ASHLAND — Things have been hectic, and a bit confusing for fans as the acoustic band Mountain Heart has driven its way to success.
The band, with a new singer/guitarist and lead guitar player, will prove they’ve only grown stronger when they perform Oct. 25 at Paramount Arts Center in Ashland — two days after the release of their latest CD “Road that Never Ends.”
“That will be a big night for us. It will be the first show we play after the release,” said vocalist Josh Shilling, who recently made his debut with Mountain Heart on stage at the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville.
While he had known members of Mountain Heart for a while, Shilling said his first time on stage with the band was a special, and nerve-racking, experience.
“I just closed my eyes and sang as hard as I could go,” Shilling said of that show in early 2007. “It was just an awesome night altogether.”
By the time the band left the Grand Ol’ Opry stage, the audience was on its feet offering ovations.
Shilling isn’t the only new man on stage with Mountain Heart. Standing in for veteran guitarist Clay Jones, who is on the band’s new recording, is veteran guitarist Clay Hess. Each of the guitarists have earned numerous awards and honors for their playing, and both are former members of Ricky Skagg’s Kentucky Thunder group.
“On stage with the guy — he’s just a tremendous talent,” Shilling said of Hess, adding he is equally easy to get along with off stage.
Shilling said the audience at the Paramount will hear a set quite similar to the song list captured on the new CD.
“For the most part it is one take live recording. You can’t really overdub a lot on a live bluegrass recording because there are so many mics on so many things. There is an incredible amount of energy and attitude on there. You can hear us raising Cain the whole show and there’s a lot of audience interaction,” Shilling said. “In some ways it was probably easier than doing a studio record, but it is also a more vulnerable state for an artist.
“People who leave the Paramount with that recording will be carrying away something to help them remember their experience,” Shilling concluded.
For information about Mountain Heart’s performance at Paramount Arts Center call (606) 324-3175.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at (606) 326-2651 or at tpreston@dailyindependent.
Local News
Mountain Heart beats stronger
- Local News
-
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
-
Minton asks for additional funding
With several circuit clerks seated behind him, Kentucky’s Chief Justice of the Supreme Court told a legislative budget subcommittee Tuesday the court system can’t retain entry-level employees because as soon as they are trained they’re hired away by the executive branch.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
