Album Notes

FREE RANGE PICKIN'
Original Acoustic Bluegrass Music

Exploring the free range of original acoustic bluegrass music, Free Range Pickin' combines the rhythmic punch of newgrass, the melodic drive of traditional old-time instrumentals and the rich textures of pop rock into a fresh new sound that has found a welcome home in the Upper Midwest's thriving new acoustic music scene.

Free Range Pickin' released their debut CD - From the Other Side of the Fence - in the fall of 2002 to a wonderfully warm welcome. Though well known for their tasteful arrangements of traditional and contemporary acoustic music, the band was eager to showcase their wealth of fresh, original music. The effort was a success, effectively capturing imaginative and honest songwriting from the heart of the American roots tradition. Free Range Pickin' is helping to write the next chapter of acoustic music in America.

In addition to the fine musicianship, the CD features an all-star production team including Grammy award-winner David Glasser (Airshow Mastering), Chris Frymire (Red House Records), and Gary Bartig (Warehouse Records and Eminence Basses).

Building on a diverse background of traditional and contemporary musical styles, as well as a varied palette of professional performance experience, FRP explores a variety of inspired new music and original compositions through its trademark eclectic arrangements, powerful picking and lush harmonies. The quartet of mandolin, banjo, guitar and upright bass shares lead vocal duties and blends into powerful four-part harmonies. Interspersed among the music is a lively stage banter that reveals the fun-loving folks behind the instruments... these guys have fun and they love to share it! In short, they deliver a stunning performance that is thoroughly entertaining.

The traditional instrumentation and single microphone performance, coupled with the band's eclectic and infective approach to its original music, appeals to die-hard traditionalists as well as fans of acoustic music, jazz and rock and roll. First timers are quickly transformed into loyal fans. And, the buzz extends well beyond the band's live shows... phenomenal reviews of the band's debut CD have highlighted their considerable songwriting talent.

Free Range Pickin' is applying their rock and roll sensibilities to a whole new appreciation of original acoustic music and is quickly endearing itself to a new, young audience that "didn't know they liked bluegrass." We invite you to be a part of the Free Range Pickin' excitement... www.freerangepickin.com.

Hear high quality mp3s at www.mp3.com/freerangepickin/