A hybrid of American roots music that includes traditional folk, swing, and country. "This music arrives well-worn, creeps under your skin and latches onto your youthful memories - blending in with the old Woody Guthrie tunes and Hank Williams classics.

15 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Modern Folk, COUNTRY: Country Folk



Details:
The Mitguardsâ musical style, a hybrid of American roots music that includes modern folk, traditional country, and swing makes their sound powerful and distinct. While they sometimes perform with additional band members near their home in Manitou Springs, Colorado, the core of the band consists of Chris Mitguard on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Deb Mitguard on mandolin and vocals. Their original songs, framed by unique musical arrangements and raw, haunting harmonies, weave a mixture of humor and tragedy through the stories they tell.
Chris, a Colorado native, is the songwriter for the band and has been writing songs since he was a young boy in the 1960s. His songs create powerful, visual, almost cinematic images. His well-crafted story lines are full of twists, turns and irony. They create the perfect backdrop for his sad, beautiful, sometimes dangerous, and undeniably human characters. His musical influences range from Hank Williams and Johnny Horton to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Mississippi John Hurt. Chrisâ strong finger-picking style defines and drives The Mitguardsâ sound.
Deb Mitguard grew up north of Detroit where she was surrounded by a variety of musical styles and influenced by acts like Joni Mitchell, Timbuk 3, John Hartford, and the Del McCoury Band. Deb has played guitar and performed since she was a young girl but wasnât inspired to play seriously until she discovered the mandolin in 1998. Since that time, she has developed a unique and charming style of mandolin. She has a natural sense of composition and theme, which adds layers of texture to The Mitguardsâ sound.
Unlike the nostalgic view of life taken by some Americana acts, The Mitguards cast an unflinching eye on the world around them, unafraid to address dark subject matter and equally skilled at revealing the subtle humor of everyday life. Chris and Deb are constantly expanding and stretching their material and performance style. They are dynamic performers that play hard and always aim at the heart of their audience. Their spirited banter and engaging humor creates an endearing and intimate atmosphere, immediately connecting them with their audience, which is comprised of young and old alike.
The Mitguards perform regularly throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, northern California, Tennessee, Ohio and Georgia. After their successful debut tour in 2004, The Mitguards also plan to return to Australia.

Discography: Ridinâ With The One I Love (2006), Nobodyâs Fool (2004), Same Moon (2002),
Restless Heart (Chrisâ solo release, 1997).