In celebration of Mason Porter’s scheduled performance at the Philadelphia Folk Festival they are releasing a limited edition (only 50 copies available) album, ‘Story of the Rifle’.  The new album was recorded live in studio and is a mix of traditional folk and cover songs.  You can catch Mason Porter’s performance Saturday August 21^st at 1:15pm on the WXPN stage.  While you’re at the festival you can pick up a copy of ‘Story of the Rifle’ at the merchandise tent starting Friday (while supplies last).

I was very excited to download “Creole Belle”, and “Wayfaring Stranger” from ‘Story of the Rifle’ available on the Mason Porter website (www.masonporter.com).  Listening to these tracks reminds me how much I enjoy that Mason Porter sound – it’s wonderful!

[LISTEN] Mason Porter – “Creole Belle”

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Also, be on the lookout for some of our other favorite Philly artists that will be gracing a Philadelphia Folk Festival (Aug 20, Aug 21, and Aug 22 at Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, PA) stage this weekend: The Spinning Leaves, Marc Silver & The Stonethrowers, Johnny Miles, Ben Arnold, and Cheers Elephant.

Tracklist:
1. Hard Luck And Trouble
2. Up In The Hills
3. I Belong
4. Radio
5. Waiting For The World
6. Old Freight Train
7. Out On The Night’s Wing
8. Hangman
9. Joaquin Murietta
10. Thunder In The Valley
11. Nowhere
12. Snow Angel
13. Delta Queen

Thunder In The Valley is the full-length debut album by Mason Porter (Joe D’Amico, Paul Wilkinson, and Tim Celfo) and such a fine listening experience.  Mason Porter draws from several genres and styles: folk, bluegrass, Americana, and roots rock to create their signature sound that flows from each and every note on this album.  The opening track, “Hard Luck And Trouble” is jaw-dropping good and made an excellent first impression on my ears.  I simply love those larger-than-life harmonies that are found on that track and so many others on this album.  The songwriting talent between D’Amico, Wilkinson and Celfo is truly amazing.  There are several up-tempo, fun tunes like “Up In The Hills”, “Waiting For The World”, and “Old Freight Train” that will make you want to move.  You will be blown away by the beauty “I Belong”, “Nowhere”, and “Out On The Night’s Wing” possess.  The title track, “Thunder In The Valley”, is a grand production with great delivery.  “Delta Queen” is a great way to end such an incredible album.  It’s nice to see some fellow Philly musicians (Krista Nielson, Brad Hinton, Kiley Ryan, Bob Beach, Nate Gonzalez, and more) lend their skills to this album.  I’ve listened to Thunder In The Valley numerous times since I received a copy and absolutely love this album – buy it…you’ll like it!

Here’s a sample track from Thunder In The Valley by Mason Porter – “I Belong”

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Mason Porter: website | MySpace | Facebook
Thunder In The Valley (2009; Uncle Nicky Records)

FYI: Mason Porter’s CD Release show is scheduled for February 6, 2010 at World Cafe Live.  I’ll see you there!