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Follow Me Back To The Fold

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Mark Newton may not have been a household name to fans of roots/acoustic music a few years ago, but the release of his first solo CD in 1998, Living A Dream, and its subsequent success, went a long way toward “re-introducing” this bluegrass veteran to the public. Now Mark has raised the bar even higher with the release of Follow Me Back To The Fold, his most ambitious project to date. It stands not only as a musical masterpiece, but also as a powerful and long-overdue tribute to the women who have played, and continue to play, such an important role in the positive growth of bluegrass and acoustic music. The CD pairs Mark with some of the most powerful female voices in the genre today, and a a grand finale, features all the ladies on the new Dixie and Tom T. Hall penned ballad “Follow Me Back To The Fold,” a moving tribute to the late Mother Maybelle Carter. The project is a natural progression from Living A Dream, and just the type of groundbreaking “concept” album that you would expect from a man who has been on the cutting edge of bluegrass music for over two decades.

Prior to his 1998 Living A Dream CD, Mark Newton was probably best known as one of the members of the now-defunct Virginia Squires, (a group whose roster included future bluegrass stars Rickie Simpkins, Sammy Shelor, and Ronnie Simpkins), but his involvement in music began practically from birth. His father played mandolin, guitar and fiddle, and his mother was an accomplished pianist, so it was no surprise when Mark took the stage with his father at the age of fourteen. This early exposure served as a springboard that propelled him through a succession of regional and national groups in the ‘70’s & early ‘80’s, including Cabin Hill, Heights of Grass and the Knoxville Grass. His association with the Knoxville Grass resulted in what was considered by many to be his “signature” LP, Painted Lady, which garnered him a national presence in the bluegrass world.

In the mid ‘80’s, Mark joined the aforementioned Virginia Squires, a band that was on the leading edge of groups that were developing what was called “contemporary” bluegrass. The Squires released five albums, four of which were on the Rebel label; Mountains and Memories, I’m Working My Way, Hard Times and Heartaches, and Variations. All five albums were met with critical acclaim, and established the group as one of the most innovative forces in modern bluegrass.

A full decade after the Squires disbanded, Mark decided that the time had come for his first solo outing. The result was 1998’s Living A Dream CD, which paired him with, and paid homage to, some of his biggest musical influences. The album was roundly praised, and proved that he hadn’t lost his touch with a song. It also became the catalyst for Follow Me Back To The Fold.

“The idea came to me because I did this whole album [Living A Dream] and afterward realized that there was not one woman on it,” recalls Mark. “It was an oversight. And I realized there had been a lot of women who have personally impacted me, starting back with Gloria Belle, and I felt I needed to do something about that.” And he did. Despite all the coordinating and scheduling challenges, Mark was able to bring together many of the top women performers in bluegrass for Follow Me Back To The Fold, including Gloria Belle, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt, Kathy Chiavolo, Kim & Barb Fox, Sally Jones, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, Lynn Morris, Missy Raines, Kristen Scott, Valerie Smith, Rhonda Vincent, and Sharon & Cheryl White. The music that resulted from the collaboration is a striking testament to the abilities of the women who participated, and the strongest work of Mark Newton’s career.

“We were meant to be together,” in addition to being a line from the lyrics of the opening cut “We Can’t Go Wrong,” could also serve as the theory around which Mark built this project. But unlike many theories, this one can be proven in 13 easy steps. Put in the CD, press play, and 13 songs later you’ll be convinced beyond all reasonable doubt of just how powerful a bluegrass song can be with women in the mix. These ladies can step up to the plate with the best of them, each one a perfect compliment to Mark Newton’s smooth delivery. The highlights are numerous – like trading off the lead singing duties with Rhonda Vincent “We Can’t Go Wrong,” or Lynn Morris’ subtle, yet beautiful guitar playing behind the sweet vocals of Mark and Kathy Chiavola on “A Child Again.” Equally adept on the banjo, Morris adds some frolicsome clawhammer licks and superb tenor singing behind Mark’s solid lead on “Candle Of Love.” The “mournful” quality that is such and integral part of bluegrass is well represented, too. On the haunting “High Lonesome,” there is a piercing loneliness in Mark’s voice, gloriously intertwined with the soaring harmonies of Kim & Barb Fox. Likewise, the tinge of sadness is unmistakable in Claire Lynch’s voice on her lovely ode to Lester Flatt, “The Day Lester Died.” And throughout the entire CD, join Mark for an ensamble rendition of the title cu—Dixie & Tom T. Hall’s tribute to Mother Maybelle Carter, “Follow Me Back To The Fold.” It is a poignant and moving piece, complete with clawhammer banjo, Autoharp, and Tom T. adding his bass voice a la A.P. Carter. When the song closes with the gentle Autoharp refrain of the Carter classic “Wildwood Flower,’ you can’t help but feel the spirit of Mother Maybelle, The album is a landmark project for bluegrass, and a personal milestone for Mark Newton.

“I realize the importance of women’s contributions, so I want to pay respect to that,” says Mark. “If this album does something positive for women in the business in general, and opens doors, that’s great, but for me it’s a personal statement.” And a very powerful statement it is.