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Harold's first CD release, "Slidin' to the Moon" produced the hit single "Mr. Man in the Moon", sung by Cindy West, that was rated number two nationally by Bluegrass disc jockey rating after being released on the Bluegrass Prime Cuts CD. Prime Cuts CDs are made up of Bluegrass recordings by individual artists which are then assembled by IBMA member Kurt **** Brandenberger and released to Bluegrass radio stations nationwide. The tune "Mr Man in the Moon" is catchy even when heard for the first time, and Cindy West's voice blending with East's dobro makes for a haunting and compelling magic. East hopes to build on the success of his "Slidin' To the Moon" project with his latest release, "Rocky Mount Swing".

In selecting material for his projects, East explains he did not care to have "just another dobro CD". He wanted a blend of vocals and dobro instrumentation in a package that would be agreeable to a variety of tastes. "I wanted something pleasing to the hardcore bluegrass lover as well as the person who may be hearing bluegrass for the first time, and I think the idea was very successful. He adds that he is promoting the **** project himself. **** Record Depot in Roanoke, Va. and Ludie Mays in Chase City, Va. is carrying the project. Ludie Mays is owned and operated by Cindy and Earl West from Chase City, Va. East is very thankful to all who have helped to promote the project. **** East explains "that it's sometimes difficult to measure the success of your project, however success for me is being able to continue my music".

The musicians participating on the "Rocky Mount Swing" project are: Cindy West, Chase City, VA - five time winner of the VFMA female vocalist award

Judy Stewart, Shepardsville, KY - three time winner of the VFMA female vocalist award
Mark Stewart, Shepardsville, KY - formally of the Kentucky band
Rickie Simpkins, Middleboro, KY - 1992 IBMA fiddle player of the year
Mark Newton, Fredericksburg, VA - Rebel records recording artist
Clyde Bailey, Amelia, VA - member of group, "Local Exchange"
George Thomas, Powhatan, VA - member of group, "George Thomas and Friends"
James Sebra, Newport News, VA - formally with the group "Kentucky"
Chris Fuller, Richmond, VA - independent recording artist
Russell Bonovitch, Bumpass, VA - formally with the "Slate River Band"

An accomplished songwriter, East wrote two songs performed on his first CD, "Harold's Hound Dog Blues", and "Juliana". "Juliana" is just a pretty little dobro tune. The tune "Rocky Mount Swing" was written by East on his latest project. This tune was dedicated to all the fine people in Rocky Mount Virginia. The song was written in Rocky Mount, Virginia while recording the project at Tim Austin's Doobie Shea Studios in Boones Mill, VA.

Though East has traditional Bluegrass roots, he states that his music leans toward the contemporary, even as some would disagree, citing the deep Appalachian flavor of some of his more mournful ballads as proof that his music could never leave the realm of the purely traditional. But his dobro sound can be highly contemporary, and **** the female vocals on his CD project set him apart from the usual high and lonesome Bluegrass fare.

"Rocky Mount Swing" - Harold East
I first met Harold East a couple of years ago in Owensboro, KY. Our common interest in music, and especially Resonator Guitars, afforded us the opportunity to get to know each other. At the end of that meeting we exchanged solo CD projects and wished each other luck in our future musical endeavors. After listening to Harold's first release, "Slidin' to the Moon", I immediately was struck by his talent as a producer and approach to playing the Resonator Guitar.

This project, "Rocky Mount Swing", continues what has now become a tradition, another great recording project by Resonator guitarist Harold East. In this recording, as in his first, Harold has put together another winning combination; a wonderful ensemble of supporting players; a wide variety of instrumental and vocal selections from various musical styles, demonstrating the versatility of the instrument; and most enjoyably, delivers to us fans his wonderful style and tone on the Resonator guitar.

Harold, his co-producer/engineer Tim Austin, and his musical friends have spent a year putting this recording together. I know the work put into this project is truly a labor of love for Harold. In his own words, "recording music for me is the fun side of life. I love the music and the wonderful people in Bluegrass music". Thanks so much for sharing your "fun side of life" with us, we certainly appreciate it!

Fred Travers
the seldom scene

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