Friends and Family CD
Heyleon is a deep space acoustic flight where space time as we know it goes away…
This Trans-Apocalyptic Pagan Gospel Super Group was formed in the Pecan Grove at Walnut Valley Festival, where musicians from a handful of established regional bands cross-pollinated to create a full Kansas bluegrass sound. They echo the campgrounds and pickin’ parties they love, from Lawrence, Kansas to Taos, New Mexico. The sweet guitar, salty banjo, sailing fiddle, plucky mandolin, smooth bass lines and abundant harmony vocals are sure to satisfy the bluegrass lover’s soul.
Mike Helvey’s original material, spanning 50 years of songwriting, is center stage in this project. Joined by Bayley Kate (Ashes to Immortality, Bayley Kate and Running Late), Brandon Allai (Signal Ridge, Ashes to Immortality), Brody Wellman (Pretend Friend) Elexa Dawson (Weda Skirts), Peter Oviatt (Signal Ridge, The Neighbors) and Rachel Allai (Weda Skirts, Signal Ridge), each member of this power group contributes their unique playing styles and original tunes.
A live show is a rare occasion, but these creators are prolific in studio, making a regular migration from Eastern Kansas to Taos, NM with Peter Oviatt doing double duty as engineer at Moonflower Sounds. Bassist Brody Wellman adds his expertise in recording and mastering.