Appalachian Still is an acoustic string band out of Northampton, Massachusetts playing a toe-tapping mix of Alternative Old-time, Americana, Folk, and Bluegrass subtly enhanced with flavors of Jazz, Rock, and Country. This New England group has managed to create a unique sound that is distinctly their own yet remains rooted in the heart of Appalachia. Drawing from a repertoire of traditional tunes, original material and some covers, the feeling they create ranges from a rafters-shaking barn party at which dancing fools hoot and holler to the wee hours of the morning to that of sitting on the front porch in the lazy days of summer, pickin’, grinnin’, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
The group was originally conceived in 2002 after brothers Andrew and Len were blown away by the then-unknown opening act “Old Crow Medicine Show†playing high-energy Old-time music at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA. With stars in their eyes, the brothers knew they wanted to take their musical passions to the stage in similar fashion and perform oldtime bluegrass music for live audiences. For a few years the brothers traveled separate but parallel paths with Len focusing on bluegrass mandolin down in Tennessee while Andrew plucked Old-time fiddle tunes on the clawhammer banjo back in Massachusetts. Upon Len’s return from Tennessee the two began playing together on a weekly basis at a friend’s house where they met guitarist and music instructor Jared Libby and his bluegrassified Grateful Dead-inspired folk guitar. With a unique blend of vocal harmonies and musical styles, the three knew they had something special and the band was born.
After forming in the Spring of 2005, Appalachian Still busked on street corners and honed their chops together in local coffee shops and bars before graduating to the regional New England circuit, picking up a loyal fan base along the way. From its roots as a trio, the band has evolved and matured, bringing some outstanding musicians into the fold. Jane Hamel, luthier, fiddler, and bluegrass banjoist now adds her considerable talents to the mix, busting out rousing fiddle tunes and dead-on Scruggs-style banjo licks.
Appalachian Still features beautiful, strong multi-part harmonies likened to early Eagles and a unique oldtimey bluegrass style that has become the hallmark of the band's sound. From their home base in Northampton, MA the band hosts a regular concert series at the World War II Club and organizes many fundraising events for charity. They can also be found on the road, playing at venues, festivals, and schools as well as private and public events throughout the Greater New England area and beyond. Their songs have been featured on radio stations from Vermont to Georgia.
With awards under their belt, their debut c.d. in it's second printing, and a fan-base that continues to grow with each appearance, this self-promoting band is steaming full speed ahead. For this group, it’s all about the music and they show no signs of slowing down.
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