PRESS KIT

For this new album, American Story, …the signature harmony and ensemble playing remains top notch.

…impeccable vocal harmonies. …(American Story) is a lively and inventive record.

American Story is one of the most refreshing, alluring projects I've had in my CD player this year, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Rare is the album that contains no filler, but that is the case with Bearfoot's fifth album: a testament to determination and musical integrity, "American Story" is just the latest chapter to be written by one of the most interesting outfits working the bluegrass and Americana circuits.

It might not all be bluegrass, but it's good music.

Bearfoot hasn't missed a beat on "American Story."… the quin- tet starts clicking on all cylinders with a series of standouts that include "Feel Free," "Midnight in Montana," "Come Get Your Lonesome," "Kill the Rooster" and closer "Mr. Moonshine." Enjoy, y'all.

American Story is a scrumptious blend of traditional bluegrass, western swing and Nashville country. It is an album of gorgeous songs from a band that knows the way to build an audience is to simply make the music and wait for them to come.

On a scale of 1 to 10 this (American Story) is a 12!! If I was attending their performance, I would be standing up and yelling for more!! You just can't get enough of this dynamic band.

The new Bearfoot CD sounds good.

Bearfoot: American Story is a tremendous collection of songs from a supremely talented group of songwriters and musicians. The album is the perfect blend of bluegrass, pop, country, and old time American folk styles of music… Music fans everywhere do not hesitate to purchase a copy of Bearfoot: American Story you will not be disappointed. -Larry Vanderpool, Awaiting the Flood

The roots-music hothouse that East Nashville has become is popping out some tangible benefits these days. The latest evidence is the newly revamped Bearfoot, which has emerged from a rocky reorganizing with arguably more strength than ever. Alaska transplants Angela Oudean (fiddle) and Jason Norris (mandolin) -- both founding members -- cleverly recruited fellow Alaskan Todd Grebe (guitar) and then went the extra mile by joining forces with singer/songwriter Nora Jane Struthers and her bassist, P.J. George. That's a lot of talent in one place, with a boatload of rootsy original material, singers capable of taking harmonies in any of several directions and just enough instrumental virtuosity to keep the music moving along. The old Bearfoot was picking up steam, and Struthers is fresh off a well-received debut album and some high-visibility appearances, so there's a chance the combo's got the goods to get a sweet deal further down the road.

Their sound is heavily influenced by bluegrass, but without a banjo, it has a slightly different flavor. You also hear a strong old-time vibe, most prominently in Oudean's fiddling. But their primary appeal is in the songwriting, and the variety that comes from having five strong vocalists in the group.

Alaskan band, "Bearfoot," delighted the audience in Pinedale Friday night with a concert of twin fiddles, fast-picking mandolin and guitars, an upright bass and beautiful harmony vocals. The band received a standing ovation and gave an encore performance to the enthusiastic crowd.

Their feel for the music is lyrical and sultry. They have also been known to whip up rollicking energy when they play live. They may not be Alaska's most famous recent export — that distinction goes to its polarizing ex-governor — but they are by far its most musical and appealing.

On their fourth CD, Doors and Windows (released last week), they bring out the pop influences in their work (including a take on the Beatles' "Don't Let Me Down"), while showcasing bluegrass licks that appeal to traditionalists. ...Gorgeous harmonies…

Bearfoot "Top 5 Must See Bands at Merlefest"

Bluegrass and Alaska do not, at first glance, seem to be two things that would come together in the same sentence. But Bearfoot is doing its best to change that perception. The young quintet is building a reputation for quality, high-energy bluegrass, despite its Anchorage address. The core of the group - Kate Hamre, Mike Mickelson, Jason Norris and Angela Oudean - met at summer bluegrass camp and has recently been joined by Californian Odessa Jorgensen, late of the Biscuit Burners, on vocals and fiddle. Bearfoot has already been recognized with a big prize from Telluride and its latest CD, "Doors and Windows," is poised to win them even more fans.

The group has a lot to offer with only one highlight being the three-part harmonies…The second part that makes Bearfoot click is the quality of the material…this was a skilled group, not afraid to take a few chances…The playing was sharp from the get go as well.

Local bluegrass heroes Bearfoot had a strong showing on the Billboard this week. Their album "Doors and Windows" debuted at no. 1 on the bluegrass charts.

Confident and inspired, the group serves up a collaborative effort that should appeal to a broad range of people who like classic bluegrass that isn't afraid to tread on pop waters.

Bearfoot expands the boundaries of bluegrass music in particularly rewarding ways, not only taking traditional material and giving it new energy but also writing new songs that are unabashedly poppy and delivering them just that way, but with acoustic instrumentation. Add in some well-chosen covers by the likes of John Hiatt and the Beatles,some very lovely singing, and unimpeachable chops, and you've get an exceptionally satisfying album.

If this album is any indication, Bearfoot is a band to seek out and see live!

Bearfoot is a part of the newer side of bluegrass where the younger generation brings in modern yet downtoearth sensibilities and influences to the music. The end result is a fiddle based sound supported by sweet vocals that exude a sense of life lived and loved. The opening cut, the Megan McCormick penned "Oh My Love," is a perfect example of this—infectious and Sunday-drive worthy.

The full house was fast to give a standing ovation and received two encores. They would probably have stayed for several more.

In the past eighteen months Bearfoot has opened for Lyle Lovett and performed at the Kennedy Center…

Old time, roots, Americana, folk, bluegrass – whatever...it's just plain old pleasure.

Great fiddling, snappy mandolin and guitar picking, all with a youthful sound. Led by some truly great singing...this Alaska-based quintet manages to sound both fresh and polished

Mixing original tunes with traditional songs and innovative arrangements, Alaska's Bearfoot is bringing a fabulously fresh voice, or voices, to Bluegrass and Appalachian folk on their new effort Follow Me...

While the music of Bearfoot is definitely in the contemporary category, it's still sitting comfortably in the bluegrass genre, delivering swingy blues, tender ballads, and mainstream bluegrass (i.e., "Little Bird") with impeccable talent, timing, and phrasing. It's acoustically fresh and hip. Bravo!

It bounces, it swings, it dives head-first into minor keys and unexpected (but totally workable) phrasings. In other words, it's very cool.

...the future of these young pickers is one of unlimited promise