Nationally recognized dulcimer player Butch Ross says he moved to Chattanooga in 2007 and fell in love with the city and its musical richness.IF YOU GO* What: Butch Ross CD launch party.* When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.* Where: The Camp House, 1427 Williams St.* Admission: $10 (includes CD).* Phone: 423-702-8081.* Website: TheCampHouse.com.
Butch Ross, a Chattanooga-based, nationally recognized mountain dulcimer player, will celebrate his first new album in four years at The Camp House on Friday, Nov. 15.
Ross is known for transforming traditional folk music and using the dulcimer in unexpected ways, but this fourth album goes further.
"This album is really a collection of short stories," he says. "It features the dulcimer, but the emphasis here is on the narrative. Though the songs are largely based on traditional melodies, the stories are original. Some are based on personal experiences; all of them tell a story. One -- 'The Battle of Travis Kilgore' -- was written about a friend of mine, though I didn't know him at the time. You'll have to attend to get the whole story."
The launch party will open with Sarah Morgan, the champion of the 2011 National Mountain Dulcimer Competition
Available for sale at the event will be "Gone," a five-song EP that features songs Ross wrote and developed using his technique of looping. Both releases will be performed in their entirety.
Guests on the album include local musicians Ryan Oyer, Amber Fults, Danimal Pinson, violist Jessica Nunn and others, many of whom will sit in with Ross at the launch. The $10 admission includes a copy of the CD.