April Verch has never been content to stand still. One of the most esteemed fiddlers of her generation, Verch has been immersed in a musical journey since the age of three, with new chapters unfolding each step of the way. On February 17, Verch will release The April Verch Anthology an 18-track collection celebrating her life’s work and one week later, on Thursday, Feb. 23, she will be appearing at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown in support of her 10th album.
Verch steps, sings, and fiddles with a fresh and feisty approach to deep North American traditions. The new album offers an enchanting mix of regional Canadian, American old-time, bluegrass, country and Americana tracks, including songs dear to April as well as a healthy dose of fan favorites. In addition to featuring tracks spanning Verch’s 1998-2015 recordings, the collection includes two newly recorded, never-before-released tracks.
“As I reflected on the releases that had come before,” said Verch, “I realized that those albums and tracks represented snapshots of my life, past and present, and that together they make a mosaic of glimpses into the full picture of who I am. That’s when I decided that an anthology would be the perfect way to celebrate it all.”
With eleven albums and years of touring under her belt, Verch has moved from upstart prodigy to mature and reflective songwriter, interpreter, and storyteller. Verch’s delicate voice, energetic footwork, and stunning playing—a trifecta of talents she brings together simultaneously to jaw-dropping effect. Even as she plays with the tradition she inherited in her native Ottawa Valley, Verch’s energetic performances speak to the heart of roots music with mature and reflective songwriting, interpreting, and storytelling.
The Feb. 23 performance BlackRock will be in the intimate Studio Theater, which has reserved seating. For tickets go to the BlackRock website. info@blackrockcenter.org, or calling 240-912-1058.