Album Notes

With a flat-picking singer/songwriter, an ensnaring lead vocalist and the steady thump of stand-up bass, the Mike and Amy Finders Band (say finnders) dishes out a healthy, homemade helping of musical entertainment, rambling along the fences between bluegrass, blues, country and folk music. Through their own striking original songs, tributes to contemporary songwriters, and various takes on old standards, the group brings new life to old tones. A truly "unplugged" act, including guitar, mandolin, harmonica, fiddle and stand-up bass, the individuals weave stunning instrumental prowess with friendly crowd rapport, crafty lyrics and unforgettable voices.
The printed comparisons of Amy Finders' voice to Joni Mitchell, Maria Muldaur, and "Allison Kraus with power" have all fallen short of describing the mesmerizing experience of her singing. Mike is the songwriter. He weaves his barstool philosophies and folkloric stories in a humble, hang-dog tenor while picking his old Martin guitar. Throw in accompanying instruments - mandolin (Amy) and harmonica (Mike) - and the canvas is well-laid for this duo's artistry.
Their 2002 release, "Crystal Blue Morning is one of the best local releases to come out in this or any other year. It says something that you can put it in the CD changer with Gillian Welch - or even Ralph Stanley for that matter - and not have it seem out of its league," said Todd Kimm, Little Village, Iowa City. The next CD to come out, Where You Are, promises to be one of their finest works yet. It is slated for release on February 14, 2004 and contains six new Mike Finders songs & two re-releases as well as three covers. Reviews are available on the web site.
After touring for four years as a duo, Mike & Amy have settled in Iowa City (2001) and since been joined by Billy Valencia as full-time stand-up bassist. A number of "side-guys" often lend their talents to this group in the form of fiddle, Dobro or banjo. Hundreds of gigs a year have honed these "individual's unique talents into the sort of sound that enthrawls audiences far and wide, offering a whole much greater than the sum of its individual parts..." - Will Jennings of Big Wooden Radio.