Artist description Roots music for a new millennium. From the heart of Appalachia - A band with the soul of the mountains. Mountain Soul has been described as a neo-traditional band with an emphasis on flat-pick guitar and soulful vocal harmonies. They perform original compositions along with familiar tunes by folk and bluegrass artists. Whether it's with a melancholy Appalachian ballad, a blazing bluegrass breakdown, or a heartfelt gospel melody, Mountain Soul has been entertaining audiences around the country with refreshing new rhythms and primitive mountain sounds.

Music Style Bluegrass influenced Appalachian folk

Musical Influences Ralph Stanley, Nanci Griffith, Bill Monroe, Tony Rice, Gillian Welch, Sam Bush

Similar Artists Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Nanci Griffith, Sam Bush

Artist History Whether it's with a blazing bluegrass breakdown, a melancholy Appalachian ballad, or a heartfelt gospel melody, MOUNTAIN SOUL has been entertaining audiences around the region with refreshing new rhythms and traditional mountain sounds. The band was formed in the spring of 1999 when members of the Kimbro family from Morristown, Tennessee began performing at area jams and concert venues. DJ Morrison became acquainted with the Kimbros while participating in the Walters State Community College Jazz Band. He began playing with the group that fall. Last February, Sonny Smith and Shawn Kimbro met in Nashville while waiting to meet the father of bluegrass banjo, Earl Scruggs. Smith began playing with the band this spring.Nearly every member of MOUNTAIN SOUL is a multi-instrumentalist and band members often trade instruments on stage. Amanda Kimbro provides lead vocals. She has previously performed with groups as varied as the Morristown Theater Guild and the Honolulu Symphony. Shawn Kimbro writes most of the groups songs. His song “Driver #3 A Tribute To Dale Earnhardt” recently received national attention. He also sings and plays guitar and occasionally fiddle. Cory Kimbro, an incoming freshman at Morristown West High School plays upright bass. His brother Jacob, a student at Lincoln Heights, occasionally joins him. Daniel Kimbro plays lead guitar and upright bass. Daniel was recently recognized as the best High School jazz bass player in Tennessee and he performed with the All State Jazz Band in Nashville this past April. DJ Morrison plays mandolin and occasionally lead guitar or bass. Morrison also plays guitar for the Walter’s State Jazz Band and he is the lead guitarist and singer for the blues band LITTLE BLUE BOX. Sonny Smith, who plays banjo and fiddle for MOUNTAIN SOUL is well known as a solo performer. In 1998 Smith won the National Banjo Championship in Walnut Valley. Later that year, he performed on the Grand Ole Opry where he received an encore and standing ovation. He has performed as an opening act for well-known performers such as Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, and Diamond Rio. Smith has performed at Dollywood, Governor’s Crossing, and other performance venues in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. He also teaches banjo and fiddle. Mountain Soul’s performance credits include Atlanta’s Red Light Café, Knoxville’s Laurel Theater, Maryville College, The Knoxville Museum of Art, and numerous festivals and live radio broadcasts. They have been featured three times on WBIR TV 10 Knoxville’s LIVE AT FIVE program and twice on evening newscasts. Their sound is a mixture of bluegrass, newgrass, folk, and traditional mountain music. They are known for their ENTHUSIASTIC, high-energy performances with an emphasis on quality instrumentals and soulful vocal harmonies. Their shows include touching original ballads about East Tennessee people and places, traditional fiddle and banjo tunes, and modern bluegrass songs. Their CD entitled CLINCH RIVER VALLEY is being played on folk and bluegrass radio shows across the country and their website www.mp3.com/mountainsoul is ranked among the most popular in its genre. Don't forget to visit the official Mountain Soul web page: http://www.mountainsoul.net. From the heart of East Tennessee, MOUNTAIN SOUL is a band with the spirit of the mountains.

Group Members Amanda Kimbro - Lead Vocals, Shawn Kimbro - Vocals, Guitar, David Lovett - Banjo, Daniel Kimbro - Lead Guitar, Bass, Dobro, Vocals DJ Morrison - Mandolin, Dobro, Vocals Cory & Jacob Kimbro - Tag Team Performance Bass

Instruments Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro, Banjo, Upright Bass

Albums Clinch River Valley, TROTLINE

Press Reviews See our home page: http://www.mountainsoul.net

Additional Info http://www.mountainsoul.net

Location Knoxville, Tennessee - USA

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