Fierce Fiddler Betse Ellis plays Americana Music & Arts Festival on 8/24

On June 18, 2013, accomplished fiddler Betse Ellis released High Moon Order, a new full-length studio album by Free Dirt Records. In support of the new record, Betse is touring the US and will stop in Florence, CO on August 24 for a show at Americana Music & Arts Festival

Betse’s High Moon Order has already grabbed the attention of notable outlets in the Americana press circuit; No Depression selected the album for an exclusive "First Spin" feature, which is available at this link (and includes a stream of the full album). Betse also recently stopped in the KCUR studios for an in-studio performance and interview; the NPR affiliate's feature story is available here.

 2013 will also bring many prominent American music festival appearances (including an appearance at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival) and a performance with The Wilders at Calgary Folk Music Festival. For a full list of Betse's tour dates, see the bottom of the release.

High Moon Order meshes the raw, straightforward approach of Betse's previous solo work to a sound that is uncommonly complex and captivating. Consisting primarily of original compositions, the few traditional songs and tunes that appear are imprinted with Betse's own personal style and delivery. Laid atop stylistically diverse instrumentations, the lyrical content of High Moon Order inspires the listener with its eloquent honesty, creating a union between depth and candor.

What perhaps makes High Moon Order so distinct is its ability to surprise. One moment Betse wails out gritty words atop a screaming fiddle and drums, the next she quietly confesses over the strum of a tenor guitar. Yet, the pieces fall together beautifully for a record that pushes the boundaries of how folk music can be understood and transformed in the modern age. The album features 13 tracks that demonstrate Betse's incredible musical range, including traditional and original fiddle tunes, new, sonically rich songs featuring full electric band, and even a couple of fiery punk-infused numbers. High Moon Order will wow any fan of folk, old-time, Americana and beyond.

Betse's 2009 release, Don't You Want to Go? (Free Dirt Records), garnered her an Independent Music Award nomination and favorable press reviews. Ink Magazine responded to the album saying, "Let's get one thing straight: Betse Ellis is one badass fiddle player. She has an uncanny ability to make that instrument weep and wail while making it play hot potato with the bow...Ellis has put together a debut solo album filled with plenty of traditional numbers, a couple blues songs courtesy of Memphis Minnie and a classical piece that...reminds us that Ellis is no one-trick pony."

A classically trained violinist, Betse became dedicated to old time fiddle styles, especially Ozark styles, when she realized this music related directly to her regional heritage. Recognizing the deep soul present in the source music inspired Betse to spend the last 20 years of her life learning, performing and teaching these styles. Betse has toured over the last decade, throughout the US and internationally with the acclaimed "hillbilly riot" band The Wilders, of which she is a founding member. Her solo career has flourished in the last year involving tours in the Midwest and Colorado, in addition to teaching at music camps in Wyoming and Washington. In 2012, Betse was selected as an official showcasing artist for the Folk Alliance International conference, as well as for the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual festival.

For a full list of tour dates click here!