New EP BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN WATERFALLS Out Now!
According to Wikipedia, the Blue Ridge Mountains’ signature hues–visible from afar–come from trees, which emit the organic compound isoprene. My home region with its mystical haze has long been a source of awe, intrigue, and creative inspiration for many, including me. Today, I’m really excited to release a 5-song digital EP called “Blue Ridge Mountain Waterfalls,” available on Bandcamp.
Conveying stories and emotions through music and lyrics remains a great joy of mine. The tales are a blend of real-life and fiction, some almost entirely the latter. The title song was inspired partly by my late grandmother, who passed away shortly before my son was born. I fondly remember her and her mountain living skills: country cooking, gardening, canning. The song is a reflection on some of life’s landmarks.
At first, I had plans to record these songs with other musicians, and perhaps alternate versions may yet come to fruition. But for this release, I pursued a humbler, more personal approach, starting each song with acoustic guitar and vocals and overdubbing a couple of extras like mandolin and piano where necessary.
Though originally I didn’t conceive of a mini-album, it became clear, looking back from a distance, that these songs correlate to effect a grander vista. The story elements are suffused in that beguiling blue aura of home.
Joseph Houck