The Frederico Brothers | Fire Creek
In their promo, Missoula folk group The Frederico Brothers tells us they sing songs about “trains, death, and love gone wrong.” Their second release, “Fire Creek,” doesn’t disappoint.
The band’s Paul Kelley, bass and vocals, and Phil Hamilton, harmonicas, played in Missoula’s popular Lost Highway Band (1976-’85). Bruce Carlson, vocals and guitar, joined them in 1988. Peter Walther (vocals, electric guitar, mandolin) and Roger Moquin, drums, have been on the Missoula music scene for many years as well.
Originals from Kelley, Carlson and Walther, replete with cool harmonies, are interspersed with several well-delivered covers. Recorded live with no sweetened post-production, the sound is spare and clean, imparting authenticity.
The title cut, “Fire Creek,” by Walther, sets the old-time feel. In Carlson’s “Paddy Malone,” a miner recounts his hard-scrabble life.
Kelley’s “Drive Away” is melodic, with a great vocal harmony hook on “Life’s a mighty wicked weekend, drive away.” Carlson’s “Montana Backroads” gets a reprise here; it was recorded by Texas singer Nanci Griffith on her first album.
Mickey… Read more
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The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation announced recently that jazz and blues guitarist Lee Ritenour will be joining the world-renowned ensemble of instructors for the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop Aug. 29-Sept. 5 in Bigfork. Ritenour was a founding member of Fourplay, the most successful band in contemporary jazz. Read more
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Storyhill | Shade of the Trees
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Richie Reinholdt | Shelf Life
Prolific Missoula songwriter and guitarist Richie Reinhold is at it again. Pumping out his umpteenth disk of original songs, Reinholdt once more manages to embed thoughtful lyrics into danceable tunes. He says this is a more reflective effort, and “I’ve just let the emo out.” Read more