I'm a big fan of Melody Walker since I first heard Gold Rush Goddess in '12, I've gobbled up everything shes' done solo and with Jacob Groopman which made my best of year '12 & '13 so I was much excited when news of a Front Country full length surfaced. The release of the 'woodsey' video for 'Sake of the Song' dropped the same day as the album made a tedious Tuesday into splendid day.
Melody and Jacob are joined by Adam Roszkiewicz - Mandolin, Jordan Klein - Banjo, Vocals, Leif Karlstrom - Violin, and Zach Sharpe - Bass to make up the soulful powerhouse band Front Country. This ain't your papaw's bluegrass band, this is special and powerful stuff.
From the first notes of “Gospel Train,” as Melody Walker’s soaring voice entwines around the phrase “I woke up with heaven on my mind,” you’ll hear that Front Country isn’t your usual bluegrass band. When the fiddle and distorted acoustic guitar come crashing into the song like roaring waves, rushing back and forth with swelling ferocity, you’ll know that this is bluegrass unleashed, American roots music that refuses to be constrained. Each song on the album points to traditional influences, but it’s clear that Front Country views these traditions as a launching pad for grander explorations. On their highly anticipated debut full-length album, Sake of the Sound, Front Country blend everything from high-lonesome mountain music to new-wave power pop, newgrass picking, oldgrass harmonies, and just plain glorious musicality. This is Americana at its best: music with deep roots and wide-ranging vision.
Upcoming Shows
Sunday September 28
4:00 PM
The Hill Center American Roots Series, Washington DC
www.hillcenterdc.org American Roots Series
Sunday, September 28, 2014
4:00pm – 5:00pm
September 30
to Oct 1
The Pour House, Raleigh NC
IBMA! Bluegrass Situation and Hearth Music showcase with Mipso and 10 string Symphony!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 – Wednesday, October 1, 2014
11:00pm
October 1
to Oct 2
Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh NC
IBMA! Musicians for the preservation of Bristol Bay showcase. 1am!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 – Thursday, October 2, 2014
11:30pm
October 2
to Oct 14
Marriott Hotel downtown, Raleigh NC
IBMA! California Bluegrass Association showcase.
Thursday, October 2, 2014 – Tuesday, October 14, 2014
11:00pm
October 3
12:30 PM
Albino Skunk Music Festival, Greer SC
http://www.albinoskunk.com/
Friday, October 3, 2014
12:30pm – 1:30pm
October 4
5:15 PM
IBMA's Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
www.bluegrassfanfest.org 5:15pm Hargett Stage, 7:30-9pm, Dance Tent
Saturday, October 4, 2014
5:15pm – 6:15pm
October 5
3:00 PM
Sugarlands Distillery, Gatlinburg TN
www.sugarlandsdistilling.com
Sunday, October 5, 2014
3:00pm – 6:00pm
October 8
7:00 PM
Music City Roots, Nashville TN
www.musiccityroots.com
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
7:00pm – 10:00pm
October 10
8:00 PM
Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz CA
W/ Steep Ravine! www.moesalley.com
Friday, October 10, 2014
8:00pm – 11:30pm
October 17
7:00 PM
Palms Playhouse, Winters CA
www.palmsplayhouse.com/ Our first time at the Palms!
Friday, October 17, 2014
7:00pm – 8:00pm
October 24
8:00 PM
Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol
Friday, October 24, 2014
8:00pm – 9:00pm
October 25
7:30 PM
Hangtown Halloween Ball, Placerville CA
Saturday, October 25, 2014
7:30pm – 8:30pm
October 26
12:30 PM
Hangtown Hallween Ball, Placerville CA