Winter Mountain

Winter Mountain is the stage name of singer songwriter Joseph 'Joe' Francis (Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Piano, Harmonica), based in Cornwall, UK. The brand of music is predominately Folk Rock.

After forming in 2009 Winter Mountain began touring extensively in the UK and Ireland, performing original songs and attracting the attention of many major labels before signing to the UK based indie label 'Charcoal Records' in 2010. Initially a duo, they were known for their close vocal harmonies, similar in style to that of Simon and Garfunkel and The Everley Brothers, and distinctive song writing abilities.

In November 2010 Winter Mountain supported Sara and Sean Watkins (formerly of Nickle Creek) on an extensive tour of the UK and Ireland. Under the Winter Mountain guise Joe has supported Rosanne Cash, Cara Dillon, Benny Gallagher, Seth Lakeman, Fleet Foxes, Paolo Nutini and Grammy award winner Patty Griffin

Francis and former member Martin Smyth met in 2009 while both were traveling by train to Memphis, Tennessee after performing in the United States. After the two played together in Memphis and later New York City, Francis visited Smyth at his home in Donegal, Ireland and shortly afterwards formed Winter Mountain

Winter Mountain began touring after winning a 'battle of the bands' contest in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The prize for winning was to spend two days at a local recording studio. They used the session to record what would become their debut EP, which featured five original songs.

After a year of performing in pubs and folk clubs across the UK and Ireland, Winter Mountain were given the opportunity to accompany Northern Irish folk singer Cara Dillon at a theatre in Donegal. They presented their EP to Dillon's husband and manager Sam Lakeman, owner of 'Charcoal Records', and were signed to his label.^[1]

In 2015 Smyth left Winter Mountain.

Winter Mountain continues to tour and a 2nd album is currently being recorded in Cornwall, UK.

Discography

• Winter Mountain^[2][3]

References

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1. Cara and Sam have faith in 'Winter'
2. Album review: Winter Mountain - Winter Mountain - The Irish Post
3. CD Review: Winter Mountain - Winter Mountain | Music | Entertainment | Daily Express
4. BBC News - BBC Introducing: Winter Mountain Band
5. The Winter Mountain Band - Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition - QTheMusic.com
6. ON THURSDAY, 15 July, two new Perranporth-based bands, fresh from support slots at the Eden Sessions, will perform a night of music at The Riverbank, Truro. | This is Cornwall
7. WINTER MOUNTAIN – featuring Cornish singer-songwriter Joe Francis – are fast becoming the most talked-about act in folk. | This is Cornwall
8. americanaUK - Winter Mountain - "Find, Follow"
9. Winter Mountain – Debut EP ‘Find, Follow’ | Folk Radio UK
10. Winter Mountain: Find, Follow - Review - North West Folk