The Forefathers are a 4-piece instrumental ensemble performing original Ambient World Rock. The band fuses various genres such as Celtic, New Age, Afro-Beat, Folk, & Rock into a distinctive sound. The Forefathers’ music evokes a spirit of positive energy, mystery, and adventure that stimulates the listener’s imagination to new frontiers.
The Forefathers are comprised of Rich Marcil (12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, & E-Bow), Thuan Nguyen (bass guitar), Ross Jarrett (percussion & harmonica), and Curtis Michelson (drums). Together since 2005, The Forefathers have released 3 CD’s and 1 EP.
Their latest, entitled “Aurora“, debuted in January 2011 and is comprised of 11 tracks that features, in addition to The Forefathers, several highly talented guest musicians who contributed woodwinds, keyboards, and vocals. The band is booking shows throughout 2011 to promote the new album. “Aurora” debuted on National Public Radio’s “Echoes” program in February 2011 and reached #4 on the show’s Top 25 for February 2011. The tracks “Evening Rain”, “Not Forgotten”, “Seven”, and “Dreamland” have appeared on the show. Another track, the song “Aurora”, appeared on the Radio Crystal Blue program.
The Forefathers' previous release, "Manataka", contained the tracks "Mountain Rose", "Silhouettes", "Manataka (Place of Peace)", & "Awake" that were featured on many radio shows, including National Public Radio‘s “Echoes“. The track "Mountain Rose" was also selected for inclusion on the compilation "Tribute to Stuart Adamson" (late singer/guitarist of the Scottish band Big Country). Velocity Magazine called the album “superb and richly textured ... its global essence is obvious and will stir your soul…”. Upon hearing the “Manataka” album, it was also enthusiastically endorsed by the Manataka American Indian Council.
The Forefathers have performed numerous well-received live shows at music, art, and eco-awareness festivals, as well corporate events and music clubs. The band was once recognized as the "Best Acoustic Act" in the Central Florida region by The Orlando Weekly while guitarist Marcil was, in 2009, selected among 10 finalists for Musician of the Year by the Songwriters Showcases of America.
In 2010, The Forefathers created a soundtrack to accompany spoken word artists and the “Emotions Dance” company’s presentation of “Poetry In Motion” that premiered to an enthusiastic theatre audience. In January 2011, the band celebrated the release of “Aurora” with a CD Release Celebration and performance at Timucua, a beautiful custom-built concert venue within the home of Benoit Glazer, the conductor of Cirque du Soleil’s “La Nouba” at Orlando’s Downtown Disney.
For more information, CDs, photos, or interviews, contact The Forefathers via email at ForefathersMusic@gmail.com or through their websites:
www.facebook.com/theforefathers or www.theforefathers.com .
Instrumentation
Rich Marcil - e-bow, 12-string acoustic guitar
Thuan Nguyen - Bass Guitar
Ross Jarrett - Percussion and harmonica
Curtis Michelson - Drums
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