MP3 True North - Pluck

Combines traditional bluegrass instrumentation with soulful vocals, fat harmonies and folk-edged songwriting for a decidedly modern acoustic sound.

12 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Alternative Folk, COUNTRY: Bluegrass

Details:
About True North
Northwest indie-grass quartet True North combines traditional bluegrass instrumentation with soulful vocals, fat harmonies and folk-edged songwriting for a decidedly modern acoustic sound. True North's tight and careful arrangements can be alternately big and wild, tender and deliberate.

Original songs written by Dan Wetzel and Kristen Grainger give the band a fresh, modern bent, but you can also count on True North to perform bluegrass standards with originality and style, and give classic rock songs like âFree Fallin" a beautiful new identity.

True North's members are seasoned bluegrass pickers with a great deal of band and studio experiences between them. The bandâs instrumental skills are exceptional; its vocals, both lead and harmony, are outstanding.

Although True Northâs individual players are champion pickers and award-winning songwriters who are well-known in Oregonâs bluegrass scene, it is the synergy created by the combination of these four performers that makes the sound of True North unparalled.

Their high energy and abundant skill deliver unforgettable performances, with heart-pounding instrumentals and plenty of three-part harmonies that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck.


Reviews of "Pluck"

âThey [True North] are the perfect modern bluegrass band⦠Focusing around the terrific lead vocals of Kristen Grainger, the band shows what can happen when great songs meet great singers⦠This is a band making wonderful musical choices. They are going deeper than mere instrumental wind sprints and reworked standards⦠This is a CD youâll want to listen to again and again. Highly recommended.â

â Kate McKenzie (Red House Records artist, perhaps best known for her appearances on Garrison Keillorâs A Prairie Home Companion radio program.)

âKristen [Grainger]âs vocalizing exhibits the intensity of a singer with breathtaking ability comparable to Laurie Lewis⦠The band is emerging in the Northwest as one of the most endearing and passionate contributors to the Northwestâs acoustic folk repertoire. Their craftsmanship and focus squarely put the emphasis on original material, deliberative arrangements, graceful guitar, and gorgeous vocals.â

â Joe Ross staff writer, Bluegrass Now

âThe band sounds quite good, and [Kristen Graingerâs] singing is lovely.â

â Laurie Lewis Grammy award-winning artist, Rounder Records

âTrue Northâs Pluck proves that you donât need a big label or large budget to produce a fine album with first class sound. If you like your folk or bluegrass with a mellifluous edge, give True Northâs Pluck a listen.â

â Steven Stone Vintage Guitar Magazine, March 2007 (excerpt used with permission)

âBy far the strongest point of this band is the songwriting of members Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel, putting up four more great tunes this CD. âTil I Have You is a great opening song, tasty and very easy on the ears. Next is an excellent rendition of KD Langâs Luck In My Eyes, right on and cool. Desiree McRae is a cooking bluegrass tune with guest Keith Arneson on the 5-string, drivinâ right along. What a neat groove the band finds on Friday Night, soooo cookinâ⦠a perfect ending for a fine CD⦠Pluck is a hot CD with an excellent mix of bluegrass and near-bluegrass tunes with excellent recording values.â

â Uptown Bluegrass January 2007

âKristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel share in the lead vocals and are especially effective on ââTil I Have Youâ and âFriday Night.â In all, âPluckâ is a pleasant assortment of contemporary bluegrass that should expand the musical reputation of True North.â

â Bluegrass Unlimited January 2007

âTrue North is one of the best bluegrass band I have heard in a long time.â

â Samantha Sturm independent music reviewer, myspace.com

People who are interested in Bonnie Raitt Alison Krauss & Union Station Laurie Lewis should consider this download.