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The Endicott Performing Arts Center
CD Releases
Our newest release, "Called on Some Friends" goes on sale December, 2002!
In 1998, Jo and Mike Whitney formed The Higher Ground Acoustic Band as a duo, playing
local taverns and coffee houses. By 1999, they released their first CD, "I'm
Satisfied" and were joined by Chuck Kennedy on bass and guitarist Chris
Becker. "Im Satisfied" includes 10 original
songs, co-written by Jo and Mike. The lyrics are strong and expressive, and the
music features some great acoustic and electric guitar work. The feel is upbeat,
happy, anything-goes and the title track, "I'm Satisfied"
clearly says it all.
Traditional, mostly acoustic tunes like "Just a
Little More Time" (from their first CD) and "Here with You"
(from their newest release) benefit not only from their heartfelt vocals, but also from
Higher Ground's earthy, yet contemporary improvisation. The band is equally at home
with a traditional ballad or energetic dance tune. Having the distinctive style that
they do, listeners find themselves singing choruses to songs they've never heard, and
those accustomed to singing find lots to sing with.
Higher Ground's newest release, "Called on Some Friends,"
is the band's second CD and will be available December, 2002. They wanted
this release to reflect their live shows, where you never know who will stop in and take
the stage. They invited nearly 30 well-known local musicians to appear as guest stars on
various tracks and added on the CD and "live" show keyboardist Bob Twining,
which increased the energy level to an all time high. Surprisingly, the
multi-talented and great musicianship of their guest artists resulted in a sister-like
sound to their first CD.
This is an inspired collection of 15 original contemporary folk songs performed and
recorded with many artists of different styles from some of the area's top bands: Cousin
Vinny and the Proof, Unplugged Classic Acoustic, Friends, Randy McStine and the Freaks of
Nature, High Noon, Windy Creek, Ion Age, The Breakers, Fussbudgit, Mountain Music and
Slideways to name a few. Also featured were music teachers and independent
guitarists.
Whether they appear totally acoustic or full band, you can't
find more versatility and energy than you'll find in the song writing and performing
talents of Higher Ground. Their infectious and uplifting songs have a satisfying,
toe-tapping, backporch feel, recognized as an obvious crowd pleaser. The
acoustic show is more sit down (with monologues to tie the show together), while their
full band has been reported at times as being "wild" with their compelling
onstage presence. A nice and surprising touch in an otherwise down-home show.
The multi-instrumentalists and expressive vocals are the perfect combination of great
musicianship and personality to make this a show you won't want to miss. So if you
haven't seen Higher Ground, it's about time you did.
