Morgan Morrison on Bouzouki and Vocals, Aimee Curl on Bass and Vocals, David VanDeventer on Fiddle, sometimes Danny Knicely on Mandolin/Guitar,and or Zach Lester on Bodran
Influences
Early Fairport Convention, Led Zeppelin's rhythm section, birds, trains, Emmy lou Harris, Celtic music, fiddlers at Buena Vista Va/Galax Va. All the musicians we've ever played with (almost). Alan Lomax, John Hartford, John Doyle, Randy Sabien, Greg Brown, Hazel Dickens, Sandy Denny, Dave Bass, Liz Caroll, Vassar Clements, Bruce Molsky, Rayna Gellert, John Morrison (Morgan's Dad), Donal Lunny, Gillian Welch, Bob Dylan, and many more..............
Sounds Like
New CD "Fields of Fescue" Sept. 2009 release available at www.furnacemountain.com
Press Release
Furnace Mountain
FIELDS OF FESCUE
Shepherds Ford Records
It is a long time since we heard an album that was so instantly enjoyable and grew better and better with each subsequent play.
How many times these days do you get your hands on something so refreshingly great that you just want it to keep playing all day long?
…And all week too.
We’d go as far as to say that this is the best new release we’ve heard this year - and maybe for a while longer.
Another band who have been working quietly away at developing their own distinctive take on rootsy Americana that is so sophisticated in places it’s as good as anything we have ever heard.
These are folks who don’t mind getting their hands dirty either, so there’s a glorious Berryville, Virginia, earthiness to much of the fare (ten originals and two immaculate trad tracks).
In vocalists Aimee Curl and Morgan Morrison, they have two gems who sparkle to give the songs a heart-lifting elevation on to a level rarely reached. They are diamonds but faceted in the old-fashioned rose-cut – not bright-cut way.
These girls were meant to be paired up for the task, made to sound so natural and unforced. Curl handles the double bass so sympathetically she should be held up as a bench mark example of the craft to everyone who fancies themselves as the band’s musical backbone.
Morrison plays guitar and bouzouki tenderly, to doubly underline the fact that she knows just what is required to keep things nailed to perfection.
Then there’s David Van Deventer on fiddle, coorying in so closely to the others and also playing truly majestic music, at times funky and as unbelievably adventurous and clever as you ever heard. He’s studied the instrument for twenty years and clearly understands all of its subtleties and textural possibilities. He can also jazz it up without heading for never-never land - in the same way that other greats (Casey Driessen, for instance) do.
And as if that ain’t enough, they have Danny Knicely handling mandolin chops and note-perfect runs the likes of which you'll have to search far and wide to encounter – no kidding. The guy’s amazing!
So what about the material?
Well, it’s rustic fare, the songs sitting atop fabulously easy-on-the-ear arrangements and the vocals, soft, almost hushed in places, bring Be Good Tanyas (when they were at their prime) to mind, or maybe The Unthanks.
The writing is so damned good it almost demands expletives to get the point across.
We cannot remember a more thoroughly satisfying selection of songs and tunes.
This is a CD that will be loved and cherished by people who admire Tim O’Brien, The Waybacks, great old-time (Foghorn Stringband for instance), Natalie Merchant, Kate and Anna McGarrigle. It is honestly that broad and interesting in its appeal.
The pickin’ is superlative and arrangements hugely satisfying.
Fields of Fescue is destined to go down in history as a classic. Many have tried and failed; Furnace Mountain have pulled it off in spectacular style.
Spread the news: It’s worth buying this album for the track Ooh Belle alone and that sits just very slightly above the others which will bring us comfort and joy until the end of time.
www.furnacemountain.com
also e-mail us at furnacemountain@yahoo.com to inquire about MUSIC LESSONS from Dave or Morgan, on mandolin, fiddle, guitar, clawhammer banjo, and bouzouki, at our home, or at the Round Hill arts center, or at Ellsworth music in Charlestown and Shepherdstown WV.or JV music in Berryville Va.
NEW INSTRUMENTAL CD FIDDLIN DAVE AND MORGAN TUNES FROM THE RIVER HOUSE at CD Baby http://cdbaby.com/cd/fiddlindavemorgan (sample for those interested what we sound like at weddings)
Brief Band Bio: Furnace Mountain
Furnace Mountain consists of Aimee Curl on Bass and Vocals, Morgan Morrison on Bouzouki, Guitar and Vocals, and David Van Deventer on Fiddle and Vocals, and Danny Knicely on Mandolin. The band has graced stages near and far, from the Yangtzee River in China to the banks of the Shenandoah river where they Co-host the famous Watermelon Park Fest each year. Morgan, Dave and Aimee all grew up in Loudoun County Virginia, and have been playing music together since High School. The music of Furnace Mountain is at times lively and raucous, with spirited fiddle melodies weaving in and around powerful rhythms of the bass and bouzouki. It is at other times poignant ant poetic, with sublime vocal harmonies beautifully interpreting some of the oldest songs ever written.
David Van Deventer aka Fiddlin' Dave has been studying the folk origins of the fiddle for over 20 years. He is a fiddle and mandolin instructor, Musical Director of the Watermelon Park Festival, and Shepherds Ford Productions, as well as an active member of Furnace Mountain and the Woodshedders. Other notable artists he has played and recorded with are Keller Williams, Larry Keel, Cracker, and The Country Gentlemen to name a few.
Morgan Morrison began singing and playing guitar with her family at thirteen, and at eighteen took up the bouzouki after becoming interested in old-time and celtic music. She soon began creating her own compositions as well as arranging new versions of traditional folk songs and tunes. Morgan counts her father, John Morrison, Heidi Martin, John Doyle, Donal Lunny, Bob Dylan, and Sandy Denny among many who have inspired her. She also sings with the gypsy jazz sensation, the Woodshedders.
Danny Knicely,Mandolin and Guitar: Danny Knicely is a fourth generation Appalachian multi-instrumentalist from a Virginia family steeped in mountain music tradition. He has won many awards for both his mandolin and guitar expertise such as the first place in the mandolin contest of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. He has years of experience as a professional musician performing in many bands of varying musical styles. He has recorded and toured nationally and internationally with many groups including the award winning Magraw Gap, David Via and Corn Tornado, James Leva and Purgatory Mountain, and is a musical director for the Mountain Music Project and Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, featuring Mark Schatz and Eileen Carson.
Aimee Curl, Bass and Vocals: Aimee Curl, of Loudon County Virginia, her unmistakable breathy sound and sultry style combine in a musician with incredible depth. Original member of the Musemeant, she has toured with bands like Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic, and Blues Traveler on the Horde tour, as well as being part of the Appalachian folk-group Furnace Mountain, and the Woodshedders.
Furnace Mountain; Music Reviews
About our Sept. 2009 release "Fields of Fescue"
"It's one the best Americana albums I've heard all year."
Charles DeLint (musician and author of over 75 published books)
C.D. Baby "Shack Album" review
Category: Music
Featuring the salty sweet voice of Aimee Curl, whose distinct vocal alchemy in ThaMuseMeant has hurled her name into various pockets of folk, bluegrass and roots music, Furnace Mountain is driven by David VanDeventer on the fiddle and vocals with Morgan Morrison on the vocals and bouzouki. Together, they beget an earthy and playful yet passionate hybrid of bluegrass, folk and the slightest touch of rural country songwriting. From a Dylan cover to originals, this disc lilts with an exquisitely-human spirit of poignancy and nostalgia, joy and levity. Whether these ten tracks evoke smiles or heart pangs, there is a pronounced atmosphere of heartfelt outpouring, of songwriting so sincere and musicianship so born from the marrow of their bones that there is a special magic in the silence between the notes, pushing outwards and expanding itself in every phrase. In other words, this is an album that you feel more than you hear. Any follower of bluegrass,
newgrass, folkgrass or singer/songwriter forms should not miss Shack Album.
Review of "Fly the River" CD
Category: Music
Furnace Mountain
Good Sound Magazine: review by, Shannon Holiday
Furnace Mountain: Fly the River
Shepherds Ford 200609
Format: CD
Virginia trio Furnace Mountain has released yet another A+ album. If you haven't yet heard this Appalachian string band, consider this your cue -- give one listen to this or any of their prior discs and hear music that sings to the soul. Drawing inspiration from Celtic, folk, and old-timey roots, the group is sure to enamor all who encounter them, and the unmatched vocal pairing of bassist Aimee Curl and bouzouki player Morgan Morrison is nothing short of spine-tingling. Trading leads and weaving harmonies, the two women captivate the ear in ways that are enchanting, mesmerizing, and downright divine. "Fiddlin' Dave" VanDeventer, as he is known, infuses the band with lively spirit, expertly guiding such purely instrumental tunes as "Duck River" and "Chinquapin Hunting." The trio is often enhanced by the addition of a bodhran (a drum of Irish origin) and the occasional inclusion of mandolin and washtub. Nearly all of the songs are traditional, but each
one, from the very obscure to the somewhat familiar, has been reworked and re-envisioned as something fresh and original. If you like live music, check out Furnace Mountain each September in Berryville, Virginia, when they host the legendary Watermelon Park Festival. For more information about the band, this album, and Watermelon Park, visit www.furnacemountain.com....Shannon Holliday
MUSIC REVIEWS & COMMENTARIES FROM THE PIEDMONT REGION OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Furnace Mountain, hailing from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, were the first act to take the stage. Although only having three members in the band (Dave VanDeventer on fiddle and banjo, Morgan Morrison on bouzouki and vocals, and Aimee Curl on bass and vocals) they had a quite full sound. VanDeventer’s mastery of the fiddle was evident as he lead the band through songs as diverse as high energy instrumental jigs and Celtic-flavored interpretations of W.B. Yeat’s poetry.
During the set Morrison and Curl alternated on vocals, sometimes singing entire songs by themselves, while other times simply alternating verses and joining together to sing the chorus in harmony. Although rather untamed, Curl’s voice was tough and honest, recalling sounds of Lucinda Williams or Chan Marshall’s stunning voices. Morrison’s vocals were a bit more polished.
Furnace Mountain’s set was about 75 minutes and featured quite a few instrumental numbers that really showed off all the band member’s instrumental skills.
POSTED BY JIMMYRHINE
" Don't think twice reviews
"This group from Virginia is surprisingly unknown outside small groups of ardent lovers of bluegrass and traditional Appalachian music. It's surprising because they have the sort of talent and distinct sound that one would expect to garner national attention, if not by big labels then at least by specialized music programs like NPR's World Cafe and others. Probably the reason this band isn't more famous is that they don't pursue it. (They don't even have a page on Wikipedia, who doesn't have one of those these days?) They mostly stay in Virginia and surrounding states, playing small bluegrass festivals. I saw them at one such festival and was able to immediately like their music, something which I can't normally do. I generally have to let things sink in slowly.
This is the 2nd of their 3 albums and is my favorite. Just listen to the track "Love is Pleasing" to sample the kind of spooky, brilliant vocal harmonies this group creates. The instrumentation consists primarily of fiddle, acoustic bass and guitar. On the instrumental songs, the sound is scratchy and raucous. And on the ballads, it blends well with the vocals and provides drifting interludes and trills. This is a great summertime album for enjoying sunny weekend days."
POSTED BY DUSTY WILMES
Charles DeLint (musician, and author of over 75 published books)"And speaking of harmonies, the two female vocalists from The Furnace Mountain Band are sublime on Fly the River (Shepherd's Ford), while their fiddler has a gorgeous tone."
Shack album reviews...
author: Shelia Sale
This is one we didn't have...bought for xmas and we both LOVE IT.We seem to love everything they do.If your a fan..you'll love it too.SHELIA/SOUPY
author: Melinda Thacker
Beautiful voices,harmonies, the music. I have shared this with many people, and every time I get the.. WHO IS THIS?!!! I can't say enough about this group except MORE PLEASE and Fantastic!
Such lovely vocals
author: George Wead
The voices and harmonies here...epitomized in "Little Bird"...draw a listener into a purity of sound that is a sweet, sweet experience.
So great I got two!
author: Evelyn
I was looking for a fantastic bluegrass CD for my brother-in-law's birthday, and nothing was quite right until I found this one. I love it so much I ordered two--one for him and one for me!
author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby
Featuring the salty sweet voice of Aimee Curl, whose distinct vocal alchemy in ThaMuseMeant has hurled her name into various pockets of folk, bluegrass and roots music, Furnace Mountain is driven by David VanDeventer on the fiddle and vocals with Morgan Morrison on the vocals and bouzouki. Together, they beget an earthy and playful yet passionate hybrid of bluegrass, folk and the slightest touch of rural country songwriting. From a Dylan cover to originals, this disc lilts with an exquisitely-human spirit of poignancy and nostalgia, joy and levity. Whether these ten tracks evoke smiles or heart pangs, there is a pronounced atmosphere of heartfelt outpouring, of songwriting so sincere and musicianship so born from the marrow of their bones that there is a special magic in the silence between the notes, pushing outwards and expanding itself in every phrase. In other words, this is an album that you feel more than you hear. Any follower of bluegrass,
newgrass, folkgrass or singer/songwriter forms should not miss Shack Album.
amazing gorgeous
author: sara j
this is amazing and gorgeous music and I am SO glad I have the cd now -- thanks to the musicians for this cd - keep it up! you are loved!
Buy it, you'll be glad you did
author: Tara Ward
Furnace Mountain doesn't sound like any other band I know...they're kind of oldtime, and kind of irish, and entirely brilliant. Morgan and Aimee create mesmerizing and unexpected harmonies while they lay down the rhythm, and Dave's fiddling is just amazing. If you're considering this album, listen the the clips of Dink's Song and Love is Pleasing and then stick it in your shopping cart.
Contact:
David Van Deventer
19 Shepherds Ford lane
Bluemont Va. 20135
540-303-2901
540-955-3946
furnacemountain@yahoo.com
The Furnace Mountain Band consists of Morgan Morrison on Guitar, Bouzouki and Vocals, Aimee Curl on Bass and Vocals, David VanDeventer ("Fiddlin Dave") on Fiddle, Banjo and Vocals; Danny Knicely on Mandolin/Guitar, and sometimes John Flower on washtub/vocals. "The Furnace Mountain Band is pure Virginia Appalachian goodness. Some of the greatest picking and harmonies you've ever heard." ( Nathan Moore, Frogville Records ).
"And speaking of harmonies, the two female vocalists from The Furnace Mountain Band are sublime on Fly the River (Shepherd's Ford), while their fiddler has a gorgeous tone" Charles De lint (musician and author of 65 published books).
Combine the incomparable singing of Morgan Morrison and Aimee Curl, with high-energy fiddle/dance music, and you have a music that can sweep you off your feet in every direction. The Furnace Mountain Band plays a mixture of Appalachian Fiddle Tunes, Ballads, Celtic Tunes and Songs, World Music, Bluegrass, and Originals.
plain layout @ HOTFreeLayouts.comlove / music / movies
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Just stopping by to say hi and wishing you all a happy Spring! Maybe this year I will make it down to Watermelon Park Fest. I have a friend in Leesburg who wants to go. Take care.
thanks for listening! i've been playing with a bunch of folks up here and i like it in brattleboro. it's like if thomas, wv had like 15 front streets and they were all kinda full of a lot more activity. lots of contra dances. i miss you and hope everything is beautiful. how's baby ava?
