Fortis by Patrick McAvinue, emanates strength through every note, chord, and lyric, showcasing a tour de force of instrumental and vocal mastery by an impressive lineup of musicians: Scott Vestal on banjo, Shaun Richardson on guitar, Seth Taylor on mandolin, Ethan Jodziewicz on bass, Billy Contreras on fiddle, and vocalists Cris Jacobs, John Cowan, and Aaron McCune. Together, the ensemble created a musical experience that will leave you feeling uplifted.
Like fighter jets executing daring aerial maneuvers, McAvinue and Contreras' twin fiddles move in perfect synchrony, interweaving and soaring high above to produce a sonic spectacle on the project's self-titled opener. The vocals of McCune and Cowan, blended with Jacobs' soulful delivery, deftly capture the emotions of isolation and vulnerability flooding "Station Blues" and "I Kept on Walking." "First Day in Town" is given a fresh interpretation by McAvinue and his friends, showcasing their ability to breathe new life into beloved Kenny Baker classics.
Fortis is a celebration of strength in all its forms, from the power of human perseverance to the enduring legacy of traditional music. Whether you're a fan of bluegrass, folk, or just great music in general, this extended play is a must-have addition to your collection.
Recommended if you like:
Bela Fleck, Molly Tuttle, Hawktail, Billy Strings, Michael Cleveland, Jerry Douglas, Travelin' McCourys, Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs
credits
released June 23, 2023
Release Title: Fortis
Artist: Patrick McAvinue
Label: McAvinue Music
Catalog Number: MCA-CD-002 (Physical), MCA-ED-002 (Digital)
Tracklist:
1. Fortis - 02:49
Patrick Coleman McAvinue, McAvinue Music (BMI)
2. Station Blues - 03:26
Cris Scott Jacobs, Cris Jacobs Music (ASCAP)
3. Magothy - 04:43
Patrick Coleman McAvinue, McAvinue Music (BMI)
4. What? No! - 03:46
Patrick Coleman McAvinue, McAvinue Music (BMI)
5. I Kept On Walking - 03:10
Cris Scott Jacobs, Cris Jacobs Music (ASCAP)
6. First Day in Town - 04:47
Kenny Baker, Wynwood Music Company Inc (BMI)
Duration: 22:46
Personnel:
Patrick - Fiddle, Harmony Vocal (2, 5)
Billy Contreras - Fiddle (1)
John Cowan - Harmony Vocal (2, 5)
Cris Jacobs - Lead Vocal (2, 5)
Ethan Jodziewicz - Bass
Gaven Largent – Resonator Guitar
Aaron McCune - Bass Vocal (5)
Shaun Richardson – Guitar
Seth Taylor - Mandolin, Guitar (2)
Scott Vestal – Banjo
Session dates: July 28-29, 2021
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Scott Vestal at Digital Underground, Greenbrier, TN
Additional recording by Patrick McAvinue
Photos by Joanna Tillman · Design by Robert Hakalski
Patrick McAvinue is highly regarded in the world of traditional music. He's an International Bluegrass Music Association
award-winning artist, known for his technical skill, versatility, and distinctive approach to the fiddle. In addition to his career in the United States Navy Band, he is a founding member of Baltimore, Maryland’s roots quartet Charm City Junction....more
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