For Immediate Release
Mason Porter Summons Thunder in the Valley
West Chester, Pennsylvania, Roots Group Furthers Philadelphia’s Burgeoning Folk Scene With Its First Full-Length Album
West Chester, Pennsylvania (Dec. 10th 2009) – Roots group Mason Porter will release their first full-length album, Thunder in the Valley, on December 10 via Philadelphia upstart Uncle Nicky Records. Showcasing 13 new songs from songwriters Joe D’Amico, Tim Celfo and Paul Wilkinson, Thunder reunites Mason Porter with producer Tom Hamilton (American Babies, Brothers Past), who oversaw the group’s sterling 2008 self-titled EP, and features the mixing work of producer Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Hoots and Hellmouth). The band will celebrate Thunder in the Valley with a CD Release Party and performance at the Blinkin’ Lincoln in Manayunk on December 19 at 10 pm.
Preserving the core instrumentation of acoustic guitar, mandolin and upright bass—as well as Mason Porter’s signature three-part harmonies—Thunder in the Valley displays the band’s ability to expand beyond its original folk and bluegrass roots with intricate songwriting and arrangements.
The album builds song-by-song, as dobro and violin enter the frame, followed by electric guitar, piano, harmonica and more. Opening track “Hard Luck and Trouble” starts with a chaotic rumble that quickly dissolves into a sweet sway of bowed bass and acoustic guitar, with each chorus bigger than the last. “Up In The Hills,” a good ol’ barn-burner and staple at live shows, is captured with all the energy MP fans have come to expect. The title track’s mighty intro is topped only by the ferocity of its ending refrain. And the band’s ability to create masterful vocal arrangements is evident throughout the entire record—but particularly near the album’s end, in songs like “nowhere,” “Snow Angel” and “Delta Queen.”
Starting December 10, Thunder in the Valley will be available at unclenickeyrecords.com and at the group’s live shows. Also available are the band’s self-released 2008 EP and 2009 split 7in with Chris Kasper, also on Uncle Nicky Records.
Mason Porter will tour the East Coast this winter and spring, returning to festivals this summer. For a full itinerary, go to http://www.masonporter.com
For more information please contact:
Joe D’Amico
masonporter@gmail.com
http://www.masonporter.com
For label inquiries:
Colin Helb
Uncle Nicky Records
mail@unclenickyrecords.com
http://www.unclenickyrecords.com
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