Cabin Fever NW Bio

Cabin Fever NW

If friendship had a soundtrack, this would be it. 

Vibrant original songs performed with rich vocals and masterful instrumentation, Cabin Fever NW has wide crossover appeal for fans of bluegrass, singer-songwriter, Americana, country, pop and gospel. 

No matter who you are, it’s likely that you’ve experienced cabin fever. You’ve been stuck somewhere for way too long. Walls have been built that you'd like to knock down. You need to get out, you need a change, you need something good to happen. 

What began as an adventure by two best friends, Cabin Fever NW has grown into a powerful quintet including Dianne Bochsler (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Tara Caldwell (vocals, claw hammer banjo) of Bellingham, WA, Ed Johnson (vocals, lead guitar) of Menlo Park, CA, Paul Elliott (vocals, fiddle) of Seattle, WA, and Cary Black (vocals, bass fiddle) of Sebastopol, CA. 

Dianne Bochsler's musical career began by singing duets and playing guitar with her father. She adopted an important piece of his life philosophy: happiness is playing a guitar and singing with friends. Her love of the stage took her all the way from upstate New York to Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. When she saw the music scene in the Pacific Northwest, she realized she had to be part of it. She followed her heart's desire and jumped into the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, where she found a bottomless well of inspiration. 

Tara Caldwell’s musical roots rise from the mountains and prairies of Alberta and the folk traditions of the labor movement. An accomplished singer and songwriter, Tara finds inspiration in the brighter spots as well as the darker corners of human experience. As a two-year-old child, she "imprinted" with the banjo and has been following it around ever since. When Tara and Dianne met at their children’s preschool, they discovered their near-perfect sibilant harmony and immediately grew ambitious about performing, recording, and living out their musical dreams together. 

Ed Johnson is a master of musical styles ranging from folk to Brazilian to classical. He is highly esteemed and sought after as a guitarist, bandleader, record producer, vocalist, teacher, and musical consultant. His vibrant, original contemporary jazz recordings have earned him fans and airplay worldwide. Ed tours regularly with numerous bands, including his own Novo Tempo. (www.edbjohnson.com). 

Paul Elliott is an extremely versatile and respected West Coast fiddle player. He is a member of the legendary country group Sons of the Pioneers, originally founded in 1934 by Roy Rogers and sporting their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has performed with The Good Old Persons, John Reischman, Michelle Shocked, Alison Brown, Buell Neidlinger, and many others. His recording credits span film, television, and radio, and a long list of recordings including Scott Nygaard’s No Hurry on the Rounder label. 

Cary Black is an inventive and expert bassist, described by Alan Senauke in Sing Out! Magazine as “a musician’s musician”. He performs, records and teaches a variety of styles including blues, funk, Brazilian, jazz, bluegrass, pop and rock. Cary has recorded and performed with a vast array of world-class acts including The Kingston Trio, Glen Yarbrough, The Grand Ol’ Opry, Mollie O’Brien, A Prairie Home Companion, The Kathy Kallick Band, Laurie Lewis, and Nina Gerber. 

Cabin Fever NW performs at various venues and festivals throughout the United States. Their original songs have been recognized by national media including NPR's Car Talk and SING OUT! Magazine and are sung in and around churches, folk societies, living rooms and campfires across the US and Canada. Booking please contact taralynn111@gmail.com

Discography

Nightjar (2020) is a beautiful display of folk roots with gospel influences. This album is at once uplifting and reassuring. Gorgeous vocal harmony, compelling songwriting, stellar musicianship throughout. 'Nightjar’ delivers a vital and satisfying batch of new songs of importance today. Featuring Dianne Bochsler, Tara Caldwell, Ed Johnson, Paul Elliott, and Cary Black.

This Night That Lasted Days (2015) spins many colors and textures into one artfully arranged and compelling collection. The duo delivers their best songwriting and vocal performances ever, which are well supported by masterful and creative instrumentation. On this release, Tara and Dianne are backed by the incomparable talents of Ed Johnson, Cary Black, John Reischman, Mark Ivester, Victor Bellomo, and David Keenan.

Stay Awhile With Me (2010) is a mix of fresh originals and timeless classics. The sound is at once new and familiar, with gorgeous vocal harmonies and instrumental performances, put together under the watchful direction of accomplished producer Ed Johnson.

The Door Is Always Open (2006) delivers delicious original tunes, fresh takes on traditional favorites, luscious harmonies and elegant guitar and banjo accompaniment. Tara and Dianne are joined on this recording by guitar master John Miller.

Spring Thaw (2004) is a collection of 15 covers, exploring a bluegrass sound, backed-up by notable musicians including John Reischman on mandolin. 

The self-titled four-song demo Cabin Fever (2003) was their first foray into recording and was noted as one of the year’s best local recordings by the Bellingham Herald.

 
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