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Deep Roots Magazine (NYC)—We Rise Up Named Deep Roots Albums of the Year 2018 and Album of the Week

“These young adults either have lived with ferocity in matters of the heart and learned hard lessons or gleaned much from the experiences of those older and more seasoned in such matters. The remarkable aspect of their point of view, though, is the belief they advance of being undaunted in the face of romantic debacles. So ‘pushing through to higher ground,’ takes Raven and Red through much heartbreak and heartache along the way but somehow the journey is absent the numbing despair you might expect from romantic misfortune piled on romantic misfortune. Give credit for this not only to the writing but to the clear, ringing, expressive tenor voice of Mitchell Lane, who carries the vocal load simply magnificently.

On ‘Living and Loving You,’ and another country-tinged number, ‘Another Empty Bottle,’ Lane sounds like no one so much as Sweetheart of the Rodeo-era Roger McGuinn, and both of those songs sound like outtakes from said long player. But then, on the lovely ballad ‘Wild Roses,’ he sounds more like an artist he cites as one of the band’s key influences, the late Jim Croce, just as the minuteness of detail in the poignant lyrics mirror the Croce style as well (it also has the benefit of a soulful supporting fiddle solo from Ms. Jones).

But ultimately Mitchell Lane sounds like Mitchell Lane, and enough cannot be said about the power of his performances here. You’ll have to listen long and hard to find a young vocalist delivering more sustained intensity and emotional commitment—there isn’t a moment, not a single moment, when he doesn’t exude the urgency of something being at stake. What’s at stake, clearly, is the heart, always searching in these original songs for the higher ground where balance and perspective allow the heart to love anew instead of sinking into cynicism and mistrust, or simply retreating from engagement.

‘Moonshine and Makeup (One More Mistake)’ is an old story, the girl whose outer beauty masks a desolate, lost interior, a total lack of self-worth and self-respect in a corrosive quest for connection. If that isn’t a song for our time, or one of the songs for our time, then there isn’t one. In a surprising, and exceedingly touching, mountain-flavored reading of Randy Sparks’ heart tugging ‘Today,’ a major hit in 1964— Raven and Red pick up the pace a bit from the original but the aching beauty of the original is intact, and Lane, with a velvety harmony assist from Ms. Jones, who adds another tender fiddle solo to tear you up just a little bit more, brings it all home with abundant beauty infusing his reading. What a moment.

The fact of the matter is We Rise Up is a stunning debut for Raven and Red as a self-contained unit and, at once, reason to keep a close eye on these young artists. They’re going places, and fast.”  —David McGee (4/22/18)

The News Leader: A Concert Review

Live Performance at The Hangar Performing Arts Center On July 13, 2019

“We were blown away by the talent of Raven and Red. When they do return, attendance should be standing room only. Their sets included a diverse range of songs that was sure to please everyone. What a great show!”  The News Leader, Parsons, TN (7/17/19)

Country Music People (U.K.)

“Raven and Red’s debut is a mature, well put together release. They sound like they have been together for many years although they started in 2014. The songs, vocals, production and backing tracks are all of a high quality. Best of all, though, We Rise Up is a very entertaining start from a band in the folk-Americana area who may go far. The sales potential of this release is quite high as it has warm melodies and even a slight commercial edge and I hope to hear some more from the talented Raven and Red, sometime in the future.”  —Paul Riley (2/1/18)

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Glide Magazine

“Mitchell carries most of the lead vocals with a clear, sturdy, easy-to-listen voice with Cole’s harmony as an anchor. Brittany’s voice is also rich and blends well with the two males. With the strong presence of the violin and mandolin across the songs, Celtic, bluegrass, and classic country strains are often evident, but the songs are approached mostly from a story-telling folk song perspective. Perhaps the best example is the devastatingly honest assessment of a breakup when one is still in love with the other in ‘It Could Have Been You.’ Their tight harmonies, adept musicianship, and shifting genres will keep you engaged. Stay tuned. The raw ingredients are in place and this is an auspicious beginning.”  —Glide Magazine (2/2/18)

Country Jukebox (Germany)

“In the new album release We Rise Up, the acoustic trio RAVEN AND RED, consisting of Brittany Lynn Jones, Mitchell Lane and Cole King, focuses on self-written music. With admirable consistency and a distinctive mix of Americana, Folk, Bluegrass, Celtic, Country, Rock and Pop, the Nashville-based trio thrills fans and critics alike. Deeply rooted in folk music of the 70s, the three excellent musicians, with the participation of guest instrumentalists Paul Leech and Justin Collins, deliver both profound and intriguing anthems, creating a hypnotic effect that the listener can hardly escape. The trio, originally from Georgia and Pennsylvania, perform at high-spirits on songs like ‘Living And Loving You,’ ‘Another Empty Bottle,’ and ‘Moonshine And Makeup (One More Mistake).’ Overall, the twelve songs are characterized by great detail, density, and an all-pervading melancholy. A perfect bridge between tradition and modernity, We Rise Up represents a starting point for Raven and Red’s future productions.”  —Max Achatz (Feb. ’18)

Klanderman Promotion (Netherlands)

“The trio Raven and Red has recently chosen Nashville as home. We Rise Up, their first CD with their own songs, is far from pure country. They play acoustically and draw much of their inspiration from seventies folkies like Jim Croce and John Denver and even traditional Celtic music. What they do, in addition to a handful of beautiful songs, rises above the mediocrity of Nashville with razor-sharp and sometimes goosebumps-inducing singing. Even the Eagles could learn a tip [from Raven and Red]. Outstanding debut!”  Robbie Klanderman (1/21/18)

Fatea Magazine (U.K.)

“One of the best country debut albums of the year. All bar two of the songs are self-penned and sport the sort of quality and craftsmanship that usually takes years to accomplish, opening with the first number they wrote together, the easy swaying ‘Living and Loving You’, Lane’s reedy tenor upfront with the others proving immaculate harmonies on a song that could have come from the classic era of 60s country pop. Conjuring thoughts of Roger McGuinn’s early solo work, the folksy ‘Wild Roses’, sharing vocals on a reminiscence of a brief summer of love romance with free spirit flower child that proves you don’t have to have been there to remember the 60s. Things get back to old school honky tonk for the George Jonesy ‘Another Empty Bottle’. The album ends with the title track, which leaves things on a musically upbeat and lyrically positive note about overcoming adversity and doubt and always striving for higher ground “Because our purpose is endurance and perseverance is our name.” It’s an auspicious calling card full of a promise for an even brighter future.”  —Mike Davies (June ’18)

Real Roots Cafe (Netherlands)

“The CD hit me like a positive bomb. From the first song I was captivated by the beautiful vocals, the excellent harmony of the trio and the great violin of Brittany. It reminded me of the beautiful work of the formation, Girlyman, a topper in this genre. Wonderful folk with country borders (‘Another Empty Bottle’) and Celtic influences (the instrumental ‘Wild Roses Reprise’), three different songs stuck together, beautifully. For fans of super cool singing and wonderful violin playing this becomes a mandatory purchase. I am totally taken by this great music trio. Believe me, this is great music.”  —Fred Schmale (4/10/18)

Parcbench (NYC)

“Talk about making music! The acoustic team of Raven and Red seemingly do it all — and with heart, soul, abandon, and great care. In the process, the young, acoustic trio entertain with a blend of country, bluegrass, folk, and Celtic. They obviously have been influenced by generations of greats in those genres, but they make music with a style all their own. Best song of the collection of twelve tracks is ‘It Could Have Been You’ — a heartfelt song that allows Raven and Red to express with expansive honesty. As musicians they impress (especially in the harmony department), but what impresses most is the effortless quality they display. That is the mark of three complete naturals who are clearly headed in the right direction.”  —Greg Victor (2/11/18)

Lust for Life Magazine (Netherlands)

“Stories wrapped in beautiful, acoustic songs with an important role for Brittany’s violin. These three young musicians master their instruments perfectly, but that is not their strength. It is much more in the disarming honesty with which they bring their music. They know exactly how to hit the right chord with the listener. In short, country and folk without frills and straight from the heart.”  —Harry de Jong (2/21/18)

Maverick Magazine (U.K.)

“The band really shines when all three harmonise or when Mitchell takes center stage with his exceptionally clear and strong vocals. The album gets off to a crackling start with Living and Loving You, a great song about making difficult decisions when at the crossroads of life; an uncanny similarity to The Byrds on Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Repeated plays convinced me that Raven and Red should be destined for a secure future.”  —John Roffey (February/March ’18)

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Written In Music (Netherlands)

“Raven and Red do not impose any musical restrictions on themselves. They know how to create a decent song. Just listen to ‘Living and Loving You,’ ‘Left Me Again,’ ‘Lead Me Back To You,’ ‘Wild Roses,’ and the beautifully sung ‘Mirror To My Soul’ by Brittany. Add to this the beautiful instrumentation and inspired construction, and you get something special. ‘Wild Roses’ is given a fine instrumental reprise, split into two parts, which effortlessly nestles into the timeless tradition of the Trans Atlantic folk idiom. Above all, it is the atmospheric harmony of the young trio who effortlessly endures the comparison with the vocal performances of The Byrds and Eagles and generates very pleasant listening moments with life-long adult listeners.”  —Cis van Looy (2/1/18)

Midwest Record (Chicago)

“RAVEN AND RED/We Rise Up: Acoustic music that got it’s start in bluegrass and has moved along the back 40 to other interesting stops along the way, this young crew knows how to hit all the right notes and serve up something special and deluxe. Tasty stuff that’ll easily become a welcome friend in the device of your choice.”  —Chris Spector (2/20/18)

Rootsville (Belgium)

“The duo developed their own style with acoustic instruments and harmony vocals. Their music also leans close to that of John Denver. Brittany distinguishes herself as a talented multi-instrumentalist while Mitchell plays the 6 and 12 string guitars. We Rise Up is an album with their own stamp of harmonious vocals, a home to country, folk and a dash of bluegrass. It is a very atmospheric album that does not get boring. We will hear more from Raven and Red, because they are rising up.”  —Freddy Vandervelpen (5/18/18)

Alt Country (Netherlands)

“The members of Raven and Red can submit special CVs. Together, they bring positive folk rock and country pop to We Rise Up. Jones and Lane share the role as lead vocalists, where King puts a third layer of voice over it. It brings a warm, flowing stream full of sunny sixties references. ‘Wild Roses’ is about the summer of love and the hypnotizing sounds that rose from the Laurel Canyon. It is just as easy to take part in the singing with Raven and Red. On the song, ‘Today’ from The New Christy Minstrels, they give themselves back to choral singing. The trio is stubborn enough not to let the music industry prescribe the law in the future. The young trio has musical baggage in abundance and an interesting journey ahead of them.”  —John Gjaltema (2/22/18)

Lonesome Highway (Ireland)

“Excellent musicianship throughout and some superb harmony vocals. Plenty of highlights across 12 tracks that include ‘Mirror To My Soul,’ ‘It Could Have Been You,’ ‘Moonshine and Makeup (One More Mistake),’ ‘Grandpa’s Beer’ and ‘We Rise Up.’ The stand out track is ‘Wild Roses’ which also gets a reprise later in the song order, augmented by ‘Winter Raven’ and ‘World Traveller.’ Brittany weaves her 5-string violin through the melody lines with great skill and touch while the mandolin playing of Cole and guitar augmentation from Lane lead to a heady mix of Country, Folk and Bluegrass sounds that would lighten up any gathering of musical minds.”  —Paul McGee (8/15/18)

Fervor Coulee (Canada)

“The group shows great interest in the history and foundations of folk and country music while bridging the past with pop and rock influences and conventions: energetic, sensitive, and—most importantly—interesting. Without a doubt, Lane (the ‘Red’) can flat out sing. Jones’ powerful, substantial harmonies give Raven and Red’s songs supplementary heft. ‘Moonshine and Makeup’ and ‘Another Empty Bottle’ (sensing a theme here) are additional superior tracks that work well within Raven and Red’s modern country/folk approach. We Rise Up is a fine debut recording for the trio Raven and Red. There is something here, and I’ll be keeping these gnarled ears open.”  —Donald Teplyske (2/3/18)

Rootstime.be (Belgium)

“My favorite tracks (because of the great vocal harmonies, the melancholy sound of Jones’ violin, the mandolin and much more) are “Lead Me Back to You,” “Another Empty Bottle,” “Moonshine and Makeup (One More Mistake),” and “Wild Roses Reprise: Winter Raven / World Traveler.” With We Rise Up, Raven and Red is taking an important next step in their musical career. The album, with a strong country/folk foundation, will certainly appeal to a broad audience that is also interested in (dixit Brittany) ‘exploring the human condition.'”  Eric Schuurmans (1/1/18)

Le Cri du Coyote (France)

“The harmony vocals of the three voices are very pleasant and their songs are pretty classic in form and navigate the waters of the folk ballad in line of their claimed influences. The general tone is imbued with great serenity and their success is logical in view of the set up of their songs.”  —Christian Labonne (Sep. ’18)

Enigma Online

“Raven and Red is a folk-Americana group that is refreshing in today’s entertainment climate – they have actual talent. The trio made up of Brittany Lynn Jones and brothers Mitchell Lane and Cole King released in February their album of all original songs, We Rise Up to accolades and for the right reason. They can sing and perform their instruments without the aid of modern technology. With music that borders on traditional folk, country with a tinge of Celtic influences they bring a refreshing approach to their music.”  —Dave Weinthal (3/29/18)

No DepressionThe Morton ReportBy Jeff Burger

Raven and Red, We Rise Up. Raven and Red, a Nashville-based trio, looks young in the cover photo here, and it turns out they are: one of them is actually still in high school. No matter—vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Brittany Jones and brothers Mitchell Lane (vocals and guitars) and Cole King (vocals and mandolin)—all already have impressive musical resumes and, more importantly, a ton of talent. On their first full-length album of original material, their harmony vocals are gorgeous throughout, and so are their melodies and violin-, banjolin-, and mandolin-spiced instrumentation, which draws on folk, country, pop, and bluegrass. I’m reminded of such late 60s/early 70s groups as Swampwater and Linda Ronstadt’s Stone Poneys.”  —Jeff Burger (12/17/17)

Folker Magazine (Germany)

“They play almost exclusively their own material on their debut album, located in the field of tension between bluegrass, country and folk. Their specialty seems to be ballads, some would say – Tear Jerkers. Skillful fervor.”  —Volker Dick (May ’18)

Ctrl. Alt. Country e-zine (Belgium)

“On We Rise Up,’ the three performers present themselves first and foremost as highly skilled musicians. Jones and Lane are also excellent songwriters despite their relatively young ages. They are in love with songs that tell a good story—real stories as well as fictional.”  —Benny Metten (Feb. ’18)

Time Machine Music (Belgrade, Serbia)

“In a brief period, the band has proven that its musical views are mature and very serious. We Rise Up introduced the trio as a team who knows how to combine different musical genres into a unique style and vision. Their warm melodies are rooted in 70’s folk music heritage, but expand into arrangements including Celtic, bluegrass, classic country, pop and rock idioms as well. Their story-telling folk song perspective delivers precise mandolin and violin playing, among emotional vocalization parts. Raven and Red focused on self-penned music, and they did a nice job. We Rise Up could be a most influential and interesting product in this season.”  —Branimir Lokner (4/28/18)

Best of WNY.com

“The band mixes outstanding musicianship with impeccable vocals and harmonies in true Americana music fashion over twelve tracks. Highlights include ‘Living And Loving You,’ ‘Wild Roses’ and its reprise ‘Wild Roses Reprise-Winter Raven/World Traveler,’ ‘Lead Me Back to You,’ ‘Grandpa’s Beer,’ the title cut ‘We Rise Up,’ ‘Moonshine and Makeup (One More Mistake)’ and ‘Another Empty Bottle.'”  —Bob Silvestri (Feb. ’18)

RnR Magazine (U.K.)

“Raven and Red are a hotly tipped Nashville-based acoustic trio whose attractive blend of folk, Americana, rock, pop and Celtic influences is brought into sharp focus on debut album We Rise Up. Their self-written songs and right vocal harmonies acknowledge their musical heroes, Jim Croce, Robert McGuinn and John Denver.”  —RnR Magazine, formerly R2 & Rock’n’Reel (September/October ’18)

antiMusic

“A trio with two lead singers, Raven and Red is comfortable in many Americana sub-genres; the bluegrass waltz of ‘Living and Loving You,’ featuring vocalist Mitchell Lane, opens the record and the set moves on with the John Denver-informed sound of ‘Left Me Again’ and the weepy country ballad ‘Wild Roses,’ both of which also feature Lane. Co-lead singer Brittany Lynn Jones gets a vocal turn on the somber ‘Mirror to My Soul’ and she, like mandolin player Cole King, joins in on harmony vocals throughout. An instrumental reprise of ‘Wild Roses’ gives King, Lane on acoustic guitar and Jones on fiddle a chance to really strut their stuff. Many of the cuts here have philosophical and hopeful lyrics and album closer ‘We Rise Up,’ sung by Lane, is no exception.”  —Kevin Wierzbicki (Feb ’18)

The Alternate Root — Top Ten Songs of the Week

“Raven and Red warns of the dangerous mix of ‘Moonshine and Makeup.’”  —Danny McCloskey (2/7/18)

Zero Magazine (Sweden)

“Skill and perfection to the maximum.”  —Robert Ryttman (8/11/18)

NBT Music Radio (Germany)

Germany’s NBT Music Radio named We Rise Up one of 2018’s Best New Albums. (Dec. ’18)

Mark Pucci Media

“Raven and Red Soars on New CD, We Rise Up, Out February 2, 2018″

Click here to read the press release (11/20/17)

Tour Press: AJCGwinnett Daily Post, Chattanooga Times Free PressGeorgia Music, Creative Loafing, The Chattanoogan

Quotes

“Raven and Red entertains! It’s cool when a band can combine so many influences and genres in their songs and performances—from country to folk to rock to classical to Celtic and back to pop. You won’t be disappointed or left wanting to hear your favorite sound! They’re welcome at the Red Clay anytime they can make it.”  Eddie Owen, Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay Music Foundry, Duluth, GA

“Raven and Red has played many times at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. They are a first-class act and our guests enjoy their performances so much. They keep returning to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, because so many people enjoy their music and all of the wonderful talent they have. Raven and Red has performed at the Georgia Mountain Fair, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, July 4th Celebration, and we already have them coming back in September 2018 for the Dailey & Vincent LandFest in the Mountains.”  Hilda Thomason, General Manager of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA

“The sounds of Raven and Red resonate from the stage with a smooth flow of some great down to earth music giving the audience a place to travel forgetting about the hustle and bustle just beyond the venue doors just for a while.”  Bob Trester, North Georgia Live Music Review

“I can honestly say that Raven and Red is my favorite band! Not only are they phenomenal musicians, but they are also genuine, charismatic artists who really connect with their audience. Their ability to master a wide variety of genres and musical styles enables them to perform songs that are enjoyable for every listener. Get their CDs now, because these kids are going places!”  Bud Akins, President of Union County Historical Society, Blairsville, GA

“Raven and Red has all the elements of professionalism with energetic instrumentalists, classically-trained lead vocals, beautifully tight harmonies, and top-quality fiddling!”  Salem Beacon, Oberlin, PA

“The first time I heard Raven and Red was almost by accident. They just happened to be in town for another engagement on Labor Day weekend, the time when we hold the Harvest Festival in Blairsville, GA. There was a sudden cancellation by one of the musical groups, and Raven and Red filled in. To put it lightly, they blew the crowd away. Evidently, word of their performance spread quickly because when they later did a concert at The Old Courthouse on the Square, they had a full house, and many had to be turned away. They are definitely one of the most talented, entertaining groups I’ve heard.”  Sam Ensley, Director of Music at Union County Historical Society, Blairsville, GA

“Raven and Red are very talented musicians. If you are looking for a group of fresh, energetic, and skilled performers, Raven and Red definitely fits the bill.”  —Branson Townsend, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Parsons, TN