Press Release
21 Year-old Fiddler Matt Brown's Debut CD "Lone Prairie" is Released
March 14, 2006
WEST CHESTER , PA – 5-String Productions is pleased to announce the release of Matt Brown's debut CD. “Lone Prairie” is an album of traditional Appalachian music that demonstrates Brown's exceptional talent and commitment to old-time music. Joining Matt on the recording are veteran old-time musicians Beverly Smith and Paul Brown (no relation).
Lone Prairie is a collection of 18 traditional tunes and songs. When asked about the selections, Brown remarked, "I wanted to include music that evokes the melancholy and haunting qualities of traditional Appalachian music. I found those emotions in some of the lesser known tunes, particularly those from Kentucky and West Virginia . In addition, I have enjoyed exploring the subtleties in the most common old-time tunes, material that some fiddlers have abandoned for being overplayed and tired.”
Lone Prairie includes versions of two of those standards, Old Joe Clark and Arkansas Traveler , as well as 13 other tunes from a variety of sources. The three songs Beverly sings further evoke the haunting nature of many of the tunes. East Virginia features Paul on banjo in a style reminiscent of Lily May Ledford, while Matt adds a mournful fiddle part. Matt's fiddle is the sole accompaniment on the two other vocal tracks, Barbara Allen and Her Bright Smile Haunts Me Still . For all three, Beverly 's beautiful, unadorned voice convincingly tells the stories of love and loss.
Matt Brown, although just 21, has been involved in traditional American music all his life. As a teen, he sought out Appalachian fiddlers Brad Leftwich, Rafe Stefanini, Bruce Molsky, Dirk Powell, and Bruce Greene, and has also spent time with living legend Benton Flippen. Matt played his first solo concert at the age of 14 and has been performing around the country for several years.
Matt graduated from West Chester University in May, 2005 and has quickly established himself as a professional musician and teacher. He plays fiddle with the Dayton, Ohio-based percussive dance ensemble Rhythm in Shoes and has made guest appearances with Uncle Earl, The Wilders, and Crooked Still. He has performed at The Wheatland Music Festival, The Philadelphia Folk Festival, The Appalachian String Band Music Festival, and The New England Folk Festival, among many others. He is in demand as a studio musician and producer, and is sought after as a teacher for lessons and workshops.
One of the most respected guitar players in old-time music today, Beverly Smith is also in demand as a singer, fiddler, and dance caller. She has made numerous recordings, backing up fiddlers Bruce Molsky, Rafe Stefanini, Tara Nevins and Brad Leftwich, vocalizing with Irish musicians Mick Moloney and John Doyle, and singing with bluegrass great Laurie Lewis. Matt said, “ Beverly 's heartfelt singing and rock-solid guitar playing admirably support the goals of this CD.”
Paul Brown is a skilled performer of old-time southern fiddle and banjo music with a collection of wonderful songs and tunes from North Carolina and Virginia . He studied banjo intensively with Tommy Jarrell, and has played with a long list of outstanding old-time musicians young and old, from Andy Cahan and Mike Seeger in the Bent Mountain Band to Benton Flippen and the Smokey Valley Boys. “Paul's masterful banjo playing adds a lot to these fiddle tunes, many of which were initially recorded without accompaniment, and therefore leave the banjo player with a lot of freedom and responsibility. His versatility is amazing” Matt said.
For booking and further information about Matt, direct your web browser to www.fiddler1.com . To learn more about 5-String Productions and to purchase the album, visit www.5-string.com .