Album Notes

BIG LEG EMMA Steve Johnson and Charity Nuse had been making acoustic music together for many years, but when they met fiddler Amanda Barton in 2001 the seeds for what would become Big Leg Emma were planted. Barton already had experience dating back to her preteen days as a member of a bluegrass band called “The Blue Grasshoppers”. It would not take long for these three original members to realize they had complimentarily eclectic music tastes, and when they sat down to start crafting songs things organically fell into place. Barton’s bluegrass sensibilities blended effortlessly with Nuse and Johnson’s history with country, folk, and roots rock and even funk and their consistently spirited groove. They also have already penned a slew of strong, heartfelt original material, thoughtful, allegorical and delivered with infectious joy. Soaring three-part harmony is also liberally incorporated into their sound. Over the years, they have added Steve French on bass and Rad Akers on drums (who moved from Illinois to upstate New York specifically to join BLE) and their music has evolved to include elements of funk, zydeco and reggae. "We all come from different backgrounds stylistically;” Nuse says, “but we mold all those influences into one big sound with hints of (many others).” They enjoy a gradually growing, loyal fan base, as witnessed by the increased interest in live performances in the online world. The band members combine to offer boundless creativity, and they are consistently bringing new material to keep their material rangy and fresh. They immerse themselves in each performance, as do their fervent followers who frequently erupt into dancing frenzies at BLE shows. The band recorded their debut album Gramma Don't Like That at a private party, yet their sophomore release, studio record The Color of Wind, was a much more successful example of their songwriting brilliance and singular sound. They have quickly become a nationally touring act, and have already shared the stage with Los Lobos, The Del McCoury Band, 10,000 Maniacs, Little Feat, David Grisman, Donna The Buffalo, and more. BAND MEMBERS: Steve Johnson (vocals, guitar) – Steve’s songwriting has Nashville execs buzzing (including the VP of Rodgers & Hammerstein Publishing). He brings a love of country and folk music and has toured as a solo act during which he opened for Bela Fleck and Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root. He considers Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, John Prine and The Beatles his chief influences. He was honored with the CCMA “Songwriter of the Year” Award in 2006. Amanda Barton (vocals, fiddle) - A longtime professional bluegrass musician, Barton performed with Vassar Clements several times including his last public performance. She is a brilliant fiddler and her lush vocals are often featured at BLE shows. She also performs on mandolin at times and she has opened for Herb Peterson and Chris Hillman of The Byrds on her own. Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch and Nancy Griffith are who she identifies has her biggest influences. Charity Nuse – (vocals, mandolin, Djembe, bongos) – Nuse’s pre-BLE experiences lean more toward the blues, soul and jazz worlds – she and Barton once even opened for the legendary drummer- Poogie Bell. The two also opened up acoustically for Jen Wertz of Rusted Root. Nuse has been interested in music since she performed in high school musicals and has also written and performed for the film and advertising industries and is influenced by everyone from Donna The Buffalo to James Brown. Steve French-(Bass)-Frenchy’s influences include-Funk, Rock, electronica, experimental, improv, and hip-hop. He runs a recording studio, video production company, and creates music for films. HE Has an electrical engineering degree and designs audio and automotive equipment for boutique and mass production. He hopes to be a pioneering force in taking real time interactive multimedia to the masses. He has been the drivi