Album Notes

In 2011, Red Tail Ring released two studio recordings featuring a unique two-way connection between old and new- I. Middlewest Chant showcases the duo’s original songs and II. Mountain Shout features the duo’s favorite traditional tunes. These projects blend the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the raw creativity of brand new sounds. Whether rendering a traditional tune or one of their many original compositions, the duo infuses each song with musical imagination, haunting harmonies and instrumental artistry. The two projects are separate but intertwined - companion pieces that stand alone but also complement one another. Beauchamp explains, “We love pushing the boundaries of what a traditional song can be - there’s a real energy exchange between the old and the new.” In this pair of new releases, Red Tail Ring offers listeners originality and traditionalism in every cut. He adds, “For us, the dichotomy is always there: the precision and grit of the music, the stories that speak to the core of human experience and tell our story at the same time."

All songs on Mountain Shout are traditional except for "Vamp For John," and homage to John Hartford, written by Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo.

. . .
Liner Notes from II. Mountain Shout:

Recorded at Fire Lake Studios in Amasa, MI. Engineered and mixed by Red Tail Ring. Mastered by Ian Gorman at Western Sound Studios. Album art and design by Laurel Premo. Inside photo by Zolton Cohen.

© 2011 Red Tail Ring. All songs traditional except for “Vamp For John,” an homage to John Hartford, written by Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo.

Performed live, in a wooden home:
LAUREL PREMO – vocals, banjo, fiddles, jaw harp, spoons, stomping, dancing
MICHAEL BEAUCHAMP – vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, tenor guitar, spoons

II. Mountain Shout is the traditional compliment to I. Middlewest Chant, which is a collection of original songs by Red Tail Ring.

Amazing thanks to Bette and Dean Premo for their support and home, Ian Gorman for being the Master of Sound, Earthwork for letting us trad-kids hang out, our teachers and forebears: Joel Mabus, Larry Syndergaard, Arto Järvelä, John Hartford, the New Lost City Ramblers, Cousin Emmy, Doc Watson, Karen Dalton, Jean Ritchie, Alan Lomax, John Jacob Niles and many others, and lastly, you, for letting us ramble along.
www.earthworkmusic.com