GoodStuff PR Co. News Detail
September 264, 2009
Monroe Crossing Celebrates A Decade Together with Release of Heartache and Stone
"(Heartache & Stone) is Superb!' WQUB FM Radio
"Great music/vocals from a band that has obviously worked hard to perfect the sound they produce!" Carl Anthony, KZUM Radio
"Monroe Crossing always puts on a great show....definitely good bluegrass." Joe Wills, WBZC
"Fantastic lead vocal! Great playing. The band at its best. Great harmonies!" Dan Joseph, CKWR
NASHVILLE, TN - Celebrating a decade as the Midwest's premier Gospel and Bluegrass group, Monroe Crossing steps out this month with a brand new release, Heartache & Stone, loaded with original song choices as well as featuring some of Minnesota's finest songwriters.
Inducted in 2007 into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, Monroe Crossing is well known for their characteristic upbeat shows, tightly perfected live performances, stellar musicianship and vocals. Playing full-time and in entering their 10th year, the band is at the top of their game.
Described as, "Great, live traditional bluegrass!" by Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine, Monroe Crossing has earned a reputation as one of the most cohesive and entertaining bands on the bluegrass touring circuit.
Heartache & Stone features the band at the height of their musical relationship and showcases five new songs by singer and fiddle player, Lisa Fuglie, two from flat-pick guitarist Art Blackburn, and an unreleased murder ballad from well-known bluegrass songwriter, Becky Buller.
The album features original songs with a focus on the traditional bluegrass feel that enthuses fans of the genre. As a special bonus, the band pays homage to their fellow Minnesotan, PRINCE, a member of the same Minnesota Music Hall of Fame induction class as Monroe Crossing, with a bluegrass version of a fan favorite, "Purple Rain." The song, while perhaps a unique choice on the surface, is getting a stellar reception from bluegrass DJ's and fans alike. Other songs such as, "Do You Love an Apple," are popular as well. Dave Higgs, with Nashville's WPLN Radio and Bluegrass Breakdown called it, "a great song to bluegrassize!"
Formed in 2000, Monroe Crossing's members came from a variety of musical backgrounds, having played with numerous bands including The Pretty Good Bluegrass Band, Big Skyota, True Blue, and the Deadly Nightshade Family Singers. After finding themselves on stage together, at the same show just over ten years ago, the players found the combination worked well and Monroe Crossing was born.
The band consists of a stellar cast of musicians and talented vocalists including Art Blackburn (guitar, vocals), Lisa Fuglie (fiddle,vocals), Matt Thompson (mandolin, twin-fiddle, MC), Benji Flaming (banjo) and Mark Anderson (bass), all on board creating Monroe Crossing's unique sound.
Monroe Crossing plays full-time bluegrass music, a feat few musicians can claim, regardless of genre. All five original members have a deep passion for entertaining audiences of all sizes and have done so over the years, playing to fans coast to coast, as well as into Canada and the Caribbean. They impress audiences at each stop as is evidenced by D.A. Calloway, talent buyer for Silver Dollar City in Missouri who claimed, "I dare ANYONE to watch Monroe Crossing and not get happy!"
"...Must listening for any serious bluegrass music aficionado." Bluegrass Unlimited
"One of the most entertaining, crowd-pleasing acts in bluegrass." California Bluegrass Association
For media inquiries on Monroe Crossing or information on Heartache & Stone, please email shari@goodstuffpr.com or call 615.525.5303.
