Since moving to Asheville in 2004 and establishing Two Chairs Music studio in Big Ivy, Americana artist Mark Bumgarner has thus far recorded three full-length personal projects. On My Way Back Home mixes the Appalachian influences of his youth with his more recent exposure to acoustic music upon returning to Western North Carolina after over a decade in Nashville. And When Love Comes Around finds Bumgarner collaborating with his wife, Aimee, under the name Calico Moon. Now, the host of the MerleFest band competition is back with Just Above the Waterline, featuring guest spots from Bumgarner’s Jubal Foster bandmates Milan Miller and Jeff Smith, plus Steep Canyon Rangers fiddler Nicky Sanders, Balsam Range mandolin player Darren Nicholson and acoustic guitar from Blue Highway member Tim Stafford. The diverse collection was released June 2 and provides a rich consolation prize for fans of meaningful songwriting who can’t wait for live music to return. markbumgarnermusic.com. Photo by Aimee Bumgarner
Smart Bets: Mark Bumgarner
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