Hi friends,
So many exciting things are happening for us this season!
We've been working like mad to get ready to bring you our new album, and we're so incredibly proud of it! We spent three very long days in the studio in early January, joined by incredible musicians, and dear friends, Ruth Ella Trochim on drums, and Cathrine Conner on mandolin. Their artistry adds so much to our music, and you can bet you'll hear a lot more about both of them! The album's producer, Aaron Ramsey, was absolutely brilliant in the studio. His ideas and unique musical sensibility elevated the whole project to a level we never imagined. As a bonus, Aaron joins us on several of the album's tracks and has pulled in fellow Mountain Heart player Josh Shilling to add a few more musical touches! We feel like we're playing on the all-star team! Mark Hodges, the owner of the Mountain Fever record label, is creating a new Americana label, Traviana Records, on which we will be a flagship artist. He's working hard to give this album all the boost it can get. With all the exciting promotion happening, it's really amazing to have a core group of supporters, (you!), who have seen this through with us from the beginning. Thanks for believing in us!
"Echo" is the title of the album, a notion that describes the influences of people and place on this collection of songs. Our songwriting for the record combines stories to be shared and experiences that can only be lived. It's also an invitation, to you, and others who will encounter it, to share those moments with us. Our music is as diverse as ever, encompassing the full range of roots and Americana influences. One song on the record was written by one of our very first "band friends," an incredible Pennsylvania singer/songwriter by the name of David Mantz. He was at our first show, and it's an incredible honor to record his song. (Like we said, this is the all-star team!) We've also added a couple of our favorite classics to the record, which bring it home right where we want to be, in the music of our collective roots.
We're busy now proofing artwork, which is an incredible set of drawings by one of our favorite people, Darrell Scott, complemented by gorgeous photos by Fallon Kreye, and creating all of your goodies. The record is in the final stage of production this week, and will be sent off to the distributor this month in anticipation of our April release! For those who want to help spread the word, we'll let you know when itunes pre-orders are available. We're also working on lots of tour dates, with a quick swing to the northeast US in May and a long tour to Colorado in June already in the works. We'll keep you posted, and hope to be coming closer to your hometowns this year!
The big news of the hour is our CD release party! We'll be at the Sun Music Hall in Floyd,VA on April 19th, joined by some amazing musicians! Here's the party description:
"You've been anxiously waiting...and the time has come! Join After Jack as they take over the Sun Music Hall for a night filled with music, friendship and fun to celebrate the release of their first full-length, studio album. The ladies are thrilled to share the stage with Yankee Dixie, a trio from Charlottesville, VA who will kick the night off in style. Yankee Dixie combines the soulful Folk & Bluegrass roots of Tara Mills, the driving Punk & Country style of John Howard, and the rock and roll edge of Turtle Zwadlo to create a truly unique and original sound mixing modern day Americana, Folk & Bluegrass. Don't forget your dancing shoes! Kerosene Willy will keep the party rockin'! Born out of the St. Louis Blues and Jam Rock scene, Kerosene Willy is now in its 20th year of finding a groove and sailing away. The lineup features former members of local/regional/national favorites Dark Star Orchestra, Cimarron, Blue Dixie, and Bum Ride. Now the Southwest Virginia influence has crept into the sound to form an eclectic blend rock/blues/country/bluegrass/ and jazz. Get Silly with the Willy and enjoy an evening of Feelgood Freestyle Roots Music. Bring your appetite for good music, good friends and good food!"
To purchase tickets, or help spread the word, they'll be available at Brown Paper Tickets online, and at a few local merchants. (More on that to come as we work out the details). We're hoping to have a big turnout of friends and music lovers, and we can't wait to celebrate with you!
Tickets are available here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/577715
Thanks for everything you do to support us. It really is incredible.
Lots of love,
Emily, Rachel & Mary
