Published: July 09, 2009 11:36 pm      

New Familiars making name at MMF

If you’re not familiar with the New Familiars — just visit Master Musicians Festival.

Made up of five individuals with a shared love of Appalachian music, the New Familiars will kick off the second day of Master Musicians Festival on Saturday, July 18, appearing at 1 p.m. on the outdoor stage behind Somerset Community College.

Made up of Justin Fedor on vocals, guitar, mandolin, and banjo, Josh Daniels on vocals, resonator and guitar, Daniel Flynn on drums, Jordan Klemons on banjo, electric guitar, and lap steel, and Pat Maholland on string bass, this band from Charlotte, NC, has created a blend of folk, blues, rock, and bluegrass music that illustrates a unique ability for storytelling.

“We've all been playing in bands since we were kids,” said Daniels. “Justin and I got together a couple of years ago at a ‘jam’ session over at his old place. (We) started playing out and decided to put a full band together.

The two enlisted Maholland, living at the time in Philadelphia, then Flynn, and Klemons just this past April. That created the current quintet, one that is quickly making a name for itself in the music world, appearing at venues across the country — including right here in Somerset.

Don’t call them a “bluegrass” act — these boys know how to rock. They take pride in their ability to blend traditional genres to create their own sound — something new, yet familiar.

“Although we do play ‘bluegrass’ instruments (banjo, mandolin, upright bass) we consider ourselves an honest rock n roll band,” said Daniels. “That being said, it doesn't scare us to play a traditional or gospel tune.”

The band had never heard of Master Musicians Festival under they were asked to play for the 16th annual two-day outdoor music festival, but find themselves excited about the opportunity.

“We love playing festivals and being outdoors in nature,” said Daniels. “It’s really great for us to be able to see so many acts as well.”

The New Familiars are just the first of eight bands scheduled for next Saturday, including the Dixie Bee Liners, the Greencards, the Duhks, and Mike Farris & the Roseland Rhythm Review. There are no easy-to-peg acts here; each boasts a style that defies categorization, ranging from Afro-Cuban jazz to down-home country.

The New Familiars are currently touring in support of their six-song EP “The Storm” and a 7-inch vinyl (featuring their original tune 'Mill's River' with a re-interpretation of Smokey Robinson's classic 'My Girl'). They're known for their live, energetic and ever-evolving performances.

To hear more of the New Familiars, check them out on iTunes, amazon.com, or www.thenewfamiliars. com.