Digest

This episode of Mountain Stage, hosted by David Mayfield, features a diverse lineup of musicians. The show kicks off with Fellow Pinons, an award-winning contemporary folk duo from Ashland, Oregon, who perform their original song "Pretty Poly." Next, The Wandering Hearts, a British Americana band, take the stage with their energetic performance of "America." Rebecca Porter, a rising country singer-songwriter from Virginia, shares her powerful songs about motherhood and resilience. Charlie Mars, a Mississippi-born singer-songwriter, brings his soulful country tunes to the stage, performing songs like "Mountain Girl" and "Dream Kitchen." The episode concludes with a captivating performance by Ruthie Foster, a Grammy-nominated blues singer, who delivers soulful renditions of songs like "Searching" and "Freedom." The show also features a special performance by Bob Thompson, the Mountain Stage's piano player, who showcases his talent with a soulful rendition of "Trouble in Mind."

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Fellow Pinons

This Chapter introduces the show and its host, David Mayfield, and welcomes the first musical act, Fellow Pinons, a contemporary folk duo from Ashland, Oregon. They perform their original song "Pretty Poly," showcasing their unique blend of vocal harmonies and traditional instrumentation.

00:03:13

The Wandering Hearts

This Chapter features The Wandering Hearts, a British Americana band, who perform their song "America." Their music blends alt-country, folk, and Americana influences, creating a refreshing and enchanting sound. The band discusses their musical journey, from London to the Grand Ole Opry, and their latest album, "Mother."

00:04:58

Rebecca Porter

This Chapter introduces Rebecca Porter, a rising country singer-songwriter from Virginia. She shares her powerful songs about motherhood, domestic violence, generational trauma, and discrimination. Porter discusses her songwriting process and her two EPs, "Prime Rainbow Conditions" and "Queen of the Local."

01:21:36

Charlie Mars

This Chapter welcomes Charlie Mars, a country and folk-inflected singer-songwriter from Mississippi. He shares stories about his musical journey, from performing in small town VFW halls to collaborating with renowned artists like REM and Steve Earle. Mars performs several of his original songs, including "Mountain Girl" and "Dream Kitchen."

01:57:50

Ruthie Foster

This Chapter features Ruthie Foster, a Grammy-nominated blues singer, who delivers a captivating performance. She shares stories about her musical influences, her time in the Navy, and her decision to walk away from a major label deal to pursue her own artistic vision. Foster performs several of her songs, including "Searching," "Freedom," and "Healing Time."

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Mountain Stage?

  Mountain Stage is a weekly live performance radio show that features a diverse range of musicians from across the globe. The show is known for its intimate setting, high-quality sound, and eclectic mix of genres. Mountain Stage is produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed by NPR.

• Who are Fellow Pinons?

  Fellow Pinons is an award-winning contemporary folk duo from Ashland, Oregon. The duo consists of Danny O'Bare on clawhammer banjo and bazooki, and Ian George on guitar and mandolin. Their music is characterized by its intricate vocal harmonies, traditional instrumentation, and imaginative songwriting.

• What is The Wandering Hearts' musical style?

  The Wandering Hearts is a British Americana band based in London, England. Their music blends alt-country, folk, and Americana influences, creating a unique and captivating sound. The band has released two albums, "Wild Silence" and "The Wandering Hearts," and has toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe.

• What are some of the themes explored in Rebecca Porter's music?

  Rebecca Porter is a rising country singer-songwriter from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Her music is known for its raw honesty and emotional depth, reflecting her experiences with domestic violence, generational trauma, and discrimination. Porter has released two EPs, "Prime Rainbow Conditions" and "Queen of the Local."

• What is Charlie Mars' musical background?

  Charlie Mars is a Mississippi-born singer-songwriter whose music blends country, folk, and blues influences. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and has performed with renowned artists like REM and Steve Earle. Mars is known for his warm vocal delivery and his ability to craft poignant and earthy songs.

• What are some of Ruthie Foster's notable achievements?

  Ruthie Foster is a Grammy-nominated blues singer known for her powerful vocals and soulful performances. She has released numerous albums and has won numerous awards, including seven Blues Music Awards and three Austin Music Awards. Foster is a true powerhouse of the blues, whose authenticity and talent have earned her acclaim and admiration worldwide.

Show Notes

This episode was recorded on April 28th, 2024 at WVU's Canaday Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Ruthie Foster, Charlie Mars, Fellow Pynins, The Wandering Hearts, Rebecca Porter, and guest host David Mayfield. https://bit.ly/4aMlc3Z