Pickin’ Strings is the new chapter of music from MISMOUNTAINBOYS, an Italian band with country and bluegrass roots, which took its first steps in 2005.
On one hand, the new project returns to the origins of the acoustic sound. As a matter of fact, the band has put aside amplifiers, electric guitars and percussion instruments to make way for the mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitars as well as the upright bass, the driving engine of this new sound. On the other hand, a strong female influence has arisen in this new chapter: the introduction of Isabelle Starr’s voice in the acoustic combo is proof of this. She is a natural lead vocal; her style has been compared to that of June Carter and Emmylou Harris.
The play list starts with the traditional ‘murder ballads’ like “Banks of the Ohio” at the dawning of the country music with “Wildwood Flower” - executed in the perfect Carter Family’s style. Then to the 50’s with “Drivin Nails In My Coffin”– a sensational hit by Ernest Tubb, the duet of “Time’s A Wastin’”- when June Carter still had to meet Johnny Cash and sang with her first husband Carl Smith. On to the early 70’s with “Lonesome Feeling”, a revisit of the country hit “Jolene” by Dolly Parton and the ballad “Wanted Man” by Bob Dylan. Two mountain songs to close the album: “Caleb Meyer” by the singer-songwriter Gilian Welch and a profound reinterpretation of ”Molly & Tenbrooks”.
Pickin’ Strings is a journey through the unlimited hints of country and bluegrass music, which is well represented in the cover of the CD: a patchwork of musical creativity tied in with the tradition of two horses riding in the wind like Molly and Tenbrooks!

Isa the “Belle Starr” Saradini: guitar & lead vocal;
Roberto the “Hook” Braiato: guitar, mandolin, harp & vocals;
Fabio the “Cowboy Smile” Bestetti: upright bass & vocals;
Remo the “Mr. Cadillac” Ceriotti: banjo;
Guest Agata Braiato: choir on “Across The Great Divide”, “Jolene” and “Wildwood Flower”.







Pickin’ Strings è il nuovo capitolo musicale dei MISMOUNTAINBOYS, country & bluegrass band italiana che ha mosso i primi passi nel lontano 2005.
Il nuovo progetto, da un lato rappresenta un ritorno alle radici del sound acustico - infatti sono stati messi in soffitta amplificatori, chitarre elettriche e percussioni per dare spazio a mandolino, banjo e chitarra acustica oltre al motore pulsante del contrabbasso – e dall’altro ha subito una forte innovazione tutta al femminile. Infatti, il combo acustico vede nella voce di Isabelle Starr – che a tratti richiama il mood di June Carter e di Emmylou Harris – la sua naturale leader vocale.
La play list parte dalla tradizione delle murder ballads di “Banks of the Ohio” agli albori della country music con “Wildwood Flower” in perfetto stile Carter Family, gli anni 50 di “Drivin Nails In My Coffin” – clamorosa hit di Ernest Tubb- e il duetto di “Time’s A Wastin’ –quando June Carter ancora doveva incontrare Johnny Cash e duettava con il primo marito Carl Smith- per poi arrivare al bluegrass dei primi anni 70 con Lonesome Feeling, la rivisitazione della country hit “Jolene” di Dolly Parton e la ballata “Wanted Man” di Bob Dylan. A chiusura due mountain song: Caleb Meyer della cantautrice Gilian Welch e una profonda rilettura della kentuckyana Molly & Tenbrooks.
Pickin’ Strings è un tirare le corde, da parte dei MISMOUNTAINBOYS, nelle infinite sfumature della country & bluegrass music che è ben rappresentata nella cover del cd: un patchwork di fantasie musicali legate alla tradizione con due cavalli che corrono nel vento come Molly & Tenbrooks!

Isa “Belle Starr” Saradini: Guitar & Lead Vocal
Roberto “Hook” Braiato: Guitar, Mandolin, Harp and Vocals
Fabio “Cowboy’ Smile” Bestetti: Upright Bass and Vocals
Remo “Mr Cadillac” Ceriotti: Banjo
Guest Agata Braiato: Chorus on “Across The Great Divide”, “Jolene” and “Wildwood Flower”