THE LOWLANDS: The Lowlands

The Lowlands

The Lowlands

© 2006 The Lowlands (634479368615)

An old-timey/bluegrass/folk ensemble of five young musicians who capture the heart and wisdom of American roots music with a fresh and youthful energy.

tracks

1 Gamblin' Soul
2 Pack of Seeds
3 Floating
4 Take Me Back Home
5 Glory Bound

notes

The Lowlands is an ensemble of five musicians who capture the heart of American roots music with a fresh and youthful energy. Featuring the timeless original songs and rich vocal harmonies of Chris Kasper (guitar), Adrien Reju (guitar), and Todd Barneson (mandolin) the group is complimented by dobro/pedal-steel guitarist Adam Davis and bassist/producer Jeff Hiatt who help drive The Lowlands characteristically upbeat performances.

For The Lowlands, playing roots music is about honest songwriting, musical camaraderie and honoring the traditions of the past. Drawing from a wide range of musical influences (bluegrass, country blues, folk, classical, jazz, classic rock, heavy metal), the members of the group together create a sound that is at once distinctive and familiar. Their songs pay homage to traditional roots music styles, but their vocal and instrumental arrangements and lively performances are what make them contemporary and exciting to watch. Fans often tell them they “rock”. While the group is often compared to the likes of Alison Krauss and Union Station and Nickel Creek, their ethos is more in line with artists like Old Crow Medicine Show and Gillian Welch. "They keep the roots real," says Tara Murtha of Play magazine. "The Lowlands pave out the harmonies and then infuse them with that outlaw-ish, devil-went-down-to-Georgia energy."

Since its formation during living room jam sessions in early 2005, the music of The Lowlands has garnered much attention. The group frequented the bars and small venues in and around Philadelphia and New York City, quickly becoming one of region's favorite bands. The following year, Philadelphia music industry leaders identified the band as "Best of Local Music 2006" in the Ticket Entertainment section of the Montgomery News. The Lowlands' debut, a self-titled/self-produced EP released in 2006, was placed into regular rotation on WXPN 88.5 (Philadelphia) and subsequently the band was asked to perform at the 2006 WXPN All About the Music Festival and at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this summer where they were frequently deemed "the highlight of the festival". One thing is for sure, whether on a large festival stage or in the corner of a small bar, the group continually receives genuine praise and enthusiasm.

In addition to the group's success throughout the Delaware Valley region, The Lowlands' music has begun to harvest national interest as well. The group has toured to the mid-west states as far as Wisconsin, to New England as far north as Vermont, and to south of the Mason-Dixon line as far as West Virginia. While on tour the band has shared the stage with such notable artists as Peter Rowan, David Bromberg, BeauSoleil, Tony Trischka, and The Lovell Sisters - to name a few - and they are set to open for Rhonda Vincent in October 2007. The plan for their increasingly bright future is to reach farther and wider.

The Lowlands new full-length album Bark and Twine was released at the Philadelphia Folk Festival this summer and was one of the festival’s top selling CDs. Chris Kasper was the winner of the 2002 "Best Song" award at Mountain Stage's New Song Festival. Prior to dedicating themselves to The Lowlands the members have accompanied artists such as David Bromberg, Amos Lee, Linda Ronstadt and Ben Arnold.

reviews

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  • Cream of the Philly Music Crop
    author: Carsie Blanton

    This album has everything: impeccable musicianship, well-crafted songs, gorgeous voices singing in harmony, and lots of down-home soul and sex appeal. I've listened to it more than any other album to come out in 2007.

  • Wahoo!
    author: Dave Bastian

    Can't get enough of this disc! I am in love with the songwriting, the vocals and every track. Kind of bluegrass, kind of Americana, kind of folk, all good. Let's hope a full length album is in the works soon.

  • Great
    author: Jack

    Only complaint - too short! Waiting for full length CD. Great vocals. Saw Lowlands live in Philadelphia. Great!

  • Amazing music!
    author: Lizanne Knott

    The talented artists that have come together to form this band are outstanding by themselves, together they create a timeless masterpiece. Great songwriting, incredible vocals and musicianship. Catch them live on their upcoming tour and buy this cd!

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