Mist Covered Mountains
Amherst, Massachusetts, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014
Music
Press
“Snuck up on me – a delightful CD from left field!” - DJ Rich Warren: Midnight Special - WFMT Chicago
“Mist Covered Mountains are a trio of masterful Celtic roots musicians based out of New England. Their new album, This Distant Shore, is a delight from start to finish, the kind of album that reveals new sides to the group with each spin. Anchored by the amazing vocals of Molly Hebert-Wilson, mom and fiddler Donna Hébert uplifts Molly’s songs with the lightest and most subtle of touches on her fiddling and string arrangements, while guitarist and vocalist Max Cohen brings his own songs, including a new take on the classic song The Parting Glass. But what sticks with me the most are Molly Hebert-Wilson’s stunning vocals. It’s not often you hear a voice this powerful debut in the world of Celtic song.” - Hearth Music (Devon Leger)
“Locals will recall that Molly had an amazing voice when she was a tween; as a mature young woman, there’s added depth, luster and sparkle. Especially noteworthy is “Katie Cruel,” in which Hebert-Wilson’s voice punches through a muscular arrangement in which Cohen channels Bert Jansch and Hébert’s fiddle sizzles. Even better is Hebert-Wilson’s gorgeous and sensitive cover of Richard Berman’s “The Gifts.” – Rob Weir, Valley Advocate (11/31/13) - The Valley Advocate
“Really a treat – fabulous musicians with a wonderful way of playing together.” – Jay Ungar, fiddler & composer -
Discography
This Distant Shore: Mist Covered Mountains - 7 songs with Molly, Max and Donna
Orange on Blue: Donna Hebert & Max Cohen - 8 instrumental tracks - fiddles & guitars
In Full Bloom: Donna Hebert & Max Cohen - 11 instrumental tracks of Quebecois music
Photos
Bio
Mist Covered Mountains blends family voices: Molly sings soprano and Mom Donna Hébert's a bass. They add Max Cohen's hearty baritone and his unique guitar chops, backed by drummer Alex Bell. Donna's fiddle links the original and trad songs to the older stories, expressing their Celtic and Franco-American roots, taking the listener from L'Acadie to the mist-covered lands they inhabit.
"But what sticks with me the most are Molly Hebert-Wilson’s stunning vocals. It’s not often you hear a voice this powerful debut in the world of Celtic song.” -Hearth Music (8/20/13)
Songs and tunes are originals or favorites that Molly learned from Donna in the car while touring with her as a child. There is an underlying story told, one that retraces the journeys of immigration, from Europe to North America, with people dragging tunes, tales, culture, and experiences behind them, while they planted deep roots in the new land and remade themselves. Donna says, "There is always a story, even in the tunes - and you can respond - use your foot, or just hum or sing along. And every once in a while an audience member jumps up and dances - a fiddler's greatest honor!"
2014 NERFA Suzi Wollenberg DJ Showcase artists, they also shared an afternoon with friends Archie Fisher and Garnet Rogers at the 2014 Philly Folk Fest. Featured performers at Old Songs and Goderich Celtic Festivals, Mist Covered Mountains has four group and solo recordings and live performances on YouTube. Donna's other ensemble, Panache Quartet, just returned from the 2014 Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton.
Donna Hébert is a Massachusetts Artists' Fellow in the Folk Arts, with two original songs on Smithsonian recordings. She also tours with the four female fiddlers in Panache Quartet. Founder of the Great Groove Band for young musicians at Old Songs and Philadelphia Folk Festivals, Donna also teaches fiddle at Smith and Amherst Colleges and publishes the "Fiddling Demystified for Strings" booklist and free lesson blog at fiddlingdemystified.com.
Molly Hebert-Wilson is a 2011 NYU Tisch/CAP21 grad with a minor in Irish studies and language. A Great Groove Band faculty member, she teaches the kids to sing in Irish - a new song every year! A 2014 NERFA Suzi Wollenberg DJ Showcase pick, Molly performs with indie rock groups The Rose West and Eli August band and with folk groups The Waysties and Rare Spirits.
Max Cohen has performed with Donna Hébert since 2006 and they have recorded three CDs together. Max is also Priscilla Herdman's accompanist. She says, “Max is one of those rare guitarists able to create an atmosphere that supports and cradles the voice with both tenderness and strength.”
Alex Bell was recently welcomed into the group - the band is adding a drummer! Alex still performs with indie rockers The Rose West and Eli August band, and folkies The Waysties and Rare Spirits.
Band Members
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