Another bit of news that came out following the 2011 World of Bluegrass convention is word of two new signings to Mountain Fever Records.
Both Travers Chandler & Avery County and The Heather Berry & Tony Mabe Show will release their next projects with Mountain Fever, and have new singles out to radio, available to programmers via Airplay Direct.
We spoke with Chandler about his new song, and the next Avery County CD.
“The new single is called The Stanley Brothers, written by Tom T. and Dixie Hall. We unveiled it at IBMA as we performed 13 showcases!!
I very much valued my time with Patuxent Music, but I knew that if we were to move to the next level as a band we had to make this next album something special. Mountain Fever has quickly established itself as a player in the bluegrass world mostly working with more contemporary bands. I feel that with our signing that the label has made a statement on its commitment to the more traditional sounds of bluegrass and they support us in our efforts to carry these sounds to new audiences.
The new album is nearly finished with a couple songs written by the band, a brother duet with Eddie Gill and myself (A Pretty Wreath for Mothers Grave) of course a Charlie Moore number (Blue Monday Morning), and what I feel is literally a killer cover of a seldom heard Johnny Paycheck tune (Pardon Me, I’ve Got Someone To Kill).
We are all excited about the potential of this record. It still has some of that dark honky tonk style bluegrass we have become known for, with each band member putting their own stamp on it. I am especially excited about the twin and triple fiddles. I feel as though it is unmistakenly bluegrass.
The gang at Mountain Fever are the best. Mark and Brandon Hodges are aggressive in their promotion and Mark allowed me free artistic range which is huge for me. I am excited about hitting the road and helping us all grow as a band and as a label.”
The Stanley Brothers: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/stanley_brothers.mp3]
Check it out at Airplay Direct.
Heather & Tony also have a new Tom T. and Dixie song released as a single, Walk Slow.
Their sound is a bit hard to peg, incorporating elements of traditional country, bluegrass, and old time music with a strong Carter Family vibe. This new project replicates the duet style they perform as the Heather Berry & Tony Mabe Show. Heather takes the lead vocals and plays guitar, while Tony accompanies her on autoharp and provides harmony vocals.
Berry has gained notice from all corners of the folk music world for her crystal-clear voice and her pitch-perfect delivery.
See what I mean in a clip from the new single…
Walk Slow: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/walk_slow.mp3]
Mark Hodges of Mountain Fever tells us that he is delighted to welcome both of these new artists to the label.
“We are thrilled to bring both of these wonderful acts to radio and audiences worldwide. We pride ourselves in offering a variety of contemporary, progressive and traditional artists and adding Travers Chandler & Avery County and The Heather Berry & Tony Mabe Show to our roster, simply solidifies our role in bringing great music to the forefront.”
Look for both of these projects early in 2012.
