5 Hills: An Album for the Smoky Mountains

This began as a labor of love for the Smoky Mountains, a series of chamberworks celebrating this place we love so much.

The hills

descend, ascend,

as on a ladder

for Jacob.

It is water

which I hear.

After writing five pieces, featuring five instruments each, and celebrating five mountains, we at The Watershed began raising money on another online platform. People were interested, and funds came in. There was a great deal of excitement.

Then came the storm.

The very area which we wished to celebrate turned into a warzone where homes had washed away and people were isolated and suddenly destitute. We decided to push pause.

Until now. Officially, we at The Watershed are back and ready to make this album, and we need your help. It costs a lot to make a great record, with great players, and we owe our best to you the listener.

Here's a preview for you:

"Sornook/Guyot" (Bearden Session)

5 Hills

We've decided to lean into the history of this land as much as possible, including the Cherokee/Tsalagi names. Here are the tracks:

1. Sornook/Guyot

2. Collins & the Hawkins Line

3. Walasiyi & Leconte

4. White Rock

5. Kuwohi

We'll be recording as funds arrive, so our first goal is to get in the studio for one track. Knoxville is full of amazing players, as you can hear on the video, and it's going to be a good time. There will be some fun extras and releases as production goes on, so keep an ear out.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your donation! Art gets made because of you, and we're grateful for your help in celebrating these mountains in song. Let's make 5 Hills.