JANUARY 8, 2009 issue
I Shall Be Released...
High Country Artists Unleash an Array of Albums in 2008
Story by David Brewer
When microphones have been turned off, instruments have been stowed in their cases, mistakes have been corrected (or not), sound levels have been maximized and the music has been mastered, duplicated and distributed, artists can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Their new album is finally finished.
The year that was 2008 saw High Country musicians of all stripes singing and playing their hearts out on an array of new releases that stand as a testament to the diversity of the local music scene. For some veteran artists, their new discs were the latest in a long line of recordings chronicling long and distinguished careers. For newcomers, their 2008 releases represent their first real stab at an abstract art that can never be perfected, only improved.
When most people listen to recorded music, they spend more time thinking about the lyrics and melodies than they do about the hours the players spent agonizing over getting the songs just right. But no matter how easily the music flows from the speakers, artists likely spent late nights agonizing over the musical minutiae that distinguish their art from the next band or artist. And we should thank them.
Diana Wilcox
A Season of Peace
Known best for her playing and singing with her bluegrass group Sarvis Ridge, Diana Wilcox released a Christmas album entitled A Season of Peace in late November. According to Wilcox, the recording began as a gift to her mother for Christmas and was initially intended only for family members. The album’s song selection focuses on holiday gospel selections old and new, including “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” “What Child Is This?,” “Oh Holy Night” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”
Do It To Julia
The Ballad of Archie Carroll
One of the bands with the biggest buzz in 2008, indie pop group Do It To Julia toiled for much of the year before releasing The Ballad of Archie Carroll on ASU’s Split Rail Records. The band’s quirky, yet undeniably catchy blend of soaring melodies, bouncy rhythms and stellar song craft manage to shine through the disc’s squeaky-clean production.
Hope Massive
Itany
One of the area’s most solid live acts prowling High Country stages for nearly five years, Hope Massive finally committed their pulsing roots reggae sound to disc with 2008’s Itany. Booming with fiery, crisp dancehall grooves and laden with relevant social commentary, Itany brims with energy and would be a welcome addition to any reggae fan’s collection.
Hunger & Health Coalition
Christmas in the Mountains
Following the runaway success of last year’s release, the Hunger & Health Coalition decided to release another disc of Christmas cheer. Christmas in the Mountains Volume 2 features contributions by Doc Watson and the Kingston Trio, as well as tracks from several talented local artists including Amantha Mill, Jeff Little, Todd Wright, Joe Shannon and many more.
Mast General Store
from Cradles to Caskets
It is well known locally that W.W. Mast, the first Mast owner, was deeply concerned about his neighbors and his ability to provide for their everyday needs.
So concerned, in fact, that he carried everything “from cradles to caskets.” The wide variety suggested by the CD’s title is reflected in the collection of musicians and songs that comprises from Cradles to Caskets. From a capella mountain ballads and ages-old Celtic fiddle tunes to modern bluegrass picking and gospel standards, the disc is a true slice of Appalachia.
Naked Gods
Welcome Home
Following the surprising success of their debut EP in 2007, Boone indie heroes Naked Gods buckled down to deliver Welcome Home—a blast of raw, hook-laden rock. Hitting shelves in November, Welcome Home is a mature musical statement that positioned the band for their eminent launch out of Boone and into the regional music scene.
Melissa Reaves
Holidaze
“It’s like a little miracle album the way it all came together,” said Melissa Reaves. “The timing was so wrong, but so right. It even snowed that day.”
It may have been a rush job, but Reaves’ Holidaze turned out to be one of the most refreshing releases of the year. With an all-star cast of players backing the lauded vocalist and guitarist, Reaves showed her considerable range on the set of winter classics.
Steve & Ruth Smith
An Appalachian Winter
For years, fans of Appalachian Celtic music makers Steve and Ruth Smith have been hankering for a holiday album. The husband and wife duo finally obliged in 2008 with An Appalachian Winter. The lilting sounds of the couple’s hammered dulcimer and acoustic guitar gently caress holiday classics and even a few seasonal originals that will likely be spinning in area homes during the winter months for years to come.
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