Mark Utley - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Rockne Riddlebarger - Lap Steel, Dobro
Bob Lese - Mandolin, Harmonica
Jordan Neff - Harmony Vocals, Electric Guitar, Accordian, Piano
Melissa English - Harmony Vocals
Bob Donisi - Upright Bass
Matt Frazer - Drums, Percussion

Like many musicians, I spent my young adult years looking for inspiration anywhere other than where I came from. The rural background of both my parents held no allure for me and sometimes embarrassed me. My ears were trained to the exotic, the urban, the sounds of the cities.

But like many others, age and experience (particularly the experience of raising children) have given me a different vantage point on life. These days I am more interested in who I am than in who I am not. I have actively sought out my roots, from my ancestors in Ireland, Scotland, and England, through their time in Appalachia and out into the farms, towns, and cities of the midwest and the south, and I have found a sense of pride, humility and grounding there.

I have also found a deep and rich musical tradition to draw from, from the folk songs of the old countries through the melting pot of Appalachia that birthed bluegrass and traditional country music. I found in the acoustic instrumentation a warmth, a humanity, and an inclusiveness that indeed felt very much like coming home to me.

The songs that I write and perform with Magnolia Mountain come from that place. I hope that you might find something in them that you can relate to and enjoy.

Mark Utley, October 2007