Unusual collection of ballads, soldier songs, hymns, popular songs of the day plus a few written later about the war, representing both the Union and the Confederacy, done with bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies and recorded live by an unusual band.

20 MP3 Songs
COUNTRY: Bluegrass, FOLK: Traditional Folk



Details:
ShoreGrass is a bluegrass band from the Connecticut shoreline which has performed as a quintet since December, 1999. Their music is a lively mix of traditional bluegrass, old-time, early country, gospel and folk songs as well as original pieces reflecting their roots in contemporary music with a local flavor. All five members of ShoreGrass sing, giving the group that unique bluegrass blend of guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and bass while alternating leads on 3 and 4-part vocal harmonies. Their musicianship gives the audience an ensemble experience that demonstrates the range and uniqueness of each instrument as well as an unusually rich vocal blend, all delivered with the special sense of humor that marks all ShoreGrass performances.

Band members on this recording include:

Frank Shaw (banjo, dulcimer on 8, guitar on 16, vocals)
Barbara Shaw (guitar, vocals)
Paul Pozzi (mandolin, vocals)
Larry Rothermel (fiddle)
Louis Audette (bass, vocals on 12)

On March 21, 2003, they presented a concert of "Songs of the Civil War Era" at the Blackstone Library auditorium in Branford, CT, which was recorded live by Brent Hall of the Sounding Board. This recording was recently re-discovered at the urging of friends and fans, and they decided to make it available as a live album.

They cover songs popular during the War Between the States as well as a few songs written about the war in later years. This recording includes familiar soldier songs from the period along with sentimental ballads, hymns and popular songs of the past and present, representing both the Union and the Confederacy. ShoreGrass presents live bluegrass-style interpretations of a collection of great old songs from an important period in American history.

The recording is live but all the thunderous applause and clever commentary have been left out! (Whew...)

Music has always been a chronicler as well as a blessed escape from the horrors of war. It was, during the Civil War, and it continues to be today. Thank you for providing them with this opportunity to make music.

Prior to this recording, ShoreGrass released their first CD "In Connecticut" in late 2001. It was recorded at American Melody Studio in Guilford, CT, engineered and mixed by nationally renowned musician Phil Rosenthal. The songs reflect their strong roots in traditional acoustic music as well as their affection for New England, especially the debut of the instrumental "Connecticut Waltz," and "I Can't Go Home," which comments on changes in hometown Branford, CT. This CD was selected for review by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, which said:

"...they sound terrific. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their blend is sweet, their repertoire is varied easy listening. I gave this CD the old dishwashing test and it lasted all the way through the dinnerware, even surviving the wok, which gets done last."

A testimonial about the "Connecticut Waltz" from the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce:

"Connecticut Waltz" is a beautiful song that eases the mind of everything and brings thoughts of times past. The song is easy listening and uplifting at the same time with a refreshing melody. It seems this waltz would be a great representation for Connecticut and we thank you for taking the time and effort to put it together. This is a time when people understand how important it is to have "roots" and you are offering a song that can symbolize people's love for Connecticut!

*** ShoreGrass "In Connecticut" is also available on cdbaby.com ***

Future projects include a new album of original material. See www.shoregrass.com for the latest band information.

*** This just in (see review below)!

2006 Bluegrass Guide Review
An album review published by Mountain High Bluegrass Associates of Bellows Falls, Vermont in their 2006 Bluegrass Festival Guide: www.bluegrassguide.com