Mountain Therapy is a band that has seen many years of playing bluegrass in northeastern U.S. area festivals. Formed over 15 years ago, this band has come to be known as a high-energy ensemble, playing everything from traditional to contemporary tunes, fast-paced instrumentals to high-lonesome vocals. These fine musicians have been influenced by everyone from the old-school fathers of this genre to the youngsters out in the parking lot flat tearing it up with the yet-to-be-heard sounds of tomorrows bluegrass.Mountain Therapy opened the 2005 festival season with a new look and a fresh sound and followed up with a new recorded project in 2006.:: Mountain Therapy - innovative bluegrass ::

Lonnie Wellman is the driving force of Mountain Therapy with his lead and baritone singing and his powerful rhythm guitar style that lays the foundation for the entire band. His roots are deep in bluegrass and he comes from a family of exceptional musicianship. Whether it is a haunting bluegrass ballad or a fast powerhouse standard, Lonnie's pure voice and distinctive style drive home the Mountain Therapy sound. His writing skills have added several originals to the band's catalog of songs. Along with his wife Marsha, Lonnie continues to lead Mountain Therapy along the cutting edge of bluegrass music. Marsha Wellman plays upright bass and sings lead and tenor for Mountain Therapy. Her love and devotion to music shines through in both her playing and her lonesome vocal styling. She has been performing professionally since a small child and also comes from a rich musical heritage. Marsha has a great talent for arranging and is responsible for developing the tight knit harmonies that are a distinguishing trademark of Mountain Therapy. Tim Custer plays banjo for Mountain Therapy. He tackles instrumentals with impeccable drive and timing. He has penned several original songs, drawing from his love for the music and the instilled talent that one can only derive from years of playing from the heart. Tim has developed his own style and approach to the banjo, but credits Don Reno as his mentor and hero. AZ native Mark Miracle plays mandolin and has the ability to sing all vocal parts but prefers the 'support' role in the vocal makeup, singing mostly baritone and tenor, with the occasional lead duty. Mark strives to approach the music in a fresh fashion while holding true to its roots. His picking is clean, tasteful and driving. He too has written several originals and he brings a distinctive new sound to Mountain Therapy.

...What they are saying....... The new release by Mountain Therapy is an outstanding mix of old and new.The old selections, all underutilized gems, are made fresh again with outstanding arrangements. Of particular note is turning Harold Arlen's 'Over The Rainbow' into a banjo tune. The seven originals, three from within and four from songwriter Dave Ziler, set this project apart, making it one of the year's top independent releases. John Trout, WYEP FM, Pittsburgh, PA ... I remember receiving the project from Mountain Therapy simply titled 'Looking Back' and wondering if this would be a CD I could play on WOPI's 'Bluegrass Jamboree'. Well after listening to it, May I say that it's getting played quite often. I think that you should name your next project 'Looking Forward' because I feel that this is the direction that Mountain Therapy Is heading. The group shows nothing but promise, enough upon hearing that I picked up the phone and tried to book them for a festival in our area. I'm just sorry that they were already booked. Keep playing the music! Larry Gorley - WOPI, Bristol TN ... 'This CD blows me away like a roadside bomb...top notch in every way...' Johnny Timewarp, host of 'Dark Side Of The Highway, WFCS 107.7 FM, New Britain, CT ... My listeners really love the new CD from Mountain Therapy. I think the band has a 'winning' sound with their blend of traditional bluegrass with just enough NEW to be exciting. George Campbell, Music programmer for WZRU and on the internet at www.BostonPete.com ... Mountain Therapy brings back the old days of traditional bluegrass while at the same time weaves some superior picking and singing that reflects the genre of the day. If you can't see these folks in person buy their CDs and you will drift into the real world of bluegrass. Mountain Therapy's version of 'Over The Rainbow' makes me want to jump up and do a joyful dance! - Tom Ball, host of 'Just Plain Folk', WAPS Radio, Akron Ohio ... If you are needing a bluegrass fix have your doctor give you a prescription for some Mountain Therapy. You'll be feeling better in no time! - Jack Duke bluegrassradio@verizon.net WROG FM Cumberland MD, WPDX FM Fairmont WV