Album Notes

Olivia Smiley, a 17-year-old accomplished fiddler/singer/songwriter, has just released her first solo, all-accoustic, bluegrass album. A classically trained musician since the age of 4, Olivia became interested in different styles of music and began competing in fiddle contests throughout the Midwest. At the age of 14, she fell in love with the traditional sounds of bluegrass music, and for the past three years, she has been a member of bluegrass bands in Indiana and Kentucky.

Still in high school, this 17-year-old has already obtained the acclaimed titles of Kentucky and Ohio State Fiddle Champion and Governor's Cup winner. In addition, she is also a two-time winner at the Indiana State Fiddle Championships, three-time winner of the Indiana State Fair, and most recently the runner-up at the National Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, for the second time.

Distinguished musicians and some of her greatest influences have joined Olivia on this project. Michael Cleveland, three-time International Bluegrass Music Association's Fiddle Player of the year, contributes on the mandolin and harmony vocals. Jeff Guernsey, former fiddler for Vince Gill, adds his impeccable guitar playing as well as lead and harmony vocals to this CD. A member of the Wildwood Valley Boys, Brian Leaver plays banjo while Lauren Guernsey, member of Louisville's Storefront Congregation, adds bass. Meredith Needham adds harmony vocals. This team of Indiana musicians has introduced a new, innovative approach to traditional bluegrass music.

The majority of this album consists of original material featuring Olivia on fiddle and lead vocals. She hopes the fresh sound on this CD captures the attention of listeners of all ages.

www.oliviasmiley.com
www.myspace.com/oliviasmiley