Today, after nearly 16 years of touring and recording, I am publicly announcing my decision to leave Mountain Heart. We have discussed this together, and I leave on what I think must be considered the absolute best of terms. These fine gentlemen are much more than co-workers, they are family. While its been a very difficult decision to reach, I feel that the timing is right and that God has been tugging me to explore a number of different opportunities that have presented themselves over the last few months, as well as be open to new ones Im not yet aware of. As some may already know, Ive been very blessed to become deeply engaged in the Nashville studio scene: from producing full projects in a variety of genres, to A & R, session work, mixing/mastering/editing, and a myriad of other tasks. Between all this, and my intent to freelance with a number of various artists, teaching online and at various camps, my goal is to be as busy as ever, which is just the way I like it. So, I am looking forward to collaborating with many new faces in a variety of situations moving forward! My time with the Mountain Heart boys has been an amazing adventure. Its no small thing to be able to create and perform your own music with literally some of the very best musicians in the world, who - as many of you know - are also some of the finest people youll meet as well. From the very first iteration of the band, almost 16 years ago, to todays band, the hallmark we created with Mountain Heart has been a positively-charged, energetic, and highly personal approach to American Music. We poured ourselves into what we created. We took a lot of chances, broke a few rules, even took some lumps. But, ultimately we excelled and succeeded in many things we werent sure could be done. Mountain Heart has afforded me the opportunity to grow as a musician, as a producer, as a writer, as an arranger, and most importantly, as a teammate and person. I am proud of what weve accomplished, and I am heartily wishing these boys the VERY best as they move forward, and continue to set new musical standards for us all. I feel that I am leaving Mountain Heart as strong as ever, and that they are on the precipice of entering yet another great season. At present we have agreed that, though I will begin appearing with a variety of musical ensembles immediately, I will also be playing the remainder of the calendar dates Mountain Heart has scheduled for 2014 as well. It is my hope to be able to visit with many of our long time friends and fans during this time - and Ill admit - to throw down with with these particular guys a few more times! I look forward to seeing everyone, either with Mountain Heart over the next few months, or wherever our paths may cross from here forward! Please visit me at https://facebook/jimvancleve.fp?ref=hl to stay up to date on whatever is next!! God bless, Jim VanCleve
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:04:38 +0000