Debut album Ravens & Crows drops August 2
"We're thrilled to have Dehlia Low as part of the Rebel family," says Rebel Records President Mark Freeman. "The Asheville, North Carolina-area has seen the emergence of a number of amazing roots-oriented groups over the past few years, and Dehlia Low is certainly one of those bands at the forefront of the scene! They project a highly energetic, contemporary sound that is fresh yet still very much rooted in tradition and I have no doubt they will quickly win over audiences wherever they play." Dehlia Low echoes the sounds of early country music with a strong bluegrass flavor. The vocal harmony and instrumentation on their new project reflect a deep connection to traditional music with modern arrangements and relevant, smart songwriting. Fans of Dehlia Low immediately latch onto the compelling, nostalgic voice of Anya Hinkle—the group's primary lead singer and fiddle player—uniquely paired with guitarist Stacy Claude's clear, unyielding singing. Greg Stiglets, who plays bass and is also the band's third lead vocalist, has the kind of edgy country vocal reminiscent of Steve Earle's early days. Aaron Ballance frames their sound through his virtuosic and expressive Dobro playing that is punctuated and textured by Bryan Clendenin's rock-steady mandolin.Ravens & Crows features 10 Dehlia Low originals, nine of them penned by the group's two chief songwriters, Hinkle and Stiglets (Bryan Clendenin composed the album's lone instrumental "Change Up"). Hinkle's songwriting ranges from a coming-of-age gallop on album opener "State of Jefferson," to southern sounds and mythology on "Goin' Down" and "Ravens & Crows," to the mesmerizing, bluesy "Drifting on a Lonesome Sea." Stiglets' wordplay and cadence are Dylan-esque on "Thunder," while his imagery and melody are both intriguing and heartbreaking on "Ride" and "Better Left Unsaid"—all in sharp contrast to the hard-edged, bluegrass of his "$40 Chain." The two remaining covers include a swinging rendition of Willie Nelson's "What Do You Think Of Her Now," featuring Stacy Claude's lead vocals, as well as a stripped-down, bare-bones version of the old traditional chestnut "Cannonball Blues."
According to Claude, Travis Book was the perfect choice to produce the CD: "He has a terrific ear and tremendous experience with arranging music in the studio. He was on the same page with us immediately in developing the songs and arrangements we brought to the project. The whole experience was a great lesson in faith and fun, and you can really hear that on the album."
Added Book, "The traditional, down-to-earth nature of the music initially drew me to the project, but the raw creativity and uniqueness of the members and the seamless integration of their influences were what really made this project special."
According to Claude, Travis Book was the perfect choice to produce the CD: "He has a terrific ear and tremendous experience with arranging music in the studio. He was on the same page with us immediately in developing the songs and arrangements we brought to the project. The whole experience was a great lesson in faith and fun, and you can really hear that on the album."
Added Book, "The traditional, down-to-earth nature of the music initially drew me to the project, but the raw creativity and uniqueness of the members and the seamless integration of their influences were what really made this project special."
Ravens & Crows follows two previous self-produced albums and one live recording that have been released since the band formed in 2007. Their inaugural EP Dehlia Low and full-length studio album Tellico both scored in the top 20 of WNCW 88.7 FM's Top 100 new releases of 2009 and 2010, respectively, and garnered praise from Bluegrass Unlimited, Sing Out! and No Depression among others. The buzz led to an exciting tour in 2010 in support of Tellico with appearances at some of the most prestigious festivals in the U.S. including Merlefest and the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, where they shared the stage with the Stringdusters, the Seldom Scene and Alison Krauss & Union Station. In 2011, Dehlia Low will be taking their "Appalachiagrassicana" sound across the U.S. and Canada in support of the new album.
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