Mark Newton forms new band
Thursday, July 21, 2011 – Mark Newton formed a new band formation, Mark Newton's Stillhouse Band, which he announced today. The new band will consist of bluegrasser Newton, banjoist, bassist and vocalist Andrew Blythe and Dobroist, guitarist and vocalist Leah Needham.
"I am excited to be working such great young talent like Leah and Andrew, moving forward with a refocused musical product, and continuing my efforts with the Graves Mountain Festival, Lyrics for Lyric, and being able to put my energy into being an artist and producer. I am excited about the future and look forward to seeing many of my fans and friends later this year as we kick off a new tour." said Newton.
Newton expects to release a new project soon with the new band configuration. There was no word on what label would release the music.
In 1978, Newton became a member of the Knoxville Grass out of Knoxville, Tenn., and by 1983, Newton, Rickie and Ronnie Simpkins, and Sammy Shelor founded the Virginia Squires. In 1998, Newton released his first solo album for the Rebel Records label,"Living A Dream." While cutting "Living A Dream," Newton came up with the concept for "Follow Me Back To The Fold" A Tribute To Women in Bluegrass. The disc won the IBMA Recorded Event of The Year Award in 2001. Newton also participated on "Knee Deep In Bluegrass The Acutab Sessions" and won The IBMA Instrumental Album Of The Year in 2001.
CD reviews for Mark Newton
Hillbilly Hemingway
Excellent musicians and singers (like Mark Newton, Stuart Duncan, Randy Kohrs plus Carl Jackson on harmonies), good material, a renowned bluegrass producer (Jackson) make for a killer album.
Newton follows different paths. The Jackson-penned numbers have a newgrass feel; the title cut, an ode to Hank Williams, is especially interesting and the comparison of Williams to Hemingway is apt. Then there are the ballads that reach out and touch you, like "Blessings" sung by bass player Beth »»» |
No Boundaries
Mark Newton has put together a great bluegrass album with this release. The photos hint at a minimalist approach (no fiddle or resophonic guitar), but they overdubbed the fiddle onto the tracks. The songs range from the traditional ("Cindy") to those written by some of the best writers in the business. Combine good writers, great musicians and a strong sense of tradition and you have a recording that will grab the attention of bluegrass lovers everywhere.
If you like hard driving tunes, check »»» |
Follow Me Back to the Fold
Mark Newton has assembled an impressive cast of female bluegrassers in his new project. The Virginia singer brings in a mix of better-known and lesser-known distaff vocalists to add harmonies and swap verses on 12 bluegrass and gospel numbers, plus a grand finale written by Dixie Hall featuring husband Tom T. and 11 women singers.
It's as much of a tribute to Newton's reputation that singers of the caliber of Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Lynn Morris and the Whites were willing to add their considerable talents. »»» |
Editorial: Walking the talk –
When names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon and the Hag are invoked, you're talking hard core country. These are the touchstones of country , the guys who made country music what it was and still is (or maybe can be). When these folks would sing about being down-and-out and the rough-and-tumble, they knew of what they were singing about. Fast forward a few years to the country singers of today. »»»
Concert Review: Music City goes (Boston) Pop(s) –
On the face of it, the idea of top shelf country songwriters coming up from Nashville to play with the Boston Pops may seem incongruous. The idea of the venerable Boston institution and fixture on the July 4 scene, playing patriotic songs doesn't have all that much to do with country.
The idea isn't without precedent, of course.... »»»
Concert Review: O'Donovan goes home –
Aiofe O'Donovan had plenty of reason to be filled with good cheer. This was a hometown gig, after all, and only three days before the release of her first full-length solo debut, "Fossils."
Joking that the audience was filled with people she knew from high school and her parents' friends, O'Donovan made it clear that Boston... »»»
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