DESCRIPTION:
"The Life You Save May Be Your Own" by Beat Circus from the album 'Boy From Black Mountain' (Cuneiform Records).

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Album Personnel:
Brian Carpenter - vocals, harmonica, piano, trumpet, accordion, harmonium
Paran Amirinazari - violin, vocals
Jordan Voelker - viola, vocals
Paul Dilley - double bass, acoustic guitar
Andrew Stern - guitar, banjo
Doug LaRosa - trombone
Ron Caswell - tuba
Gavin McCarthy - drums

Bill Cole - Chinese suona on "The Sound and the Fury"
Larkin Grimm - vocals on "Saturn Song and "The Life You Save May Be Your Own"
Julia Kent - cello
Ellen Santaniello - voice
Carson Ellis - artwork

Boy From Black Mountain is the third release from the determinedly eclectic Boston-based ensemble Beat Circus. Beat Circus is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist / singer-songwriter Brian Carpenter. The music bridges a number of disparate genres including experimental music, Americana, cabaret, circus music, Appalachian string music, bluegrass music, old-time music, Southern Gospel, and funereal music. The current edition of the band features a unusual and versatile instrumentation. Brian brought in violinist Paran Amirinazari and violist Jordan Voelker (who also provide background vocals), trombonist Doug LaRosa, and the rockabilly-style rhythm section composed of upright bassist Paul Dilley, guitarist/banjoist Andrew Stern, and drummer Gavin McCarthy. The understatedly beautiful cover artwork and illustrations within the full color booklet are by Carson Ellis, known for her work on albums by The Decemberists

Boy From Black Mountain began shortly after Carpenter's son was diagnosed with autism in late 2006. He began writing songs inspired by the experience of living with his son during the time of diagnosis and treatment. Carpenter further dedicates the album to his father and grandparents, whose lives as watermelon farmers in the rural Bible Belt inspired some of the songs. This is a very artful-yet-accessible album with great lyrics, memorable songs and rich orchestrations. In addition to the songs are a handful of haunting instrumentals which help to frame the overall work of the songs to a larger canvas.

"With the release Boy From Black Mountain, the second album in [Brian Carpenter's] “Weird American Gothic” trilogy, Carpenter and his Beat Circus have created something completely unique and yet somehow amazing. Most concept albums fall short due to a lack of the artists understanding that while filling the concept lyrically and musically, the album still has to be listenable and captivating. Carpenter gets that. The lyrics...aren’t about some made up land or characters, but rather the life he has experienced... To bring the songs to life with a Southern Gothic feel, Carpenter has used a wide range of not so typical instruments that at any given time include accordion, viola, tuba, cello, and Chinese Suona. Wrap the odd instrumentation around a deep and dark lead vocal that is often times accompanied by a haunting soprano and this album comes alive. Concept albums are typically not my thing but this one delivers on every level from relatable lyrics to a well-crafted story of everyday life." – Guest List

"...the band mixes carnivalesque tunes with rock moments. The rich and tight orchestrations feature a Morricone-inspired combination of harmonica, viola, banjo, guitar, tuba, violin, trombone, upright bass, and drums." — The New Yorker

"Boston's circus of malcontents not only has the chops but features a fallen hellfire preacher/band leader (the captivating Brian Carpenter) who simultaneously channels Nick Cave and Johnny Cash." — The Village Voice

For more information:
http://cuneiformrecords.com
http://twitter.com/cuneiformrecord
http://www.facebook.com/cuneiformrecords
https://www.instagram.com/cuneiformrecords

http://www.briancarpenter.net/
https://www.facebook.com/beatcircusmusic/