Monday, June 24, 2024

A bright Ozark morning

Original song neatly blends traditional themes

Group has had to expand its upcoming Eurotour
amid longing for music whole family can enjoy


Blending traditional modes into a new whole, the Petersens have come up with something very special that, in our estimation, is likely to be covered quite a lot.

Sisters Julianne and Katie Petersen worked together with Nashville country musician Johnny Meyer to write the lyrics for and compose Morningside, which weaves together traditional Gospel, Bluegrass and Country themes.

Julianne, as is her wont, brings us a subtle and interesting lead vocal. Julz is a well-rounded poet and musical artist, with an excellent feel for the new and the old. She goes from Coldplay to Bob Dylan to her own Silly Girls (see below) without batting an eyelash.

Morningside features instrumental breaks, including Katie's fabulous fiddle, Ellen's strong banjo, Matt's expert flat-picking, Julianne's acute mandolin and Emmet's always skillful dobro.

No wonder this Ozarks band, based in that family entertainment mecca, Branson, Mo., has a highly devoted global following.

Here is a verse, which gives you the flavor of the song:
If the wind of sorrow takes me
On the wings of love I'll fly
Till I come to rest so sweetly
Over on the morningside
Over on the morningside
(If you wonder why Ellen is running uphill during the video outro, the answer is that she hears her nine-month-old girl Macy demanding her presence.)
Brace yourself for the Petersens upcoming Eurotour

London (Union Chapel, Islington). Tue. Aug. 13.
Gistel, Belgium (Moeder van Vrede). Thur. Aug. 15. Free festival at a family religious center; registration is required.
Cologne. (Stadthalle). Sat. Aug. 17.
Paris. Mon. Aug. 19. (Le Cabaret Sauvage).
Cork, Ireland. (St. Luke's). Thur. Aug. 22.


Silly Girls

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