a m e r i c a n r o o t s m u s i c • t r a d i t i o n a l c o u n t r y • b l u e s • f o l k • a m e r i c a n a m u s i c • a m e r i c a n r o o t s
m u s i c • t r a d i t i o n a l c o u n t r y • b l u e s • f o l k • a m e r i c a n a m u s i c • a m e r i c a n r o o t s m u s i c • t r a d i t i o n
 Photograph by Bill Coleman |
For many people, there is a kind of
fascination with the Amish. Perhaps it is because "we recognize in them a part of ourselves
and a way of life we have misplaced."
|
|
Photojournalist Bill Coleman, has
spent over 30 years compiling one of the most profound visual documents of the
Amish culture of Pennsylvania. In much the same way, songwriter and musician, Mark
Brine has made a career out of capturing the essence and spirit of America through
songs. Songs that tell stories about simpler lives in touch with the traditions of
the past. And they take the listener on a journey to a place where some people are
in fact shy! Where life is still precious and significant and death is still a
heartbeat that can shatter a soul. So, it is easy to see why, Brine chose to use
one of Mr. Coleman's photographs on the cover of his "best of CD."
Bill Coleman began his career as a successful portrait photographer in
Pennsylvania. By accident, he stumbled upon the valley where he has spent a
majority of his life photographing the Amish. A project that he thought would
take only a few weeks to complete has turned into a 30-year career for Bill.
With about 90 families in the area, Bill never has to pose
his subjects, as the daily life surrounding him in the community is all he
needs to capture the images. The Amish in the community have become
accustomed to seeing Bill around, and about 10 families have given Bill the
opportunity to photograph them.
Mr. Coleman has also authored a book on the Amish, The Gift to be Simple, Life in
Amish Country. When not photographing, Bill spends his time hand-printing all
of his images.
Related links: |
|
"Since migrating from Cambridge,
Mass to Nashville some three decades ago, Mark Brine has carved out a strong
reputation as an uncompromising traditionalist on the country music scene which
has made him one of the elder statesmen of Americana."
-- Shaun Dale, Cosmik Debris Magazine
"I could listen to him sing all night long … he does a good job that boy does." -- Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree "A fine young man who I think has a great future." -- Hank Snow, Grand Ole Opry "Brine could easily have been added to the cast of 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' without raising an eyebrow. He belongs to that group of artists whose individuality and quirkiness consign them to the periphery of what's commercially viable. But God bless him for not just being another cog in the musical wheel." -- James McSweeney, Flyin Shoes |
 |
|
"Brine has made a long career of flying under the
folk/country radar for a long time and has picked up a bunch of awards and recognition just the same. A real Americana act, Brine fuses elements of all the stuff we've been listening to for years that you really can't compare to anything else that’s sure to really draw you under it's spell." -- Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap "I think Mark Brine must be Americana's
best kept secret. A singer/songwriter for over thirty years, friend of the late and legendary
pioneer fiddlin' Sid Harkreader, Brine writes wonderful story songs about ordinary people and
ordinary places. To tell these stories, Mark has a voice that is as comfortable as a favourite
coat." -- Pete Smith,
Country Music Round Up "His career has pursued the path of a truly independent artist - someone who follows his soul and does things his own way – his ability to write and produce has made his name synonymous with quality." -- Doug Floyd, AltCountryTab.com "I think what makes Mark Brine such a gifted songwriter/storyteller is the fact that he seems to be such an obvious fan of many genres of music. He's someone who is like a sponge when it comes to reintegrating influences into his own work." -- Gail Worley, Ink 19 ©2004 Mark Brine Music. All rights reserved. |