos said. "The Lord has blessed us so much, we want to share this with others."
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Klos says the form and ritual of the church he grew up in didn't hold much meaning
for him.
He attended Western Washington State College, and "I heard people talk about Jesus
Christ like a real person."
After reading the book "The Late Great Planet Earth" and talking with other Christians,
"I decided there really was a God." Klos said.
"I accepted him and my life changed."
Klos said his attitude changed, and his life changed for the better. Klos eventuallly
earned his master's degree in music, and currently teaches music to 450 kindergartners
through fourth-graders at Madras Elementary School.
"The band also serves as an outlet for musical creativity" Klos said.
Klos, Burke and Glaspie all join together to write lyrics and music for the majority
of their songs. According to Glaspie, inspiration comes through reading verses in the
Bible and hearing various sermons. And the group strives to portray God's love through
its music.
Inspired by God
"We like to think that it (music and lyrics) is inspired by God." Glaspie said.
The band recently released its second album, which is available only through the
Cornerstone Book & Gift in Redmond, Hatfield's Department Store in Madras and the
Pug's Mug in Culver, or from band members.
The group is still making plans for distribution for other places and through the Internet.
The band plays at church services, country fairs, state parks, weddings, funerals and
bluegrass festivals.
Recently, the band played at a Culver fund-raising event for the Dave Beaver Van Fund,
aiding the community to purchase a handicapped vehicle for paraplegic David Beaver.
The band is now practicing for an April bluegrass festival held in Stanton.
"I'm amazed at the ability of music to teach and touch young hearts," Klos said. "There's
something about the gospel music that hits home to people, and the positive responses over
the years make the work of traveling and setting up PA systems worth the efforts."
As for the name, Mud Springs is an unidentified area around Madras. Klos said he has heard
several stories about its location.
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