Balsam Range - Bio
Rev. Fall 2012
It has been said that the loudest word in the world is your name, because it is who you are, it is how you have been
identified to the world for the length of time you have had your name, and it is a huge part of your self-perception for
your whole life. A lot of people who live in Western North Carolina claim the antiquated names of the peaks and
valleys and the lakes and rivers of this beautiful part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains as part of their
language in ways that might equate to sharing a warm story with an old friend. Place-names can create strong
mental images and add building blocks of self-identity that give way to a treasured sense of “where I’m from” or
“who I really am.” These feelings of place to which we mountain folk cling help define a majestic home shared by
those lucky enough to live here. And these mountain names often undergo a metamorphosis from the memories of
“what I’ve experienced here” to virtually become extensions of ourselves.
Many of the names found on WNC maps are names of people or names taken from some early event that took
place here…and some names on the map evoke images of strength and spirituality. These names of ridges and
hollers…trout streams and ruby mines…and roads and trails define areas of culture and heritage meaningful to
those who cling to treasured memories of time spent growing up or living here. These mountain places of beauty
are reflected within us and have become part of who we are as a people.
Such is the name BALSAM RANGE to a group of five outstanding acoustic musicians and singers from Haywood
County, North Carolina. For their band name, they thoughtfully and respectfully adopted the name of a majestic
range of mountains that surround part of their home county…where the Smokies meet the Blue Ridge…the
BALSAM RANGE.
Now meet the band…BALSAM RANGE. To encapsulate, Tim Surrett delivers entertaining MC work as well as
seasoned lead and harmony singing. Tim also plays bass most of the time, and he will occasionally move his talents
to the resonator guitar. His presentations are spontaneous, polished and professional. Buddy Melton is one of the
most gifted tenor voices in bluegrass and Americana today. His range and tones largely give BALSAM RANGE its
identifying sound, and his stellar fiddle playing supports the band’s programs equally. Caleb Smith has been called
“one of the top young guns of guitar.” His envied unique guitar style pairs perfectly with his energetic power singing.
Caleb also delivers ballads with a perfectly toned, believable tenderness. Darren Nicholson is one of the most gifted
mandolins players and harmony singers ever to come from the Southern Mountains. Darren’s studied, energetic
performances rival those of the classic old guard performers, and his enthusiasm for American heritage music styles
has no bounds. Marc Pruett plays traditional three finger banjo in intuitive and powerful ways that blend and
compliment the influences in the band of jazz and bluegrass…country and gospel…and swing and old-time. Marc
adds a credible entertainment experience of over 40 years to this fresh, unique Southern band…BALSAM RANGE.
Now that you have this introduction, join in the musical fun with BALSAM RANGE by hanging out here in their
corner of the e-universe. Even better, come out sometime and share an enjoyable evening of fabulous American
acoustic music with these five men…BALSAM RANGE.