Appalachian Smoke Release New Single, Mountain Mover,
Appalachian Smoke unveils their latest single, Mountain Mover, a deeply moving song inspired by the stories of those who have faced displacement, hardship, and the struggle to make a living from the land they call home.
Mountain Mover Cover
Written as a tribute to those who have experienced the effects of tyranny and the loss of their homeland, Mountain Mover gives voice to the personal stories often left untold. The song was inspired by the true experiences of a local western North Carolina woman whose family was forced from their land during the 1940s, when the Tennessee Valley Authority flooded communities throughout the region, leaving generations of hardworking families without their homes.
I felt led to give a local woman a voice to tell her story about her western North Carolina family that had been forced off their land, This song is inspired by, and dedicated to, people who have been victims of tyranny and know the struggle of making a living off the land – BJ Taylor.
With Appalachian Smoke’s signature blend of traditional bluegrass roots and heartfelt storytelling, Mountain Mover captures the emotional weight of loss while honoring the strength, perseverance, and resilience of those who endured unimaginable change.
Appalachian Smoke features the talents of Jamie Mason on lead vocals, guitar and harmony vocals, BJ Taylor on lead vocals, mandolin and also harmony vocals, Kenneth Rymer on Dobro, Mikel Laws on 5-string banjo and harmony vocals and Aaron Ramsey on bass, guitar.
Mountain Mover stands as a powerful reminder of the connection between people, place, and heritage telling the stories that deserve to be remembered.
Mountain Mover by Appalachian Smoke is available now on all streaming platforms.
For upcoming tour dates and the latest band news, visit the Appalachian Smoke website.
Appalachian Smoke’s previous release Running From The Moon was featured here.
About Appalachian Smoke.
Appalachian Smoke
Appalachian Smoke carries forward the rich traditions of bluegrass music through masterful musicianship, heartfelt vocals, and songs rooted in the stories of everyday people. Drawing from the landscapes and experiences of Appalachia, the band continues to honour the past while creating music that speaks to today’s listeners.
Appalachian Smoke has found a sound reminiscent of the hollers of Southern Appalachia that they grew up in and yet, one quick and varied enough to push the envelope. It’s made up of songwriters, vocalists, and instrumentalists that are honored to sing about the history and ways of their home.
Mikel Laws:
You will never hear Mikel use the word banjo. He says banjer and he means it. Mikel is an integral part of the band with his hard driving banjo playing, lead and harmony vocals, occasional guitar, and songwriting. His influences range from Earl Scruggs to Ron Block. Mikel comes from Bryson City, NC, has been playing since he was 16, and was most influenced by his late great uncle, Teddy Greene. Mikel thanks his family and friends for always pushing him.
BJ Taylor:
The mandolinist extroadinaire contributes a large amount of the lyrics that you hear from the band. He hails from the Nantahala community of Western North Carolina where he began playing at the age of twelve. Bill Monroe, being his first influence, was later joined by Wayne Benson to produce the unmistakable style of BJ’s playing. BJ thanks his wife, Haylee, and his family for all their support.
Cooper Marona:
This young man is a native North Carolinian. Cooper makes his home in Cameron, N.C., and is a graduate of the bluegrass music program at ETSU. His silky smooth vocal tone and “in the pocket” guitar picking make him a great fit for a band looking to create an authentic and original sound.
Alec McCallister:
Alec is a fiddler from Mocksville, North Carolina, who picked up the instrument at age 10. Raised on bluegrass music, he was drawn to the fiddle for its ability to carry feeling and expression. Loving a good challenge, Alec brings a dedication to the craft and attention to detail that shapes his playing. Above all, he aims to acknowledge God through his music. In his words: If anything good is created through me, it is only because of God.
