Album Notes

“This is the Future of Americana Music”

Employing an all-star cast of Nashville musicians, the debut album from Flatt & Alvis is sure to create prodigy-esque rumors when it hits the streets. Stephen Flatt, great-nephew of Lester Flatt, relinquishes a full assault on the senses when combining forces with revered vocalist Shane Alvis. Flatt & Alvis were joined in the studio by some of Nashville’s top guns including: Dave Roe – Bass (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yokam), Guthrie Trapp – Guitar/Mandolin (Patty Lovelace, Jerry Douglas), Peter Hyrka – Fiddle/Mandolin (Gypsy Hombres, Six Pence None the Richer), Mike Headrick – Pedal Steel (Louvin Brothers, Conway Twitty), and Mike Walter (Tanya Tucker). The beautiful vocal work of Flatt & Alvis, combined with the instrumental work of these fine musicians, creates a fun and truly original sound on their debut album “Fields of Fire”.

Stephen Flatt began composing Country and Americana music in his early teens. Through the insight and support of his own family and their rich musical heritage, the young songwriter quickly grasped the concept of utilizing tightly knit harmonies and perceptive lyrics to portray his own stories and ideas. During his school years in Tennessee, Flatt was introduced to vocalist and writer Shane Alvis. The two immediately found common ground, both in youthful experience and unrestrained talent; the duo began honing their vocal harmonies into a flawless weave by focusing on Alvis' effortlessly precise southern gospel choir voice. This fiery initial union would eventually lead them onto the world's stage. By the time young Stephen Flatt and Shane Alvis entered college, the two had collectively written an entire catalogue of original music and were regularly performing in front of thousands of captivated and awestruck listeners; the duo promptly collected a vast and dedicated following of friends and fans alike.

The harmony of Flatt & Alvis' music radiates with the soulful presence of America's youth and encompasses a sound and charisma not witnessed in decades. The duo similarly combine the lyrical prowess and soul of artists such as John Mellencamp and Robert Plant, with the skillfully refined harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel and The Louvin Brothers; all of this enveloped within two tall and handsome young men poised as the prodigy of a distinguished era in American Music.

More about Fields of Fire:
"Fields of Fire", the debut release from Flatt & Alvis, has been in the making for sometime. Containing songs written over a period of fourteen years, the album is a pure work of art and a labor of love for the duo. The introspective lyrics paint a musical picture of relationships, individuals, emotions, and travels. "Life is one field of fire after another," says Stephen Flatt. "We wanted to create an album that portrays life and its many stories.”

"Fields of Fire" was recorded at the world-famous Mikron studios in February of 2006. The album was brought to life by producer Dustin Michael, who was able to recruit some of the top Nashville sessions musicians to play on the album, including Dave Roe (Johnny Cash), Peter Hyrka (Six Pence None the Richer), Guthrie Trapp (Patty Loveless), Mike Walter (Tanya Tucker), and Mike Headrick (Charlie Louvin and Louise Mandrell). The artists brought many creative ideas to the project, which culminated into a completely original sound during the recording sessions. With his extensive and varied musical background, Michael was able to create a distinctive sound for the duo by infusing bluegrass and country in the already established folk rock songs in the Flatt & Alvis repertoire. Michael was intent on recording a raw and authentic album similar to the retro-folk albums from the late 60's and early 70's. The bass, violin, guitar, and mandolin were all recorded in the same room, thus utilizing the beautiful acoustics of Mikron studios. Most of the songs were recorded between two and three takes. One song in particular, “Calling of the Crows”, was recorded on the initial take. "These songs are so natural for us now, we felt very comfortable with the first studio takes", explains Alvis. The results of the recording session were authentic, heartfelt, and awe-inspiring. Flatt & Alvis have always been recognized for their jaw-dropping harmonies, and this album consistently rewards the listener with beautiful harmony arrangements. The album is sure to be the recipient of much fanfare from the Nashville music scene. The album will be globally released on July 4th 2006 and will be available for digital download at all digital music stores. A physical copy of the CD can be purchased via the Flatt & Alvis website and at www.cdbaby.com.