A soft harmonica opens “Mountain Time,” a new release from Rita Bliss from her debut album Peaches and Apple Pies. A soft melody and quiet banjo create a sentimental atmosphere in this timeless story.
“Mountain Time” is a romantic tale about Bliss’ wife. The idea came from listening to a playlist of her favorite songs that spanned all the inspirations that brought her on this journey.
“It was the first love song I’d written in a long time,” Bliss said, who wrote the lyrics on the road from Lubbock through the endless landscapes of Texas. “I just thought about her on this drive back to Austin, which is a long, long drive… just imagining if she was on this road trip with me.”
Signal Hill Recordings
Bliss took a collection of her works to Dominic Fisher, who produced the album and played bass and mandolin, and the album was recorded by Patrick Herzfeld at Signal Hill Recordings in Austin, Texas. Noah Jeffries played fiddle and guitar, and Jimmie Scott Calhoun sang harmonies. The result is a beautifully melodic album with subtle notes throughout that really grab your attention and give a great platform for storytelling.
“It’s my first time through the release cycle,” Bliss said. “I didn’t have a plan to put together an album until December of this last year.”
Becoming a Solo Performer
Bliss made the leap into solo performing over the past year, after performing with folk and bluegrass bands. Originally from New York, Bliss came to Texas several years ago looking for a “major life shift.” Bliss had some family connections in Austin, and had enjoyed visiting over the years.
“I love the music scene here,” Bliss said. “There’s a lot of opportunities to take in really, really good music.”
Bliss has created a new album in the tradition of Gillian Welch and John Prine, and it’s a welcome sound for fans of introspective, warm folk songs.
More information about Rita Bliss can be found here.
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