Windfall
Floyd, Virginia, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Windfall, the musical quartet of Dave Fason (above), Michael and Kari Thomas Kovick (below) and Rusty May, released their new CD Saturday night with a concert at the Floyd Country Store.
The Country Store is fast becoming the venue for CD release parties by local musicians. Scott Perry released his earlier with a Saturday night concert earlier this month. I was out of town and couldn't make that one but Windfall's music is always enjoyable and I was able to shoot both photos and video (the video will be posted shortly).
- Blue Ridge Muse- Doug Thompson
BrotherWind changes name to Windfall
By JONATHAN DAVID PHILLIPS
Staff Writer Blue Ridge Backroads
FLOYD, Va. — BrotherWind, a popular quartet from Floyd, Va., has changed its name
to Windfall. The group will make its debut under the new name on Sept.9 at the Pine Tavern
Pavillion.
The group has engaged listeners’ ears with tight vocal harmonies and hot acoustic licks and they’re looking to
work their instruments on the lawn at Chateau Morrisette during “Sunday Sounds” on Sept. 24.
Specializing in Americana/roots music, the foursome covers folk, blues, rock, Celtic and many
old-time and bluegrass standards. The band is known for playing original pieces as well as past and
present hits from such artists as Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson and
Tim O’Brien.
Guitarist Dave Fason has been writing and performing for more than 35 years. Much of that time was
spent on the road honing his craft with different outfits while headlining and opening up for bands
like the Allman Brothers, Goose Creek Symphony and Atlanta Rhythm Section.
“First and foremost, it’s the vocal harmony,” said Fason on why audiences enjoy the group’s
shows. “We have a solid four-part harmony Backed by some very solid musicianship. We create a lot of
energy with the audience and that kick's everything up a notch!"”
Fason said the group, which is currently recording its first album, has a geniune love of playing
music and seeing the look on the crowd’s faces when “you pull off a hard lick and see them tapping
their feet.”
Michael Kovick learned the harmonica while touring through Madison, Wis., in the late 1960s. In
North Carolina, he became a mandolin and fiddle player who, according to the Windfall Web
site, “dances with his instruments.”
The soprano with range is Kari Thomas Kovick, Michael’s wife. A teacher of her own Early
Childhood Music Program, she has performed in Europe on Vienna Radio and is also part of the
allwomen’s group, Chicks On Drums, in her hometown of Floyd.
Rusty May is the anchor on acoustic bass and was a founding member of the jazz and world-beat
music group, No Strings Attached. May’s experience spans more than 30 years, and he can be heard
bowing bass lines on the track, “A Pretty Gal’s Love,” by The New Roanoke Jug Band.
- Blue Ridge Backroads
Announcing Windfall’s new CD, Floyd Time
Friendly as a familiar old porch swing, warm and cozy as sitting around the fire, fresh and honest as the Blue Ridge breeze, Windfall plays uniquely American music.
Their songs, some old – some new, are honest snapshots of America. Their sound is rich in harmonies, intricate lively picking and strumming, and heartfelt singing. There’s no posing, no commercial pitch, no sifting for a single.
Kari, their female voice, sings with such sweetness and feeling, she’ll have your heart gushing with love then sing a song that can break it in pieces. The gentlemen, Dave, Michael, and Rusty are fine troubadours of places off the Interstate and a few miles off the old highway, musical storytellers who engage you like good old friends.
Floyd Time is your time, a friendly break from drive time, prime time, and all those times that slip away. Fifteen songs, each one its own little journey, set their own time like a long summer sunset or those special times catching up with some old friends.
This is a CD worth listening to!
Rob Bannister, Independent Music Critic, Baltimore, MD
- Rob Bannister, Independent Music Reviewer
Discography
Floyd Time- 2nd CD released May 6th 2010
Airplay_
May 2010 - WUVT Local Zone
Americana Show with Pete French
May 2 2010- WVTF "Travenin On" with Seth Williamson
Across the Great Divide
Floyd Time
Autumn's Aire Released May 2007
Airplay:
The Bully Song - WUVT
Blueberry Muffins - WUVT
Rakes Knob - WUVT
Photos
Bio
Dave Fason has been writing and performing for over 35 years. His strong lead and harmony vocals were honed playing on the road as a member of national and regional bands that headlined and also opened for groups like New Riders of the Purple Sage, Allman Brothers, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Goose Creek Symphony, Wet Willie and others. Dave brings a strong vocal style to the group coupled with his ability to play many different styles of guitar, pedal steel and banjo. From flat-picking to jazz to blistering blues/rock riffs, Dave adds a dynamic instrumental complement to the group. Dave also owns Windfall Studios in Floyd, VA. Visit him online at www.thewindfallstudios.com. Windfall Studios is an intimate studio providing a full range of recording services.
Michael Kovick was listening and learning harmonica from the best when the great Chicago rhythm and blues players toured through Madison, Wisconsin in the late 60's. Later in N. Carolina, the syncopated rhythms of Old Time Music caught up with him and he became a mandolin and fiddle player in search of the Holy Groove. With Windfall, he brings it all into focus. Michael's voice is distinctive and adds to the vocal versatility that is a Windfall trademark. His energy and enthusiasm for the music comes through in any performance as he dances with his instruments.
Kari Thomas Kovick is renowned for her stunning soprano voice. It has incredible range and texture, shining with angelic clarity in the high end, and natural rich earthiness in the low end. She is a versatile performer at home with folk, classical, jazz, roots and even children's music. Always at ease on stage, Kari found her natural love for performing when she was in Kindergarten, and has not stopped since then to delight audiences with her pure pleasure at sharing the songs she loves. She has performed in Europe, where she was featured on Vienna Radio, and in the eastern United States. In her hometown of Floyd, VA, she has a reputation for her place as the dancing Djun-djun player in the all women's group Chicks On Drums. She also has a special place in the hearts of the 6 and under crowd, since she teaches her own Early Childhood Music Program of Floyd to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is a delight for her to take a place in Windfall as back up percussionist and lead and harmony singer, with husband Michael singing in one ear and Dave in the other, and stellar instrumentals all around -- Kari feels she has arrived. Who knew that making great music could be so easy???!!!
Rusty May holds down the bottom end of the rhythm section with his acoustic bass. Equally comfortable in country, jazz, swing, and folk genres, Rusty's experience goes back thirty years, spanning a variety of bands. He was a founding member of No Strings Attached, a nationally prominent new acoustic music group blending jazz with world beat music. More recently, Rusty pulled out his bow to put down classic bass lines on A Pretty Gal's Love, the most recent CD by The New Roanoke Jug Band (Copper Creek Records). When he's not backing the tight vocal harmonies of Windfall, Rusty can sometimes be seen getting in touch with his cowboy side, as he fills in as the bassist for the western swing band, Cacti Delicti.
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