Chicago Farmer’s ‘Midwest Side Stories’ OUT TODAY – Modern Day Protest Songs – L4LM Premier

Singer/Songwriter, Chicago Farmer Releases Midwest Side Stories Out TODAY 9.30
Get it now at iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby

Head on over to Live For Live Music (L4LM) for the world premier of “9pm to 5”
“…Cody is fully present, as the subtle and not so subtle jokes and metaphors he employs to such ingratiating effect are fully evident”
Listen in here→ http://bit.ly/ChicagoFarmer_9pmto5_L4LM_Premier

BLOOMINGTON, IL — Chicago Farmer, the moniker Bloomington, Illinois’ Cody Diekhoff performs and writes under, independently released his 7th album, Midwest Side Stories, September 30, 2016. Midwest Side Stories is about hope, depression, job loss, meth, skateboards, a divided nation, used cars, the late shift, farms, factories, the destruction of our environment, and still being around to sing about it. The new release contains ten tracks all of which were written by Diekhoff (pronounced dee-cough), with the exception of the John Hartford classic “I’m Still Here.”

Folk hero Todd Snider says, “I love Chicago Farmer’s singing and playing and songs, but it’s the intention behind the whole of his work that moves me to consider him the genuine heir to Arlo Guthrie or Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He knows the shell game that goes on under folk music… which is sacred to me. Chicago Farmer is my brother; if you like me, you’ll love him.”

Diekhoff co-produced Midwest Side Stories, with engineer Chris Harden at I.V. Labs Studios in Chicago, Illinois. Harden also played Glockenspiel and harmonized vocals on select tracks. Others on the album include vocalist and guitarist Ernie Hendrickson, drummer Darren Garvey, vocalist Heather Horton, and a handful of other Midwestern mainstays.

What folks are saying about Chicago Farmer’s Midwest Side Stories:

“At heart, Diekhoff is a protest singer, who in this election year paints a rather dark picture of the country. Unfortunately, many of the subjects he sings about ring true, but Diekhoff is smart enough to offer hope and some solutions too. Besides the hope, we find tales of depression, job loss, meth, skateboards. A divided nation, used cars, the late shift, farms, factories, the destruction of our environment and the gift of still being here with a chance to effect change.” —Elmore Magazine, Jim Hynes

“Previously, frequent comparisons to the works of famed folk troubadour Arlo Guthrie have been spot on. With this impressive step forward in song craft and dimension, Chicago Farmer has moved beyond any previous limitations and associations. Storyteller, humorist and heartfelt proponent of the core values of humanity itself, Chicago Farmer has always had a message of compassion that the world truly needs to hear. Thanks to the added power backing his insight and infectious spirit he is ready to take his message farther than ever before, as he does to wonderful effect on Midwest Side Stories.” —Live For Live Music (L4LM), Rex Thomson

“[Chicago Farmer] has a style that reminds me of the country/folk pop singers of the early 70s—the R. Dean Taylors, John Denvers, and Ray Matericks of the day. Earnest. Bold. Honest.” —Fervor Coulee, Donald Teplyske

“Midwest Side Stories begins with the Neil Young-like ‘Umbrella.’ With a strumming guitar and lyrics such as, ‘I want to sing you a sad, sad song that I hope will make you smile,’ the resemblance between Diekhoff and Young is unmistakable — and undeniable. But, he is no mere imitator. He springboards from that auspicious beginning to songs generally about the current state of the formerly industrious Midwest, offset with its many rural areas, and their many problems: job loss, meth, farms, shift-work factories, social divisions, etc.” —No Depression, Amos Perrine

“And that is where Diekhoff shines, as a phenomenal storyteller in the vein of Prine, Earle, and his somewhat mentor, Todd Snider (who provided a glowing recommendation in the liner notes of the record).

Midwest Side Stories is strong from start to finish.” —No Depression, The Broken Jukebox, Adam Dawson

“Midwest Side Stories is full of great lyrics and wonderful music. It doesn’t matter if you live in the American Midwest or somewhere else. These songs will speak to you in a language the is easy to understand. If you are a regular person who works for a living, you will find yourself absorbed into the stories. In other words, if you are an earthling you will get great enjoyment by listening to Midwest Side Stories by Chicago Farmer.” ––Independent Midwest Music

“Chicago Farmer’s songs have always been thoughtful, and there is definitely a somber tone at the start of opening track ‘Umbrella’. However, it does quickly establish the singalong vibe that has more and more people heading to Chicago Farmer shows. The hard-rocking ‘Revolving Door’, with its Decemberists-esque harmonica intro, really pulls you in and demands your attention, with a backing band of music scene friends contributing to the down-by-the-water feel before heading into an outro that just gets stuck in your head for days.” —News Gazette, Andrew Howie

“Songs like ‘Revolving Door’, ‘9pm to 5’, ‘Farms & Factories’, and ‘Rocco and Susie’ all paint the picture of life in a Central Illinois town from the perspective of the 3rd shift clock puncher, families getting squeezed, or the couple losing their dream and their sanity along the way. Warts and all.” —Tomorrow’s Verse, Kevin Foss

“He calls each song, each ‘Midwest Side story,’ a chapter in the album’s book of life as he sees it. The tone can waver from the plaints of ‘Revolving Door,’ about the loss of manufacturing jobs hereabouts, to the darkness of ‘Rocco N’ Susie,’ which grapples with meth addiction.” —Pantagraph, Dan Craft

“Chicago Farmer, aka Cody Diekhoff, is neither a farmer nor – any longer – a Chicagoan, but his family history in rural farming communities runs through all his work. Fellow folk journeyman Todd Snider calls him ‘the genuine heir to Arlo Guthrie or Ramblin’ Jack Elliott’ and he’s the perfect person to honor his fellow Midwesterner John Hartford.” Stream Chicago Farmer’s version of John Hartford’s “I’m Still Here at  Cover Me Songs → www.covermesongs.com/2016/09/chicago-farmer-covers-john-hartford.html

Further information can be found at www.chicagofarmer.com, www.facebook.com/chicagofarmer, and twitter.com/chicagofarmer.

Chicago Farmer Midwest Side Stories Tour Dates

Full Band
9/30 Fri – Redstone Room – Davenport, IA
10/1 Sat – Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL
10/2 Sun – The Bootleg – St. Louis, MO

Solo Shows
10/5 Wed – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH
10/6 Thu – Steiner’s Tavern – Chillicothe, OH
10/7 Fri – Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY
10/8 Sat – Radio Radio – Indianapolis, IN
10/11 People’s Brewing CO. – LaFayette, IN
10/13 Thu – Knuckleheads Retro Lounge – Kansas City, MO
10/14 Fri – Blue October – Hannibal, MO
10/15 Sat – Bar None – Springfield, IL
10/20 Thu – The Walnut Room – Denver, Co
10/21 Fri – Lazy Dog Saloon – Boulder, CO
11/3 Thu –  Five Spot – Nashville, TN
11/4 Fri – Paducah Beer Werks – Paducah, KY
11/5 Sat – Hangar 9 – Carbondale, IL
11/9 Wed – The Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN
11/10 Thu – The Root Note – LaCrosse, WI
11/11 Fri – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

Midwest Side Stories Track Listing
1. Umbrella 4:32
2. Revolving Door 5:09
3. Rocco N’ Susie 6:00
4. Skateboard Song 3:03
5. Two Sides of the Story 5:19
6. New Used Car 4:05
7. 9pm to 5 3:33
8. Farms & Factories 4:07
9. Homework 4:01
10. I’m Still Here 5:57

*All songs by Chicago Farmer except #10 “I’m Still Here” by John Hartford

Album Cover by Jay Miller at Reverb Soul
Album design layout by Jon Griffin

Further information can be found at www.chicagofarmer.com, www.facebook.com/chicagofarmer, and twitter.com/chicagofarmer.

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MarchFourth’s MAGIC NUMBER Out Today, “Mighty, Explosive, Carnivalesque Brass Band Funk” Produced by Ben Ellman of Galactic

MarchFourth Releases First Studio Album of Original Material in Five Years, MAGIC NUMBER

OUT TODAY!
Get it at  iTunes and Bandcamp

Produced by Ben Ellman of Galactic = Irresistible NOLA Magic

MarchFourth: A SteamFunk Rock-n-Roll Circus Party!

Head on over to Live For Live Music for the Premiere of “Push It Back”
“MarchFourth continues to host some of the most exciting live performances today, as the giant band of 20 musicians, stilters, acrobats and more never ceases to amaze.”
Featuring Stanton Moore on drums → http://bit.ly/L4LM_MarchFourth_PushItBack

Portland, OR — Fifteen MarchFourth musicians traveled to New Orleans and spent ten days recording at The Parlor Recording Studio, making their fourth studio album, MAGIC NUMBER, their first in over five years. With Producer Ben Ellman (Galactic) and Engineer/Producer Mikael “Count” Eldridge (DJ Shadow, Tycho, Galactic, Trombone Shorty) at the helm, this album is full of the captivating grooves and brassy swagger you have come to expect from M4, plus a healthy dose of New Orleans magic, with guest appearance by Trombone Shorty, Stanton Moore (drums), and Matt Perrine (sousaphone).The album was fan-funded through Kickstarter and is out today!

What folks are saying about MarchFourth’s Magic Number:

“If for some reason you’re not yet familiar with the brilliant multimedia assault [of MarchFourth], picture a multiplied Tower of Power—9 horns! 5 percussionists! 2 guitars!—dressing up like some alternate-universe high school outfit and performing with a less pretentious, burlesque Cirque du Soleil. It’s a perfect assault on the senses, one that’s been garnering them fans all over this great country.” —Offbeat, Robert Fontenot

“MarchFourth — Far from your average band” —Medium, Thomas Gerbasi

“Mighty, Explosive, Carnivalesque Brass Band Funk” —New York Music Daily

“The tunes are captivating and grow more infectious with each listen. Although you can sense the fun they are having, it is also clear that these musicians have had plenty of training and formal practice. I find it difficult to compare this to anything else I’ve heard except perhaps the aforementioned Sun Ra’s unit doing their improvisational versions of traditional jazz tunes like ‘King Porter’s Stomp.’ March Fourth, though, writes totally original material which further adds to the intrigue. You’re never sure where the song is going, but somehow the album stays focused and cohesive —Elmore Magazine, Jim Hynes

“Just when you think you’ve heard it all, suddenly a band crosses paths with your ears and changes everything… Full of auditory goodness…” —NYS Music, Sarah Bourque

“There’s something cool and sneaky about this one [“The Quarter”], like a spy going about his work. It begins as an instrumental, and then halfway into the track, the vocals come in. ‘Sitting in the window seat, the city in your sight.’ But it’s those horns during the next section that I especially love. Bloody wonderful! This song then breaks through to a bright, magnificent section, before returning to that cool opening section again.” —Michael Doherty

“It was groovy funk to start with a Caribbean bit tucked in there. All of the horns were beautifully synced and perfect. Everything had that old school big band feel. However, with their clothing and animated dances, they made sure to take it to another level. They honestly were in a world primarily their own. Jazz-funk was another of their genres as the trio of percussionists maintained a steady and addictive beat. Each horn had their moment to shine as each musician added their particular taste to the instrument. Whether it was the trombone, flute, sax, trumpet or beyond, they were quick on the feet. Their fingers and puffs of notes were sublimely fast and suave.” —Punchland, Myles Hunt, Review of a live show about The Jewel Rocks Off Concert Cruise in NYC

More about the Album:

“MAGIC NUMBER represents a shift in the band’s musical evolution, featuring more vocals and guitar than our previous records.” Founding member and band leader, John Averill, who also sings and plays electric bass says, “It is also the first record by ‘MarchFourth’ (Formerly MarchFourth! Marching Band; we officially dropped the “Marching Band” from our name).”

“Unlike M4’s previous albums, recorded over weeks and months in our hometown of Portland, Oregon, getting the band to NOLA for a ten-day recording session really created an intensity and electricity you can feel throughout MAGIC NUMBER.” Founding member, cymbal player, singer, and tour manager Dan Stauffer recalls, “After long days at The Parlor, the band members would go out to party on Frenchman Street and sit in on sets all over the city, meanwhile the producers, Ben and Count, would create mixes late into the night: that’s the mojo you can hear, everything going off for ten days straight.

“Working with a large group of talented songwriters and musicians in M4 made the project go really smoothly. Wherever the band goes they sort of set up camp… that led to a really creative working communal environment.” Producer Ben Ellman states, “It’s always exciting to work with a band that is open to experimentation and different possibilities. MarchFourth came in wanting to expand their sonic pallet from what they’ve done previously.”

Ellman attests, “The individual songwriters all had a clear vision of where the song should end up… there are different styles on the record, but as a whole it’s very cohesive. Very MarchFourth.” Four of the band’s members wrote the eleven songs on MAGIC NUMBER including John Averill, trombonist and singer Anthony Meade, trumpet player and singer, and project manager Paul Theodore Chandler, and electric guitarist and baritone sax Taylor Aglipay.

Stanton Moore makes a guest appearance on drums on the song “Push It Back” carrying the listener off on a royal litter of afro funk. Trombone Shorty blows a fiery solo on “Inventing the Wheel,” a musical journey into a heavy hypnotic groove; the track also features Ben Ellman on harmonica. Matt Perrine of Bonerama plays sousaphone on the uplifting and soul searching “Science (Free Your Mind)” which radiates all the energy of a street party in a full-on brassy explosion.

MarchFourth will continue to tour all over the United States in support of this album through the fall and into 2017 with their colorful stage show full of energy and groove. Widely recognized for the allure of their live show, MarchFourth breaks ground with their music in the forefront on MAGIC NUMBER.

Check out the behind the scenes footage of the making of MAGIC NUMBER at  https://youtu.be/Appen5B33pk

For more information, tour dates, and news from the road, visit M4 at www.MarchFourthBand.com, instagram.com/m4mb, facebook.com/marchfourthmarchingband, twitter.com/m4mb, and on YouTube.

MarchFourth’s ‘Magic Number’ Tour Dates
9/30-10/1 Fri-Sat – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co’s Oktoberfest – Chico, CA
10/4 Tue – Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA
10/5 Wed – Don Quixote’s International Music Hall – Felton, CA
10/6 Thu – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
10/7-8 Fri-Sat – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co’s Oktoberfest – Chico, CA
10/15 Sat – Fed Up Fest – Kansas City, MO
10/28 Fri – Revolution Hall (2 shows!) – Portland, OR
12/14 Wed – Domino Room – Bend, OR
12/15 Thu – The Egyptian Theater – Boise, ID
12/16 Fri – The Hive – Sandpoint, ID
12/17 Sat – Winthrop Barn Auditorium – Winthrop, WA
1/20/2017 Fri – Broadway Center for the Performing Arts – Tacoma, WA
1/21/2017 Sat – Vern Burton Center – Port Angeles, WA

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Suwannee Roots Revival Unveils Schedule, Poster Art By Bean Spence & Other Activities for Oct 13-16

Artwork By Bean Spence

Suwannee Roots Revival takes place October 13-16, 2016
at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL

Leftover Salmon, The Wood Brothers, Sam Bush, Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan,
Blueground Undergrass, Jim Lauderdale, Verlon Thompson, The HillBenders’ Tommy and more!

Plus Contra and Square Dances in the Dance Tent,
Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus at the Kids Tent and Stage

Get Tickets at → www.suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets/
Schedule → www.suwanneerootsrevival.com/schedule/

LIVE OAK, FL — Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is excited to announce the music schedule for the inaugural Suwannee Roots Revival taking place October 13-16, 2016 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, FL. This old school, family friendly event includes camping, disc golf, and campground pickin’ stages and features multiple stages, The Amphitheater, The Porch, The Dance Tent, Workshops at The Music Hall & The Music Farmers Hands On Workshop Stage, many decorated with beautiful backdrops by Richard and Rainne of tye-dyebackdrops.com. Bring your instruments to enjoy the pickin’ parties going off throughout the campgrounds.

Suwannee Roots Revival is thrilled to unveil a poster design by Visual and Performance Artist Bean Spence whose whimsical and fantastical art will also decorate The Amphitheater Stage. Bean Spence, along with Matt Abercrombie and Leo Hearn, will be painting live and displaying their art in the vendor village. Folks can pick up signed copies of Bean’s poster as well as the poster previously unveiled by Marci Davis at Festival Merch.

Join the Suwannee team in dressing in your best 70’s pinball wizard attire on Thursday for The HillBenders “Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry,” following sets from The Shook Twins and Town Mountain. Thursday night will close out with a late-night set from The Grass is Dead.

Friday features long sets from The Wood Brothers and Leftover Salmon, back to back closing out the night on The Amphitheatre Stage. Also see Blueground Undergrass, Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express, The Honeycutters, Ralph Roddenbery and Donna Hopkins and more Friday on the main stage. The Porch Stage will also be kicking off on Friday with sets from Florida favorites Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Acoustic Messengers, and The Applebutter Express. Comedian/Illusionist Jeff Bradley will be making special appearance as the last performance of the evening on the Porch Stage.

Leftover Salmon will return to the stage on Saturday for back to back hour-and-a-half sets with Sam Bush on The Amphitheatre Stage. The Stage also features long sets with Donna the Buffalo and Peter Rowan, following Jon Stickley Trio, Verlon Thompson, The Mike + Ruthy Band among others. On Saturday afternoon there will be plenty of things for the kids to do hosted by the Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp. Later on Nikki Talley, Dread Clampitt,  and Quartermoon perform, Comedian/Illusionist Jeff Bradley will make a second appearance.

Sunday brings things back in a bit with all the music at The Amphitheatre Stage with Donna the Buffalo closing out the festival in a set which will feature many other musicians that have also performed throughout the weekend. This follows an extra special set from Col. Bruce Hampton, Reverend Jeffrey Mosier, and Friends! Sunday also features Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Verlon Thompson, and Big Cosmo. The stage begins at 10am with Tania and The Kids Jam.

The Dance Tent Stage features music Thursday through Saturday and will be located in the meadow providing a shaded space designed for movement. There will be a dance floor with Contra and Square Dances led by The Dunehoppers with instruction at the beginning of each set. Many of your favorite bands will be performing there including Jim Lauderdale & Donna the Buffalo, Col. Bruce Hampton & Madrid Express, Blueground Undergrass, Town Mountain, Jon Stickley Trio, SYZYGY, Dread Clampitt, The Mike + Ruthy Band and more!

The Kids Tent will be the place to be for the young and young at heart as Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus host a variety of musical and fun activities.

Throughout the weekend the Music Farmers Hands On Workshop Stage will host hands-on workshops with instruction provided by festival artists. A special Permaculture Action Day of gardening and workshops will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016. Festival attendees, who sign up in advance, will come together for hands-on projects in permaculture, rainwater harvesting, and assembling recycling stations.

Live Oak Music and Arts Foundation (LOMAF) will hold a raffle to raise funds for Kids Music Education in Northeast Florida. Funds got to in-school education programs in Suwannee and Hamilton county and to Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp. Catch kids from the music camp performing on Saturday on The Porch stage!

Our healing arts programs feature Yoga with Rhonda Bell, Continuum Movement® Introductory workshop with Donnalea Van Vleet Goelz, and possibly an “unannounced” Tai Chi workshop on Sunday with one of our favorite artists.

Check out the full schedule with these acts and many more talented and amazing artists near and dear to the Spirit of the Suwannee family at www.suwanneerootsrevival.com.

Set in the midst of 800 acres of Spanish moss draped oak and cypress trees along the Suwannee River, the venue is a playground for endless activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf and biking. The Park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping is currently on sale and reservations may be made by calling the Park office at (386) 364-1683.

SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events. Please visit the Park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com for further information.

Further information at www.SuwanneeRootsRevival.com. Also visit us on at www.facebook.com/suwanneeroots, Twitter & Instagram: @SuwanneeRoots (#SuwanneeRoots).

Suwannee Roots Revival 2016 Lineup
Leftover Salmon
Sam Bush
The Wood Brothers
Donna The Buffalo
Peter Rowan Band
Blueground Undergrass
Jim Lauderdale
Verlon Thompson
The HillBenders “Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry”
Col Bruce & Madrid Express
Town Mountain
The Mike + Ruthy Band
Jon Stickley Trio
The Honeycutters
Shook Twins
Sauce Boss
Dread Clampitt
Nikki Talley
Grass Is Dead
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
Ralph Roddenbery & Donna Hopkins
Walter Parks & Lee Hunter
SYZYGY
Quartermoon
Sloppy Joe
The Applebutter Express
The New 76ers
Acoustic Messengers
Belle & the Band
Big Cosmo
Habanero Honeys
The Fried Turkeys
Arvid Smith
Gumbo Limbo Cajun Band
The Dunehoppers
Jeff Bradley
Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus
Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp

 

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Casting Acoustic Spells, Balsam Range Releases ‘Mountain Voodoo’ on 11/11 on Mountain Home

Balsam Range is Casting Acoustic Spells with Their Sixth Album Mountain Voodoo
Due out on November 11 on Mountain Home Music Company

Asheville, NC — Balsam Range’s assent to the top of the Bluegrass world has left a well marked trail of success since the band’s inception in 2007. One of the genre’s most award winning artists in recent years garnering ten International Bluegrass Music Association Awards to date with five critically acclaimed albums, Balsam Range has put on live performances across the nation, including multiple Grand Old Opry appearances that have left audiences spellbound. Nominated for three International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards (Entertainer, Vocal Group, and Vocalist of the Year) for 2016, Balsam Range is offering something that is sure to continue to mesmerize fans of Bluegrass and beyond with their new release Mountain Voodoo, due out November 11 on Mountain Home.

Mountain Voodoo is like the book of life “Chapter Six” for Balsam Range; 13-tracks filled with songs of journey, home, sense of place, hardcore stomping drive, and longing. There are fiery instrumental parts alternating with heavy, deep ballads overlaid by the vocal harmonies the group has become known for.

Balsam Range 6 September 2016 Promo Photo Shoot Waynesville, NC © Copyright David J. Simchock

Balsam Range is Buddy Melton (Fiddle, Lead and Tenor Vocals), Darren Nicholson (Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Lead Vocals, Baritone and Low Tenor Vocals), Dr. Marc Pruett (Banjo), Tim Surrett (Bass, Dobro, Baritone and Lead Vocals), and Caleb Smith (Guitar, Lead & Baritone Vocals). The five original members are all acoustic musicians and singers from North Carolina and they thoughtfully and respectfully adopted the name of a majestic range of mountains that surrounds part of their home county of Haywood, NC where the Smokies meet the Blue Ridge, the Balsam Range.

Picturing the story of Mountain Voodoo…
Imagine yourself, if you can, high up on a ridge in the mountains of North Carolina at midnight under a full moon, looking through the smoky nighttime haze at the surrounding ridges all covered in Balsam firs. It’s a scene of life engulfed in strong but muted tones, crisp air, bubbling springs, and the power of uncertain mystery. The springs carry the mystery down and down, feeding the the creeks and streams that feed the ponds and the small farms, and the small towns and the people in them, and the works they create by day.

Then, somehow imagine that there is a soundtrack to all this – to all the old tales, lives lived, and even the scenery itself. It sounds like adventure glimpsing into the unknown, but remembering family and friends and always wanting to return home. Yes, there’s a dualistic nature about it, but the story always finishes with the pull of the mountains, the people and the places.

This environment, this background and this living culture is the backdrop that chooses the songs and creates the rhythms and styles, that voices the vocals and fingers the strings, that casts acoustic spells on every audience every time. When Balsam Range performs, a joyous magical mysterious musical mist enchants the audience as well as the band. Buddy, Caleb, Darren, Marc, and Tim become the messengers and the crowd is transported to that place. This is what is Balsam Range—this is Mountain Voodoo.

The mystical deep jam of “Voodoo Doll” is a fun creative twist on the age-old tale of broken hearted love loss and the attempt of passing one’s heartache off on mystical curses rather than accepting reality.  Written by Jeb Anderson many years ago, the band has wanted to record it for a long time, after Melton first heard it performed by a dear friend and fellow artist known as “Tall Paul”. It is not your typical bluegrass song; It could just as easily be performed by a rock band.

There are multiple songs written by Balsam Range “staff writer” Milan Miller, including the catchy opening track, “Something ‘Bout That Suitcase,” which Miller penned along with Beth Husband. Buddy Melton, a longtime fan of lyrics that make you think, and IBMA Vocalist of the Year nominee for 2016, asks, “How many times have you seen a stranger traveling through life and wondered, what is their story? Where are they going? What has brought them to this place? We all have and it’s that curiosity and interest in other people that brings society together. Maybe it’s the human inherent caring spirit that defines us most or at least gives us hope for humanity. ‘Suitcase’ is a song we can all relate to and one that will at least have you looking around the airport terminal with curiosity the next time you fly the friendly skies.”

“Blue Collar Dreams” is a working class anthem, written by Aaron Bibelhauser, it had all the elements for Balsam Range to transform it into a great bluegrass song to comfort the frustrations of working for the hard-to-attain American Dream. From the first note of the mandolin kick off you realize quickly that things are going to get tense but in a good way.

“Eldorado Blue” is a story of finding oneself and recognizing contentment in life is something we can all stand to do; whether it means moving away or staying in what may seem an unlikely location to achieve it, is a blessing. “The Girl From The Highlands” is another journey song inspired by Miller’s travels through the Highlands years ago and the stories of many Scottish Highlanders who traveled to the US for work but often couldn’t afford to bring family along. Balsam Range spices it up with Tony Rice styled vocals and Caleb’s guitar licks which capture that same vibe and groove.

Mountain Voodoo is thematic of life in Western North Carolina, from the haunting and lonesome “I Hear the Mountains”, to the Honky Tonk of “Hello Heartache,” to the rip-roaring banjo led “Chain Gang Blues,” to the sacred and soothing “Rise and Shine,” and Gospel inspired and powerful “Wish You Were Here.”

Balsam Range fills the air with traditional, yet contemporary sounds, things that are new, yet still somehow familiar. Mountain Voodoo is a follow up to the band’s fifth album, Five (2014), which made its Billboard Chart debut at #4 and remained on the Billboard chart for 12 weeks. The album excelled on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Airplay Album Chart, spending 5 consecutive months at #1 with seven #1 songs, earning the group the 2015 IBMA Awards for Vocal Group of the Year and Song of the Year for “Moon Over Memphis.”

Elements of jazz, country, gospel, swing, and old-time music are all infused into the fresh sound of this unique Southern band. It’s five distinct personalities creating one remarkable musical experience. It’s the award-winning Balsam Range and they are excited to bring Mountain Voodoo to the world this year.

Balsam Range’s Mountain Voodoo Tracks & Songwriter Credits

1. Something ‘Bout That Suitcase     3:34 (Milan Miller)
2. Blue Collar Dreams                            2:54 (Aaron Bibelhauser)
3. Voodoo Doll                                          4:08 (Jeb Stuart Anderson)
4. Eldorado Blue                                       3:08 (James Ellis, Milan Miller)
5. The Girl From The Highlands         3:02 (Milan Miller, Thomm Jutz)
6. I Hear The Mountains                       4:36 (Milan Miller, Davis Raines)
7. Chain Gang Blues                               2:09 (Marvin C. Davis)
8. Rise And Shine                                    4:25 (Mark Bumgarner, Aimee Bumgarner)
9. Spring Hill                                            3:36 (Marc Pruett)
10. Hello Heartache                                 2:29 (Milan Miller, Glenn Simmons)
11. Lines In The Sand                              3:00 (Craig Market, Barry Bales)
12. Don’t Walk Away                               2:47 (Miriam Sonstenes)
13. Wish You Were Here                         5:00 (James M Stover, Michael C Williams)

For more information, tour dates, and more, please visit www.balsamrange.com. Stay up to date with current news on www.facebook.com/balsamrange, www.twitter.com/BalsamRange, and www.instagram.com/balsamrange.

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Asheville Bands, The Honeycutters & Town Mountain at AmericanaFest 2016

Two Asheville, North Carolina bands, The Honeycutters and Town Mountain, represent different ends of the Americana spectrum and both will perform at the 2016 AmericanaFest in Nashville.

The Honeycutters Show Their Country Roots
with On The Ropes, Released By Organic Records

The Honeycutters have a voice you can’t ignore; a voice of persistence, of struggle and of hope, a voice that leads the new music movement erupting out of Asheville, NC. They released their 4th studio album On The Ropes May 20, 2016 on Organic Records to much critical acclaim. Nashville’s Music City Roots’ Craig Havighurst says principal songwriter and frontwoman, Amanda Anne Platt “has a voice that’s complex, sweet and aching. Even more potently, she writes songs that folks are citing as up there with the best of the field, such as Mary Gauthier and Lucinda Williams.” On The Ropes was produced by Amanda Anne Platt and Tim Surrett and engineered and mastered by Van Atkins at Crossroads Studios in Arden, NC.

On The Ropes debuted on release day at #39 on iTunes Top 40 Country Chart and #12 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases on Folk. The album spent nineteen weeks on the Americana Radio Chart hitting #10 and remaining in the top twenty for 11 weeks. It also landed in the #1 position on the Roots Music Report Country Chart! The band recently shipped the album overseas and it stands at #11 on September’s EuroAmericana Chart.

Joining Amanda Platt to round out The Honeycutters are Rick Cooper, alternating between upright and electric bass, drummer Josh Milligan, pedal steel player Matt Smith, and Tal Taylor on mandolin.

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“Like all great songwriters, Platt’s characters are alive, with enough nuance to convince the listener that they have entire lives outside the glimpse they get from the songs.” Examiner’s Chris Griffy continues, “This is most evident on the album’s closer ‘Barmaid’s Blues’. One of the rare ballads in On the Ropes’ fourteen songs and one of the most lyrically dense. When Platt’s world weary bartender laments that ‘All the gunslingers, got the rings on their fingers” and later that ‘I got a feeling like I been waiting on the last train home. It’s been a little slow, but it’s coming I know’, there’s a delicate balance of melancholy and hope that takes a deft hand to pull off without sounding cliched. Platt’s hand is that deft.”

The Honeycutters AmericanaFest 2016 Schedule

Thursday 9/22 – 12pm – Taping with The Country Network “Our Land: The Music Highway” TV Show at The Listening Room  – Open to the public with Meet & Greet Post show  – More info TCNCountry.com

Thursday 9/22 – 10pm – The Basement – Official AMA Showcase

Friday 9/23 –  8:40am – KHYI Radio Live Broadcast with Chuck Taylor at Sound Stage Studios – Live Radio Session – listen online at khyi.com

Friday 10/23 – 10am airing of a radio session with The Honeycutters on Sun Radio – Solar-Powered Americana from Austin – listen online at sunradio.com

More information at www.TheHoneycutters.com

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Town Mountain Displays Their Soulful Bluegrass/Country Swagger on Southern Crescent, Produced by Dirk Powell On LoHi Records

Raw, soulful, and with plenty of swagger, Town Mountain released their 5th studio album, Southern Crescent, on April 1, 2016 on LoHi Records. Produced and engineered by GRAMMY winner Dirk Powell, Southern Crescent was recorded in Powell’s studio The Cypress House in south-central Louisiana town of Breaux Bridge. It was mixed by Mixed by Scott Vestal at Digital Underground in Greenbrier, TN. Since it’s release the band debuted on the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium stages bringing their sound to new audiences. The critically acclaimed album debuted at #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart and spent ten weeks on the Americana Radio Chart’s Top 40.

“The first time I heard TM I loved, respected, and enjoyed them. And I do now more than ever,” exclaims Jim Lauderdale. “They have stuck with their deep bluegrass roots but as they have with all of their releases they have grown and expanded. They sound like Carolina, and they carry that sound farther and farther with Southern Crescent, their latest gem.”

Up for the 2016 Emerging Artist Award with the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and the 2013 winners of IBMA Momentum Awards for Performance Band and Vocalist of the Year (Robert Greer), Town Mountain has earned raves for their hard-driving sound, their in-house songwriting and the honky-tonk edge that permeates their exhilarating live performances. With an insatiable musical hunger, the members of Town Mountain are Robert Greer on vocals and guitar, Jesse Langlais on banjo and vocals, Phil Barker on mandolin and vocals, Jack Devereux on fiddle, and Adam Chaffins on bass. Please note Bobby Britt (fiddle) and Nick DiSebastian (bass) perform on the album.

No Depression’s Amos Perrine names Town Mountain as, “the most exciting bluegrass band to come along in a long time,” which is echoed by Music City Roots’ Craig Havighurst sentiments, “I’d put Town Mountain on my list of Five Bluegrass Bands You Must Know in 2016, because while the genre has forked and morphed in wonderful ways, these guys from Asheville have more Flatt & Scruggs and more Jimmy Martin in their sound than any young band I can think of. And when they do nod to other influences, they tend to be from parallels to the early bluegrass era, like Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins for example.”

Town Mountain AmericanaFest 2016 Schedule

Tuesday 9/20 11pm The Basement – Official AMA Showcase

Wednesday 9/21 – 9:30am airing of a radio session with Town Mountain on Sun Radio – Solar-Powered Americana from Austin – listen online at sunradio.com

More information at www.TownMountain.net

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Suwannee Roots Revival Unveils Art & Adds The Honeycutters, Shook Twins and more!

Suwannee Roots Revival takes place October 13-16, 2016
at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL

SUWANNEE ROOTS REVIVAL finalizes lineup with The Honeycutters, Shook Twins and more…
Joining on the already stellar lineup which includes Leftover Salmon, The Wood Brothers, Sam Bush, Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan, and more

Plus Contra and Square Dances in the Dance Tent,
Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus at the Kids Tent and Stage

Get Tickets at → www.suwanneerootsrevival.com/tickets/

Suwannee Roots Revival Unveils Poster Art by Marci Davis. Signed posters will be available for sale at Festival Merch

 

LIVE OAK, FL — Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park has announced the final lineup of artists for the inaugural Suwannee Roots Revival taking place October 13-16, 2016 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, FL. Joining the lineup are The Honeycutters, Shook Twins, Arvid Smith, The Fried Turkeys, The Dunehoppers, Gumbo Limbo Cajun Band, comedian and magician Jeff Bradley, Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus and Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp.  

These artists and others join Leftover Salmon (Fri/Sat), The Wood Brothers (Fri), Sam Bush (Sat), Donna The Buffalo (Sat/Sun), Peter Rowan (Sat/Sun) and many more talented and amazing artists near and dear to the Spirit of the Suwannee family.

This old school, family friendly event includes camping, disc golf, and campground pickin’ stages at Slopryland hosted by Sloppy Joe and at Bill Monroe Shrine hosted by Quartermoon. There will be performance workshops by artists Peter Rowan, Verlon Thompson, Jim Lauderdale, Jeff Mosier and others! There will also be hands on workshops with instruction provided by festival artists and daily yoga with Rhonda Bell.

A special Permaculture Action Day of gardening and workshops will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016. Festival attendees, who sign up in advance, will come together for hands-on projects in permaculture, rainwater harvesting, and assembling recycling stations.

The Dance Tent Stage will be located in the meadow providing a shaded space designed for movement. There will be a dance floor with Contra and Square Dances led by The Dunehoppers with instruction at the beginning of each set. Many of your favorite bands will be performing there including Donna the Buffalo, Blueground Undergrass, and The Mike + Ruthy Band.

The Kids Tent will be the place to be for the young and young at heart as Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus host a variety of musical and fun activities. There will also be a kids stage for performances featuring special presentations by Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp.

Suwannee Roots Revival is also excited to unveil beautiful poster art for 2016 by Marci Davis, longstanding friend of the Suwannee music scene. Stay tuned for an additional art poster by Bean Spence. Signed posters will be available for sale at Festival Merch.

Set in the midst of 800 acres of Spanish moss draped oak and cypress trees along the Suwannee River, the venue is a playground for endless activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf and biking. The Park also offers guest comforts including a general store, full-service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping is currently on sale and reservations may be made by calling the Park office at (386) 364-1683.

SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville and is host to a variety of events. Please visit the Park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com for further information.

Currently, Advance Tickets are on sale now for $155 for a 4-day Weekend Pass (all taxes, fees and primitive camping included). This price is good until September 20th.

Further information at www.SuwanneeRootsRevival.com. Also visit us on at www.facebook.com/suwanneeroots, Twitter & Instagram: @SuwanneeRoots (#SuwanneeRoots).

Suwannee Roots Revival 2016 Lineup:
Leftover Salmon
Sam Bush
The Wood Brothers
Donna The Buffalo
Peter Rowan Band
Blueground Undergrass
Jim Lauderdale
Verlon Thompson
The HillBenders “Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry”
Col Bruce & Madrid Express
Town Mountain
The Mike + Ruthy Band
Jon Stickley Trio
The Honeycutters
Shook Twins
Sauce Boss
Dread Clampitt
Nikki Talley
Grass Is Dead
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
Ralph Roddenbery & Donna Hopkins
Walter Parks & Lee Hunter
SYZYGY
Quartermoon
Sloppy Joe
The Applebutter Express
The New 76ers
Acoustic Messengers
Belle & the Band
Big Cosmo
Habanero Honeys
The Fried Turkeys
Arvid Smith
Gumbo Limbo Cajun Band
The Dunehoppers
Jeff Bradley
Tania & Magic Moon Traveling Circus
Suwannee Spirit Kids Music Camp

Further information at www.SuwanneeRootsRevival.com. Also visit us on at www.facebook.com/suwanneeroots, Twitter & Instagram: @SuwanneeRoots (#SuwanneeRoots).

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