Dear fellow Pilgrim Church members.

I’m pleased to announce the release of newest studio album The Undertow. Several years in the making, this recording represents my very first concept album. All of the songs in this collection are ones I’ve written or co-written, and have some connection to the ocean. All of the performers are friends in music that I have performed with, recorded with, or written with in the past. Several are a part of our annual Christmas Concert tour.  Below are the album liner notes, offering a more info on the new release for your reference.

The reason for sharing this with you all is that for any church member who is interested in purchasing a copy, I will offer to donate 100% of the proceeds to the church. CDs are $15 each. No matter how many you would like to purchase (family/friends etc.)…. all the proceeds go to Pilgrim Church. I’ll arrange to have copies of the undertow CD available Sundays  after church, and would be more than happy to sign copies for anyone who is interested. CDs are also available in the church office. 

Respectfully

Rick Lang

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Storyteller Rick Lang Releases “The Undertow” to Rave Reviews

“The Undertow possesses a natural force that can sweep you away. Each song is a poignant story. Each story has its own memorable score. Keen songwriting, endearing vocals and flawless musicianship.” New Hampshire Magazine

“On The “Undertow,” Lang has released a folk roots masterwork.” Brian Klausing, Acoustic Rainbow/Poetman Records

April 3, 2018 – Master storyteller Rick Lang brings his unique approach and storytelling talents to his newly released concept album, “The Undertow,” highlighting several years of writing and featuring 12 original compositions, each having some connection to the ocean. As with some of Lang’s other releases, this album takes the rare approach of all songs on the album being from the pen of this award-winning songwriter yet featuring acoustic and bluegrass artists who bring his compositions to life.

Growing up along the coastlines of New England, Lang has always felt drawn to, and inspired by the sea and intriguing coastal lore of his native home. The natural beauty of the ocean and its surroundings are a part of who he is and its influence is deeply embedded in his songwriting.

“The Undertow represents my very first concept album. It’s taken nearly 25 years of writing, and endless re-writing, to compose the tracks included on this release. All of the storylines take place along the beautiful New England coast, and are based on, or inspired by my life experiences,” he says.

Listeners will find the music on theses tracks is essentially acoustic with elements of Bluegrass, Folk, Roots, and Americana. There was no consideration to a specific genre. Lang and his producer tried create an appropriate music setting for each song based on the story line, shooting for a sound that would be reminiscent of all that the ocean brings to the senses.

Produced and engineered by longtime friend Bob Dick, Lang and company brought a masterful coastal feel to the album while still allowing the folk and bluegrass sounds to shine through. All performers on the album are New England area natives, artists that Lang has recorded, performed or written with over time. Three of the tunes were collaborations with two of Lang’s favorite co-writers – Ted DeMille and Rich Schleckser.

Undertow is receiving high praises from loves of acoustic music and industry professionals as well. “Rick is a master songwriter and storyteller who simply has a remarkable gift of his craft,” says Brian Klausing of Acoustic Rainbow and Poetman Records. “His songs stir the soul and unlock simple truths. His projects are always beautifully recorded and arranged…On “Undertow,” Rick has released a folk roots masterwork. It’s a concept album of songs connected to the ocean and sea that are woven together like a fine tapestry. The inspiration comes from Rick’s own life’s experience, family ancestry, and real life stories but it’s message is universal. Like when the young boy holds up the shell to his ear in the heart tugging acoustic track “Treasures in the Sand”. Like the ocean, the songs can be vast and mysterious like “Keep the Lights Burning Abby” or “Shipwreck of Love” or the more intimate and familiar like the bluegrass flavored “Massachusetts Turnpike”. The fun is discovering all the little threads that are interwoven throughout the entire project that can only be discovered by each repeated listen.”

Album Cuts:

1. Lighthouse
2. Massachusetts Turnpike
3. Keep the Light Burning Abby
4. Shipwreck of Love
5. Marginal Way
6. Young Sailor’s Dream
7. Rye Harbour
8. Widow’s Walk
9. The Rising Tide
10. Blood Red Sky
11. Treasures in the Sand
12. The Undertow

“The Undertow” is available for purchase here at www.ricklangmusic.com, iTunes and CD Baby. For more information about the album and Rick Lang Music, please visit www.ricklangmusic.com.

Available to Radio for Downloading at www.airplaydirect.com/theundertow

MEDIA:
For review copies or more information about The Undertow, contact Shari Lacy, GoodStuff PR Co. at [email protected] or call 615-525-5303. ***