Dead Men’s Hollow: Forever True

Dead Men's Hollow, a band that hails from N. Virginia, Maryland and D.C., opens their debut album with six-part a capella harmonies on "Angel Band." They call their music Acoustic Americana, roughly defined as old-time, bluegrass, southern gospel and country blues fronted by three-part female harmony vocals and backed by acoustic stringed instruments. To their mostly traditional mix with tunes like "Groundhog," they add some nice originals emphasizing traditional country themes like "Join Me in Drinking" and "Blue and Lonesome".

The band was founded in Arlington, Va., and they take their name from an area near there that was dominated by saloons, pawn shops and houses of ill repute in the aftermath of the Civil War. Today, that area is known as Rosslyn, but back then it was called "Dead Men's Hollow." To pass safely through safely, law-abiding citizens traveled in well-armed groups.

On a hot, humid summer day in 2001, Dead Men's Hollow began as an impromptu backyard jam session. Upon hearing some real potential with their three-part harmonies, the friends decided to form a band. Original members Belinda Hardesty, Caryn Fox and Mike Clayberg enlisted bass-player Bob Peirce in the fall of 2003. Amy Nazarov (vocals) and Marcy Cochran (fiddle) joined in late-2003 and the band then began seriously gigging. Amy Nazarov (vocals) grew up singing madrigals at home with her folks, on stage and in church choirs, and supplying backup vocals for friends. Bob Peirce (bass, mandolin, bass vocals) has played for 25 years, including stints in classic rock and blues bands. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Belinda Hardesty holds a music degree and teaches school. Marcy Cochran (fiddle) is a longtime fan of folk music. From New York, Caryn Fox is a classically-trained soprano who writes and sings country heartbreakers. Mike Clayberg (guitar, dobro, mandolin, tenor banjo) played punk rock for 20 years before returning his Virginia old-time country roots.

Dead Men's Hollow has spirited acoustic instrumentation and a harmony-laden signature sound that is building them a legion of fans. Their instrumentation is free of frills and flashiness, so they emphasize their charm, effort and playfulness. The band's vocal harmonies are of special note -- warm, friendly, and a perfect showcase for their earthier side. No doubt influenced by the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" phenomenon, their six-part a capella rendition of "Down in the Valley" is a passionate demonstration of the beauty of acoustic folk tradition. With a joyful attitude, they close this project with the lively "Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms."

Added: March 10th 2005
Reviewer: Joe Ross
Score:
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