Francis Cormier was born in Memramcook, New Brunswick in 1961. His musical taste was not too unlike that of many of his peers, he was very interested in rock `n`roll at the time. However, during his late teens he had the opportunity to hear the likes of Flatt & Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, Bill Monroe, etc., through the record collection of a brother-in-law, Bernard Landry. That set Francis off in a very different direction. Francis was about 18 when he acquired his first guitar, and learning to play bluegrass music became an obsession. In the band, he plays the guitar, sings lead and harmony and does most of the emcee work, and his song writing ability is well worth noticing.

Francis Cormier formed the Original Bluegrass Diamonds in 1984 with his brother, Vincent, and Roger Hebert, soon after to be joined by Jim Warren. For nearly 5 years the Bluegrass Diamonds practiced relentlessly, did a few of the local festivals, benefits and whatever they could do to get exposure. It paid off, because they got to know the legendary Eddy Poirier of the famed Bluegrass 4. With the departure of Russell Sawler, Ron Savoie and Eddy's son, Robert, in 1989 Eddy, asked Francis and Vincent Cormier and Roger Hebert if they'd consider joining the band on vocals and guitar, vocals and bass, and mandolin respectively. The Bluegrass `4`, being an inspiration to many of the up and coming young pickers, was no less an inspiration to Francis, Vincent and Roger - opportunity was kicking them in the face! The Bluegrass `4`was now Eddy Poirier, Roger Hebert and Francis and Vincent Cormier, until Roger left and Louis Arsenault (having left in 1984) rejoined in 1993.

Timing might have had some bearing on brother Vincent, born in 1965, not getting quite so caught up in rock `n`roll music. Although Francis was 4 years his senior, Vincent and Francis did spend a lot of time together, doing things together...more as best friends than as brothers. That friendship, and Francis` interest in bluegrass music, were Vincent's greatest influences. He plays standup bass, and sings a powerful lead and harmony with the Bluegrass Diamonds, and is able to impress everyone, especially the French, with his ability to sing bluegrass in the French language.

Roger Gauvin, born in Moncton, New Brunswick in 1954, began taking an interest in music long before he had reached his teens. At the time his family occupied part of a big house where his grandparents and uncles lived, His uncles were musicians, and his Mother played a little, so there was always music around the house.

By the time Roger was in his early twenties he was playing the guitar in a country band, and later a country-rock band. He was in his mid twenties by the time he'd heard the captivating sound of the five string banjo. At about that time Roger and friend, Dave Williams, were playing fiddle tunes using two mandolins, and he decided that he should replace the mandolin with a banjo; the five string banjo and bluegrass music became his passion. He credits exposure to the super sounds of the Mountain Meadow Bluegrass Band and the Bluegrass `4`, two of Moncton's hottest bluegrass bands of the day, as his first major bluegrass influence. At the International level, the Seldom Scene's Ben Eldridge might have been his favorite banjo player, but no two players anywhere got his attention more that did Eddy Poirier and Louis Arsenault. Later Eddy would become his instructor, followed by Russell Sawler.

Roger formed his first bluegrass band, "Just For Fun", with Vern Maillet, Dave Williams and Maurice LeBlanc in 1984, and later, in 1986 changed the name to "River Bottom", and added Robbie Arsenault. In the relatively few years of its existence some of the finest and best known pickers performed under the "River Bottom" banner, for example , Lee Alward, Daniel Maillet, Marcel Duplessis and Frank Doody. River Bottom went on to take first prize in the band contest at the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival in 1993. Because of work commitments, etc., Roger departed the band later that same year, and in a roundabout way, perhaps, River Bottom became "Canadian Grass Unit". Other than jamming with friends, he didn't get too serious about performing on stage until being asked to join the Bluegrass Diamonds in 1995.

On Stage or off, Roger doesn't make a whole lot of noise. Because he's essentially shy...and not overly tall...he's usually the brunt of Francis good-natured ribbing.

Without a doubt, Matthew (Matt) Hayes is one of New Brunswick's best new music artists.  Even if you're not much of a fiddle fan, you'll like this guy.  At 16, Matt has captured the heart of just about every audience he's ever played for - from local coffee houses to full-blown stage productions at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John.

It's hard not to like him.  He plays with as much ease as any veteran but with the enthusiasm of someone you just know is headed for stardom.  To complete the package, Matt totes a genuine charm and witty stage presence that is guaranteed to warm any heart.

The scary part is that Matt didn't pick up the fiddle until he was 7 and although he's been tutored by such noteworthy musicians a Pat Boulanger (his uncle), Allison Inch, Krista Trecartin and Harvey Arbo, first-time listeners are always awestruck at Matt's fiddling.  In addition to the fiddle, Matt has become a multi-instrumentalist - he also plays claw-hammer banjo and can pick out old-time tunes on the mandolin like he was born with it in his hands.

One of the most interesting things about Matt is that he doesn't seem to get stuck in one fiddling style.  He can play you a down-eastern jig, saw off an old bluegrass standard, switch to some Nashville swing, and cut into a Cape Breton reel with seemingly little effort.

Matt now has two CD to his credit:

On The Go , his debut disc was recorded just prior to his 13th birthday and every track bursts of pure talent.  He's backed up by his equally talented friend Brad Trecartin on piano, Pat Boulanger on 2nd fiddle, Harvey Arbo on banjo, and Jeff Matheson to fill in the gaps.

Shack Wacky is Matt's latest disc and it packs a pretty big punch. It carries with it an entourage of guests backup musicians and boasts a wide variety of fiddling styles. Guest musicians include Ray Legere, Ray Cassey, Ivan Hicks, Allison Inch, Brian Baker, Brad Trecartin, Jeff Matheson, Paul Dujohn, Jason Myers, Jim Stewart, Bill Hall, Harvey Arbo, and Terry Patterson.

If you're a fiddle fan this CD is a must-have.  If you're not, this disc just may convert you to be one.

http://www.atlanticmusician.com/MattHayes/

Already a season mandolin player,it was not hard for the band to open their arms to his talent.Dave Williams was born in Moncton .N.B, in 1955.Music has played a big part in his life growing up.His dad playing guitar & fiddle.He first picked up the guitar,then in the late 80's he pick up the mandolin and never look back. In their early 90's,he joined a group call.

" Just for Fun " a bluegrass band that included

Roger Gauvin on the banjo.In their first year they captured "Most Promissing New Band of the Year" . Afew years later they form a band called "River Bottom" .Later he join a group call "Back Roads" who was well know and with two recording they played festivals across the Maritimes for six years.Having the experience in the studio and T.V. He will definitly bring a new touch to the band.In November ,2007 the Bluegrass Diamonds ask me to jointed them .

Louis Cormier
Guitar, Lead, Harmony

Born in 1988, it was obvious from an early age, that Louis had a gift. At the age of 3, his father, Vincent Cormier, the bass player of the Bluegrass Diamonds, got Louis his first instrument, a mandolin. It was not long after, that he knew all the words of the bands repertoire and would chop along with the songs with good timing.

Francis Cormier and his two girls, Joline and Julie Cormier, who are also talented, along with Louis, had formed a small family band. Louis would come out shining with a strong high tenor voice. Since then, through practice and determination he developed his skill to a higher level.

Through out the years, he has appeared on numerous show's with the Bluegrass Diamonds. You would see him at Talent shows, school concerts and bluegrass festival. The highlight of his early carrier is that he has preformed with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, singing a song called “Little Angel”; he even got a kiss on the cheek from Rhonda.

At the age of 14, Louis Cormier has already earned a spot in the band. As a guitar player, lead singer and harmony vocals, he will definitely be an asset to the group. Some of his hobbies are playing around with his mandolin, drums, oh and we can't forget football and hockey (and the girls).