Fiddler Christian Ward Joins Del McCoury Band & Travelin’ McCourys

Nashville-based fiddler Christian Ward is the newest member of the Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys. Ward was recruited to join both bands following the departure of Jason Carter.

Christian Ward may be familiar to fans of the Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys as the talented youngster has filled in for Carter regularly in recent years. Jason Carter announced his decision to end his lengthy tenures with the bluegrass bands to focus on his solo career earlier this month.

“I really like the way he plays—his interpretation of some of our better known songs is very different, but I like the differences. He’s a very aggressive, but a fresh player,” Del McCoury told Bluegrass Today regarding Christian Ward. “After the first night I knew he was a good fit…and I blurted it out on stage, ‘not sure if he wants the job, but don’t y’all think he’d be great?’”

The new Del McCoury Band lineup finds bluegrass patriarch Del McCoury backed by his sons, mandolinist Ronnie McCoury and banjo player Rob McCoury as well as bassist Alan Bartram and Ward on fiddle. Guitarist Cody Kilby is featured in The Travelin’ McCourys alongside Christian Ward, Rob, Ronnie and Bartram.

“I’m very excited to announce that I’ve joined The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys as the newest member of both bands,” wrote Christian Ward on social media of his new positions. “I truly can’t imagine a more legendary group of musicians to perform and travel with. What an honor! See you out there on the road!”

Christian Ward grew up in California and attended college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before moving to Nashville. Ward has previously toured with members of his family, Sierra Hull and Highway 111, Brothers Barton & Overdrive, Chris Stuart & Backcountry, The Amanda and Scott Anderson Band, Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run, Bradford Lee Folk and the Bluegrass Playboys. The talented fiddler also gives lessons, is an seasoned session player and an award-winning songwriter.

Billy Strings recorded three songs written by his band’s mandolinist, Jarrod Walker, and Christian Ward for his Grammy-winning 2021 album Renewal — “Show Me In The Door,” “Red Daisy” and “Running The Route.” Ward has shared the stage with Billy Strings and along with Walker won the 2022 IBMA Song Of The Year award for “Red Daisy.”

Watch Christian Ward jam with The Travelin’ McCourys below:

Scroll below to find out where to see Ward on the road with the Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys.