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The Forefathers

About Me

The Forefathers are an instrumental ensemble based in Orlando, Florida, performing original World Music Fusion. Formed in 2005, the band blends various genres such as Celtic, New Age, African, Folk, and Rock into an energizing and uplifting sound. In July 2007, The Forefathers were voted "Best Acoustic Act" in the Central Florida area by The Orlando Weekly.
The Forefathers have performed many well-received live shows. The band has played the Florida Folk Festival, Taste of the Nation at Dolphin Disney Resort, International New Age Trade Show, Orlando Fringe Festival, the Orlando Science Center, various art festivals, clubs, benefit shows, convention shows, & private parties.
The newly released "Manataka", the band's 2nd CD (available for purchase at www.theforefathers.com), is comprised of 12 new tracks of The Forefathers unique sound. A multimedia, conceptual show based upon the new music is being planned that will include dancers, artists, and others to bring to life the new CD's message of peace.
The track "Mountain Rose" has appeared on National Public Radio's popular Echoes program hosted by John Diliberto. "Mountain Rose" has also been selected for the CD compilation "Tribute to Stuart Adamson" (late singer/guitarist of Big Country).
The story behind the new CD "Manataka" is this: Hot Springs National Park is known to most people as a place of recreation. To Native Americans, this region was, and continues to be, a mystical and sacred ground known as Manataka. For thousands of years, Native peoples would pilgrimage to Manataka at regular intervals to celebrate peace. Even nations at war with each other would put aside their disputes to meet at Manataka. The music on this CD is inspired by the themes of Manataka: peace, healing, respect for our natural world, and a harmonious bond between all peoples of Earth.
The Forefathers released their well-received, self-titled, debut CD in February 2006. That CD consisted of 12 tracks of the band's unique blend of World, Celtic, Acoustic, & Rock genres. The songs "Solstice" & "Reverie" received airplay on radio programs such as Upbeat Radio, Radio Crystal Blue, Acoustic Fuel, & Local Music Cafe.
Connections Magazine, in July 2006 said about the CD: "I can't even remember the last time I've listened to a world music CD - probably never. But if all world music is like The Forefathers, then maybe I've been missing out...a pretty diverse sound... well-produced, jacketed, and I've heard no other band like them..."

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 12/11/2005
Band Website: www.theforefathers.com
Band Members: Ross Jarrett - percussion & harmonicaRich Marcil - 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, E-bowThuan Nguyen - bass
Influences: Influenced by several musical genres: World, Celtic, Afro-Beat, Folk, Rock, New Age
Sounds Like: The Forefathers have an original, instrumental sound that blends several musical genres into their own unique style. The music has been described as "upbeat", "joyful", "accessible", & "moving".
Record Label: Unsigned

My Blog

1st Post of 2009!

   The Forefathers wish you a Happy New Year!  In these difficult economic times for so many people, it is important to keep the spirits up and work for positive change.     2009 is the year we will r...
Posted by on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:41:00 GMT

12/7/08 Update!

    The Forefathers played one of our most unusual, yet one of the most fun, events we've ever done.  From 7AM-8:30AM yesterday morning we played in front of Bikes Beans & Bord...
Posted by on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:16:00 GMT

We are alive

    The Forefathers survived the "monsoon" at the Maitland Farmer's Market on November 30th.  We turned Ross's van into a pontoon boat and made it out before it went over our heads...
Posted by on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:16:00 GMT

Finally an update!

       I've joined the 21st Century!  I finally have high speed internet installed on my computer and will be able to update this blog more often.  This high speed ...
Posted by on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:19:00 GMT

Forefathers Update May 2008

    The band has been very busy over the past few weeks with numerous shows at different locales.  It seems like the gigs come in bunches!  On May 17th, we had two shows in on...
Posted by on Mon, 19 May 2008 21:20:00 GMT

New Christmas Song

OK. We've uploaded another song from our seasonal music EP "Comfort & Joy". This one is called "Deck the Halls." and features guiitarist Rich Marcil using the e-bow on his vintage Gibson SG electric g...
Posted by on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:31:00 GMT

New Seasonal Music CD - Comfort & Joy

Seasons Greetings everyone.The Forefathers are putting the finishing touches on the packaging of our first ever holiday EP, Comfort & Joy. It's 5 tracks of our take on some classic seasonal songs. The...
Posted by on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:59:00 GMT

The Forefathers on ECHOES

Hi FriendsThe Forefathers are very pleased to let you know that two tracks from our new CD Manatak, were played on the nationally-syndicated radio program Echoes. Echoes is a weekly radio program that...
Posted by on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:41:00 GMT

Forefathers Update!

The Forefathers have had a busy Fall between performing various shows and finishing the 5-song Holiday-themed EP entitled "Comfort & Joy."  The EP will be available in early December.  T...
Posted by on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:10:00 GMT

CD is finally done!

The CD is finally done! The music and the artwork are done. We are sending the materials off for replication this week (or very soon). The new CD, entitled "Manataka," should be ready for our upcom...
Posted by on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:45:00 GMT