Front Country

Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 8:00 PM at Bull Run

Since relocating from their native San Francisco Bay Area to Nashville last year, 
Front Country have grown by leaps and bounds, working the intersection between bluegrass and Americana. A lot of that is due to the ascendancy of front woman Melody Walker, a big-voiced belter whose blues-mama voice is versatile enough to put across everything from campfire folk songs to King Crimson covers. After winning best female vocalist in 2016’s International Bluegrass Music Association “Momentum Awards” for up-and-coming acts, Walker wrote eight of the 12 songs on Front Country’s current album, "Other Love Songs." With an IBMA nomination this year for the entire group (as best emerging artist) and successful tours as far away as England and even Tibet, Front Country’s trajectory seems solidly upward.

And although Front Country has a foundation in traditional music, they are creating their own path and sound with grace, poise, confidence and extreme skill. As you dig in, you might also hear moments that feel like the classic rock of Fleetwood Mac or the Police, as well as the modern country sounds of the Dixie Chicks or Chris Stapleton. They call it “roots pop" and its easy to agree with them. In fact you can''t deny the infusion of these two sounds. Front Country is anchored by the pure power and touch of Melody Walker''s lead vocal. She brings an attack that has a hint of effortless irreverence while revealing brutal honesty and vulnerability in both singing and songwriting. As exciting a band on stage as they are in the studio, Front Country stands strong and tall in today''s American roots music scene."