With the release of their latest new album adventure, "Here We Go Again," The Front Porch Country Band makes their most powerful case yet for their own special brand of music-rapidly becoming known as North Country.
Yet rather than merely settling for the release of a collection of great new songs, or even a great new album (this surprising "Trail Mix" of fifteen originals is both), this band sets a new standard, creating and releasing what used to be termed in the music industry a breakthrough "statement" album, an all-too-rare commodity these days.
Right out of the box, Here We Go Again is instantly engaging. The album kicks off with a jolt, then winds along the back roads of traditional country, folk, and riverboat tunes, veers suddenly onto the fast lanes of blazing country-rock, and rock & roll, and then just as suddenly brings us back around, gently depositing us safely home once again. Along the way, we're treated to more than this band's music. We're introduced to their personalities as musicians and entertainers. They take their music seriously. But from the drumbeat of the very first cut to the final notes at the album's end, they never take themselves too seriously.
Like many of the rest of us, these six American musicians were present at the revolution. And they haven't forgotten. They remain inspired by the rock and roll revolution, along with everything else that came with it, from folk and folk-rock to country rock and, yes, pure rock & roll.
Although this new album is loaded with 15 full-length tracks, all written and meticulously recorded and mastered in the back woods of Pennsylvania's rolling green valleys, the journey seems to end all too soon.
Fortunately for the rest of us, it's easy enough to simply hit the "repeat" button, then sit back, and enjoy! Here we go again!

The Front Porch Country Band has created quite a stir with their recent new album releases. The Front Porch Country Band is Joseph Paul Hauserman, Johnny Jolin, Richard Rupert, Kim Reichley, Rick Buck and Alison Rupert. When asked who the real leader of the band is, the band answered back "Don't ask that question...!"
The band members had known each other for Years, "Decades!" says Alison. They had worked together in studios and on individual projects, but had never worked together as a Band. However when the opportunity arose, they jumped on it. "As musicians, as writers, we're all writers in this band, we've worked together to come up with various musical statements that express how we're feeling." says Rick. We asked the members of the band what it was like recording together, being such an eclectic collection of styles represented. Richard replied "its fun to play in a band with people who've got experience in a lot of different styles of music. You know, we all bring a different thing to the table." They also stated that because of the wide variety of material that they each had grown up listening to, they had been so successful in creating such a unique brand.
The Front Porch Country Band is very concerned with the emotional effects of their music. "Music is personal", states Johnny. "We want to reach out to people and touch them in some way...maybe make a personal connection through our songs. When our fans feel something, when they're affected by our music, that's a home run for us."

Fifty years ago, American musical history was made. With the release of The Kingston Trio's fourth album, "Here We Go Again," they simultaneously placed four albums in Billboard's Top Ten Albums Chart - a feat never attained before or for 40 years after, even by The Beatles. Fifty years later, The Front Porch Country Band released their own fourth album, "Here We Go Again," in quiet tribute to the trail-blazing group who 50 years earlier accepted the very first Grammy for Best Country and Western Performance. It's not the first time The Front Porch Country Band has tipped their hats to the trio. The band's first full-length album, "Somebody Tonight," expressed the band's thanks for the trio's musical inspiration. The influence of The Kingston Trio on American music is well documented. In the "All Music Guide," music critic Bruce Eder states, "In the history of popular music, there are a handful of performers who have redefined the content of music at critical points in history-whose music completely altered the definition of popular music. The Kingston Trio were one such group, transforming folk music into a hot commodity and creating a demand where none had existed before...from 1957 until 1963, The Kingston Trio were the most vital and popular folk group in the world."

Discover The Night, the flagship live music initiative of the American Folk Cafe, is bringing the world's hottest acts and newest emerging artists to your favorite venue - and very soon. Imagine a network of music lovers coming together and connecting, sharing, creating, growing. Venues, artists, and fans united. This network operates just below the surface all day and comes to life at night, right in your neighborhood. It's there just waiting to be discovered.

Discover the night!

For more information, visit www.AmericanFolkCafe.com

The world television premiere of "Christmas Once Upon A Time" will broadcast as a one-hour holiday special on Christmas night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on PBS affiliate WVIA. Christmas Once Upon A Time: The Spirit of an American Christmas features the original music of The Front Porch Country Band and was filmed before a live studio audience at the historic Williamsport Community Arts Center.

For more information head on over to www.ChristmasOnceUponATime.com

Thousands of incredible and unforgettable Original American Country songs have been released since the airwaves first began broadcasting our favorite country music early in the twentieth century. So it's admittedly foolish, if not downright impossible, to choose the thirty best. But we felt it was worth a try. Over the next few months, we'll be releasing the All Time Top 30 list with a song each week in alphabetical order.

These songs have been selected by OAC editors after countless rounds of debate, discussion, and threats to each other's personal safety. In the end we chose songs that in our judgment stand the test of time for all timeless art - and which also have made a lasting impact on the country music industry, a legendary artist's career, or both.

First song will be released right here on December 1, 2010. Check out the blog for a new song each week. Enjoy.

Find us on Facebook!

Original American Country Facebook Page

THE KINGSTON TRIO

These legendary recording artists and live entertainers own the first Grammy ever given for Best Country & Western Song. They shot to worldwide fame in 1958 with the release of their multimillion crossover hit Tom Dooley. It was only the first of a long-running string of singles which included Greenback Dollar, The Reverend Mr. Black, Worried Man, Where Have All The Flowers Gone, and many more. They began America's folk revival and defined an era.

Their dominance in album sales is historic. Releasing albums for Capitol Records at the rate of three or four full albums a year - an unheard of pace today - the trio topped album charts for years, demonstrating the huge revenue potential of album sales and changing the recording industry.

Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane, and Dave Guard were three friends who began singing together in college for beer and pretzels. Their formula for success was often imitated but never equaled: 1. Powerful songs, 2. Brilliantly performed acoustic guitar instrumentals, 3. Rich blends of vocal harmonies, and 4. A dynamic onstage presence showcasing engaging personalities and musical prowess. Kingston Trio concerts have always been summed up in a single word: Fun.

With only one personnel change (John Stewart replaced Dave Guard in 1961), The Kingston trio powered the folk revolution from 1958 until they disbanded in 1967. When founding member Bob Shane missed the fun, he reformed with new players. The Kingston Trio continues entertaining audiences to this day.

Read full OAC interview in our Features sectionhere.