Shawn is Mr. Kimbro– patriarch of the family based Mountain Soul band.
In the beginning there was Shawn– the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist– and his wife Amanda of the lovely voice. Then along came son Daniel with all sorts of musical talents, including flatpicking a
Martin dreadnought. Two younger sons are in training, and occasionally fill in on bass. This talented family is joined by D.J. Morrison on mandolin and resophonic guitar, and the most recent addition- world
champion banjo picker Sonny Smith.Everyone in this group hails from East Tennessee. Even before they started playing professionally, they were all interested in the history of Appalachian style old-time
music. While most of the songs they perform are not traditional old-time songs, many clearly are shaped by the old-time influence. Shawn’s original songs, in particular, frequently exhibit that Carter Family
style.
A couple of years ago, Mountain Soul started playing at local restaurants and festivals. They proved so popular that they now stay busy touring through Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and
Georgia almost every weekend. They have appeared on TV and radio out of Knoxville several times– with the most recent being a headlining appearance on the popular “Behind the Barn” show from WDVX radio- on
the sought-after 4th of July date.
One year ago, Mountain Soul launched their first album– Clinch River Valley. This is the album on which Reid Mitchell comments in the quotation above.
Shawn’s original songs (some of which can be downloaded at their web site or from MP3.com) include:
“Hot Springs”- the story of a lady from their home town who fell in love with a German officer being
held in the Hot Springs P.O.W. camp during WWII.
“Holston River”- about the major flood early in the 20th century.
“Bethlehem Coal”- Shawn’s analysis of the coal mining industry, and
“Clinch River
Valley”- the title song, which really showcases Amanda’s voice on a slow waltz.
Steve Robertson
