supersonic
Artist Information
Biography
NewTown features five artists demonstrating a vast array of acoustic music styling. Based out of Lexington, Kentucky, NewTown accurately cites their obvious local musical influences. The band is able to journey into a realm of their own while still maintaining the spirit of the legendary bluegrass and “Newgrass” sounds created within the walls of Lexington’s Red Slipper Lounge during the mid 70’s.
The band was started by Kati Penn, a talented fiddle player and vocalist from Frankfort, Kentucky. Now with NewTown, Kati is unique in her ability to be a featured vocalist in the band while maintaining the philosophy of a band of equal parts.
Jr Williams, known for years as an accomplished musician and vocalist, has already had a great and diverse career. Now, in NewTown, Jr complements his wife, Kati, with amazing high harmony and lead vocals along with persistently tasteful banjo and guitar playing.
James Kee, of Chattanooga, Tennessee is featured on the mandolin, lead, and harmony vocals. James sings nearly any part thrown his direction and is also very accomplished on the guitar and banjo as well.
On guitar is C.J. Cain, a Lexington native and graduate of the University of Kentucky. C.J.’s guitar style exemplifies an eclectic musical background and desire to reach outside the box.
Terry Poirier, the band’s newest member, recently relocated to Lexington from New Brunswick, Canada. Terry has
become the backbone of the band’s groove and is exceptionally gifted in the art of music and recording.
Together, the band blends their vastly different musical influences to deliver a sound of their own. The camaraderie of the band does not embody the typical vibe of the front man-sideman formation. This attitude allows NewTown to create their sound as a cohesive musical unit with a tangible diversity to which all listeners can relate.
Instrumentation
Jr Williams - Banjo/Vocals
CJ Cain - Guitar
James Kee - Mandolin/Vocals
Terry Poirier - Vocals., Bass Fiddle
Kati Penn - Fiddle, Vocals.
Discography
The single, "Gonna Take A Train" was featured on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, and is currently receiving airplay on bluegrass and country stations around the world.
Links
Video
Kati Penn Newtown ~ Pretty Polly ~ Old Mill Bluegrass Festival 2010
Kati Penn Newtown ~ I'm Going Home ~ Old Mill Bluegrass Festival 2010
Press
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Jeremy Garrett
[+ Show ]
Kati Penn and Newtown, is a band that is on the cutting edge of what bluegrass has to offer today. T...
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Jamie Dailey
[+ Show ]
" If you like pretty singing with heartfelt emotions along with excellent musicianship you will love...
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Jon Weisberger
[+ Show ]
"I've been listening to Kati Penn sing and play for a long time, and she just keeps getting better--...
Setlist
We usually do two sets ranging from 45 minutes to one hour. Most of our set is original material with some covers thrown in.
