North Fork Switchgrass

North Fork Switchgrass is an eclectic Americana sound, with influences ranging from bluegrass to rock, jazz to folk. The group strives to create Original Music through New Energy. The instrumentation of acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, and drums allows for innovative original music as well as unique versions of covers.

Name Origin:
-North Fork- small community in Hawkins County, TN where Tony and David Mowell (guitar and mandolin players) were raised.
-Switchgrass- an alternative source of fuel.
-North Fork Switchgrass likes to consider themselves as an alternative bluegrass group, and the name helps to get that description across.

2008 accomplishments:
-Released first recording effort titled, “Live in the Gray”.
-Featured on NBC and CBS local affiliates on various programs.
-Played the Twilight Alive concert series in downtown Kingsport, TN.

2009 preview:
-Booked as an opening act for Fun Fest festival in Kingsport, TN for Friday Night Beach Party.
-Committed to play all three days of Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival.

Tony Mowell, a prolific songwriter, provided the catalogue of music that he had built up over several years. Tony has worked with several different groups regionally and has always been in high demand as a guitarist and stand-up bass player.

McClure Boyd, percussionist, had been involved in several other styles of music including jazz, rock, and classical. The opportunity to create a band with an Americana sound intrigued him to team up with Tony.

Richard Poore, bassist. Tony did not have to search long for a bass player, due to his long standing musical relationship with bassist Richard Poore. Richard’s musical background in jazz, along with his years of playing experience and great vocal range, made him a perfect fit to complete the rhythm section of North Fork Switchgrass.

David Mowell, mandolin. The band looked to Tony’s younger brother David to fill the role of mandolin. David’s musical influence reaches as far back as Tony’s, both having grown up in a rich family musical tradition. The driving style David brings to the group is now a staple of the band.

Rusty Ferrell, banjo, is the newest member of the group, having joined in January of 2009. Rusty brings several musical influences to the group through his banjo style, which is a combination of Earl Scruggs, Terry Baucom, and Scott Vestal. Rusty brings an intensity to the group that completes the overall sound that is North Fork Switchgrass.

The band began the infant stages of practicing and rehearsing in January of 2008. Due to an already established set of songs, as well as musicians well-versed on their instruments, the band progressed faster than expected. In March of 2008, the group began recording their first release, Live In The Gray. The recording process went very smoothly due to the prior months of rehearsing, and on June, 20th 2008, the record was released at a concert in Kingsport, TN. In the months following their initial concert, the band played several local venues, most notably an opening act slot on the Twilight Alive Series in downtown Kingsport. North Fork Switchgrass was also featured on WCYB-TV and WJHL-TV, the local NBC and CBS affiliates.

North Fork Switchgrass is extremely excited about 2009 and the opportunities that lie ahead. The group has already secured a main stage showcase at Fun Fest 2009 in Kingsport, TN. In addition, the Rhythm and Roots Festival in Bristol, TN has also confirmed the band to play for three days during their September showcase. The band is actively seeking other festivals that would give them the opportunity to share their music with a new audience. North Fork Switchgrass is ready to make 2009 a great year of very energetic live performances.