"In the 1950's a young rock and roll singer released a version of Bill Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky.' Folks liked Elvis' stepped up interpretation and that inspired Bill to re-release the number, adding triple fiddles for more spice. During the 1950's Monroe kept the triple fiddles prominent in his recordings and personal appearances. If Monroe were recording today, he would snap up this synergistic group of triple fiddles and feature them prominently. And he would be glad he did!
Emma and Bryan McDowell have teamed up with their mentor and teacher, Arvil Freeman, to create an exciting and energetic recording of mostly instrumentals, many like "Wheel Hoss" and "Jerusalem Ridge", which come straight from the Monroe catalog. Arvil Freeman is one of those 'many generation' fiddle players from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Emma and Bryan have been studying with Arvil since they were young kids, first on fiddles, and then moving to all matters musical. Now as young adults, they are equally adept on fiddle as well as mandolin and guitar. Emma adds the strong bass rhythms on every cut.
Most young folks tend to parrot a master. Emma and Bryan, however, sound just like themselves. Their choice of notes and tone is their own. Bryan's sparkling guitar playing will rival any of the bluegrass masters, and there are few singers, country or bluegrass, that have the grace that Emma displays in her singing.
This is a first production from the McDowell's, and I for one am looking forward to hearing more of their original material and their crisp, clean sound. Come on, young'uns, tune 'em up and let's have another round!"
Laura Boosinger
International Folk musician and "Songbird of the Smokies"
August 2007
Arvil Freeman has done three documentaries with David Holt, of which the most recent is currently on air. He has been featured in several publications and has acquired numerous awards. You can find Arvil's fiddlin' on nearly 50 albums and CD's. He has performed with many bands over the years, ranging from Reno and Smiley, to Carl and J.P. Sauceman, to Ralph Lewis and the Piney Mountain Boys, to the Marc Pruett Band, to mention but a few. But Arvil will be the first to tell you that his most important accomplishments in music has been that of passing on the mountain fiddlin' tradition to 30 years of students. Arvils' passion, dedication, and tremendous contributions to the music that he loves has truly been a very prominent influence and has touched the lives of so many. We are blessed that he has always so generously shared his talent with us. Thank you, Arvil. We love you. ---Emma and Bryan
Bryan and Emma would like to thank: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His gift of salvation and His hand in everything we do. Our parents, Steve and Donna McDowell, who have always supported our interests in music and encouraged us. We would never have been able to come this far without y'all. Arvil Freeman, our fiddle teacher, mentor, and best friend, for being there to guide us these eight years and for honoring us in being a part of this CD. Ray and Gail McElroy, the Brand, Teague, and Valentine families, the Bests, the Smiths, and the Conards, our church family, Uncle Bobby Folsom, Van Atkins, Steve Sutton, Karma Shuford, Marc Pruett, Bryan Sutton and family, Laura Boosinger, Michael Cleveland, Jim VanCleve, Adam Steffey, Steve Gulley, Bobby Hicks, Vance Birthplace and staff, and Roger Howell and Randy Hughes for their superb maintenance and repair work on our instruments.
Arvil would like to thank Emma and Bryan. "I feel very honored to be on this project and to have known Emma and Bryan for the past eight years. Y'all have been wonderful students, the best anybody could ever have."
In Memory of: Gordon Freeman, Charles Conard, and Richard Trantham.
Credits:
Produced by: Bryan, Emma, and Arvil
Recorded at: CrazyCreek Studios, Canton, NC
Engineered by: Bryan, Emma, and Steve McDowell
Mixed by: Van Atkins, Bryan, and Emma
Mastered by: Van Atkins at Crossroads Studios, Arden, NC
CD Photography: Karma Shuford of Karnard Creations
Photo Location: Vance Birthplace, Weaverville, NC
Graphics Design: Ultra Entertainment and Bryan and Emma
Manufactured by: Ultra Entertainment
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