Witherow
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Witherow

Port Angeles, Washington, United States | SELF

Port Angeles, Washington, United States | SELF
Band Folk Country

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"Witherow: Pushing the edge of a familiar sound"

With the popularity of the “new folk” genre steadily rising, the next generation of acoustic instrumentalists and singer-songwriters is emerging with a fresh look at traditional music.

An exciting example is the North Olympic Peninsula duo Witherow, comprised of Abby Mae Latson and Dillan Witherow. These two young musicians are no strangers to the bluegrass and folk music scenes, but have joined forces, bringing together their eclectic backgrounds to create some genuinely original music. I picked up their debut album “Standing on Shoulders,” expecting some impressive guitar and violin playing and nice vocal duets on a handful of cleverly written songs. Instead, I experienced a wonderfully cohesive album, containing a huge variety of musical sounds across 10 excellently composed acoustic and vocal compositions.

Their instrumental work is bold and engaging without ever being overbearing. Dillan’s guitar work is particularly noteworthy.

Throughout the album his playing borders on virtuosic, but the tasteful utilization of his skill to support and enhance the music is remarkable. It is evident that great care was taken to keep the focus on the duo’s outstanding singing and songwriting. This is a mark of real musical maturity and vision rarely seen in young artists.

“Standing on Shoulders” begins with rousing intensity that proceeds into better and better music as the album processes and develops themes of life, death and love. I enjoyed the first tracks of the album, but was really drawn in by the two-song suite of Tracks 3 and 4, “The Reckoning” and “Grass Will Grow on Your Grave.” These songs confront the listener with an honest warning about the fleeting nature of life without being overly dark.

To my ear the two strongest tracks on the album are “Confounded” and “Iniquity.” “Confounded” is very tightly composed with intelligent use of dynamics and instrumentation, which powerfully enhance lovely harmonies. “Iniquity” is even more potent. Compelling lyrics merge with driving instruments, including a fine banjo part, to push the listener right into the storm the music portrays.

The final two tracks are musical gems. “For Abbygail” is a beautiful instrumental, with an intricacy that seems more akin to a baroque air than a folk tune, but the harmonies are fresh and delicate, reminding me of the minimalist sounds of Philip Glass or Steve Reich.

The album ends with the touching song “When Breath Is No More,” the peak of vocal chemistry between Dillan and Abby on the entire album.

Whether you are a fan of traditional folk or new acoustic music, Witherow is a must-hear duo. Particularly effective tracks like “Iniquity” and “Suspended” have me convinced that as they gain more experience and confidence in their singing and songwriting they will continue to push boundaries with their innovative music. The quality of their writing shows potential for even more creative vocal duets, maybe some a cappella sections, and an even wider variety of musical textures.

“Standing on Shoulders” is a truly impressive first album and I’m looking forward to their music to come. - Sequim Gazette


"Fresh & Sassy Folk"

With an equal helping of sassy vocals and hardcore picking, young folk band Abby Mae & The Homeschool Boys is winning fans across Washington state and beyond.

Lead singer Abby Latson has a voice like an old-school blues shouter, but with enough softness to pull off a slow folk ballad just as easily as a juke-joint jump blues. Together with young songwriter and harmony vocalist David Rivers, Abby Mae & The Homeschool Boys tear through refreshingly well-written originals like “Sweetest Boy,” or “High Heel Shoes.” They’ve also got a thing for early gospel, with a rollicking take on the classic “Rock of Ages” and “Wade in the Water,” and Appalachian old-time via “Cluck Old Hen.” The band’s debut album, Wade in the Water, also brings in some tastefully chosen covers, “Landslide” from Stevie Nicks, and “Caleb Meyer” from Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. On the album, Rivers alternates between guitar and clawhammer banjo, and brings a fine acoustic sensibility to the group. Fiddler Joey Gish has an irrepressible presence on the album, backing up the songs, but clearly most content when ripping into an old-timey fiddle tune. Bassist Hayden Pomeroy rounds the group out and solidifies their sound of old-timey Americana with a hint of gospel and blues.

This is a band that understands American roots music, and are happy to blaze a path right down the middle of these traditions. Their Facebook page sites "homeschooling, friendship and youthful exuberance" as their inspirations, and these traits shine through in the music of Abby Mae & The Homeschool Boys. They’re a group that knows how to have fun with the music, but have enough talent and drive to be able to hold their own with today’s new crop of pickers. - Hearth Music


Discography

"Standing on Shoulders" 2012 (LP)

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Bio

"Witherow is creating music with a unique sound that the world needs to hear."

Marcel Fernandez - Two time Grammy Nominee

"From the minute Dillan and Abby (Witherow) stepped into my home and played for me,
I knew I was witnessing something very special. They possess a combination of beautiful vocal harmonies
and exquisite guitar work. Their new album, (Standing on Shoulders) is a masterpiece."

Robert Lang - Owner of Robert Lang Studios
(Credentials with Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, Heart, Nirvana, Death Cab for Cutie, Allan Stone, etc...)

Witherow (formed by Abby Mae & Dillan Witherow), is the combination of two passionate sweethearts meeting together in song. Full of soaring vocals, heart-wrenching melodies, and intricate guitar, their powerful performances will leave you astounded and breathless! Described as a "No-holds barred, take no prisoners kind of [lead] singer and an extraordinary interpreter," Abby Mae accomplished performing at Wintergrass 2012 in Bellvue with her previous band, "Abby Mae & the Homeschool Boys." Not to be outdone, Dillan Witherow is an accomplished guitarist, whose playing "borders on virtuosic," and has won several regional competitions for instrument as well as voice. Together, they recorded their debut album, "Standing on Shoulders" at Robert Langs' studio, and are expected to be a rising star in the Northwest music scene!