“Take back your heart/ I don’t want it no more,” pleads Philly song-slinger Marc Silver on Past Is Prelude, his third album. Another tune finds him on similar footing: “I don’t wanna leave just to learn/ All I need was inside your heart.” Just as timeless as those sentiments is the plucky, bluegrass-tinged folk delivered so sharply by Silver and his regular band the Stonethrowers. There’s banjo and mandolin, upright bass and pedal steel, and lots of harmonies raining down, all serving to brighten Silver’s somewhat mournful songwriting. But like the well-worn Appalachian tunes he looks to for inspiration, his own work is uplifting in its clear-eyed honesty. (Doug Wallen) – Philadelphia Weekly
The band on this record was the winner in the band contest at Pickin In The Panhandle Bluegrass Festival. They blend a passion for traditional song, Appalachian fiddle tunes, and jazz with a unique mix of original songwriting, bluegrass and folk music. Lead singing with great vocal character and seamlessly blended three-part vocal harmonies fill out their energetic delivery.
Past Is Prelude has a great mix of up-tempo and ballad songs. A few of the highlights are: Take Back Your Heart, a danceable, bluesy bluegrass song with an unforgettably catchy chorus; Early Morning Dreaming, a whimsical, dreamy song with the feel of a misty breeze over an oceans cliff; My Earthly Bed is a spiritual throwback featuring an open C guitar tuning and three-part harmonies throughout; Come Back Home is another swinging danceable song, while Find Some Time offers some beautiful imagery and an inspired pedal steel solo that is certain to have you wishing it would never end. The final two songs, When it is My Time and Pull In On The Reins are stunning lyrical masterpieces with imagery that will have you hanging on every word.
Reviews
Martin Guitar Sounding Board July 09 http://martinguitar.com/news/PDF/Vol_27.pdf - Page 34
Marc Silver, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based singer/songwriter, offers a mix of Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz and original songwriting. Marc counts on his one and only Martin D-35 Dreadnought whether working with his band, The Stonethrowers, or working as a solo musician. All of his consummate musical activities can be tracked at http://www.marcsilvermusic.com
Philly Metro Jan. 2008
"A little bit of folk, a little bit of country and a whole lot of three-part harmonies add up to make this band one you don't want to miss."
South Philly Review: July 2007
"The band's ability to cross genres...has made it unique in a city where the lulling tunes of folk music aren't often heard."
TESTIMONIALS
Marc and the band were amazing - friendly, professional and fun, they were exactly what we needed. Great bluegrass delivered by folks who could get people up dancing and share in the revelry! We loved their music online, and as we had hoped they were even better live. They helped us to add some personal touches to the set, and were a total pleasure to have at our wedding. Highly recommend them. Do it before they get famous and are no longer available! Thanks so much, Ronnie and Nikolle -- Nikolle K, Cornwall Bridge, CT, 8/16/2008
Start to finish, I thought they were excellent. Good communication before the gig. Very talented, accomodating and professional. They lent a great vibe to the party and we had no issues at all. Very highly recommended and without reservations. -- Michael P, Stanfordville, NY, 7/25/2009
Τhe band was just great, they were flexible and open and friendly and really helped to make our event special. Great music too! -- Jane Ellen M, Point Pleasant, NJ, 6/28/2009
Marc Silver and the Stonethrowers are an incredibly talented band. They were on time and very flexible with last minute changes at the reception. Most importantly our guests loved them. -Karen H, 7/4/2009, Wedding, Turbotville, PA
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