Bluegrass, contemporary folk and country music are combined through the harmony-filled songs of Nashville-based singersongwriters Barry and Holly Tashian. The duo's five albums, produced by Jim Rooney, have included "Straw Into Gold," which received a NAIRD award as "best country album of 1994", and "Harmony", nominated for a Nashville Music Award as "best bluegrass album of 1998". In addition, the Tashian's songs have been covered by Ty England, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Roland White, Daniel O'Donnell and Jody Stecher & Kate Breslin. The Tashians took an unusual route in developing their unique country and folk blend. Although Barry Tashian, who played electric guitar in a rock band at the age of twelve, met his future wife in high school, they didn't play together until much later. Tashian first attracted attention as the lead singer and guitarist for Barry And The Remains, a rock band that he formed in 1964 with fellow students at Boston University. Within two months, the band was signed by Columbia Records. After releasing several singles that became regional hits in the Boston area, the group relocated to New York. In August 1966, the group toured North America as the opening act for what became The Beatles' final tour. Tashian's chronicle of the tour, "Ticket To Ride", was published by Dowling Press in 1996. Although they disbanded following the tour, Barry And The Remains' self-titled debut album was released in September, 1966. Tashian continued to be active as a musician, joining Gram Parsons' country band ensemble, The International Submarine Band. In addition to later helping Parsons form The Flying Burrito Brothers, Tashian played on Parsons' debut solo album, "GP." Following their marriage in 1972, Barry and Holly Tashian formed a straight-ahead country band, The Outskirts. In 1980, Barry accepted an invitation to replace Ricky Skaggs in Emmylou Harris' Hot Band. He remained with the group for nine years, playing guitar and singing harmony on ten albums. Since resuming their musical partnership in 1989, the Tashians have performed as a duo, a trio and a quartet. Barry Tashian has simultaneously worked as a sideman on albums by Charlie Louvin, Nanci Griffith, Iris Dement, Suzy Bogguss and Delia Bell. Barry And The Remains recently reunited for the first time in more than two decades, performing at the Mod Fest in Spain in August 1998. Inspired by a tape of Spanish rock bands covering tunes by Barry And The Remains that he was given by a promoter of the event, Tashian has been discussing the possibilities of a forthcoming reunion by the group. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide