Lift You Up is a driving, haunting, collaborative album about making a positive difference in this world, in our social connections, and lifting each other up!

Who’s Who On The Album
The Core Four (Five) Scooches:
Betina Hershey, voice, guitar, lyrics/composition
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitars, resonator/slide, banjos, piano, organ, electric bass, composition, music director, producer
Miles Griffith, voice
Harvey Wirht, drums, percussion
Dr. David Pleasant, tambourine, Gullah Geechee foot stomping

Extra Saucy Scooches:
Aditya Phatak, tabla
Amad Johnson, drums
Angela Workman, voice
Art Hirihara, organ
Jennifer Vincent, double bass
Hilliard Greene, double bass
Kenny Kosek, fiddle
Len Monachello, vocal bass line, jaw harp, sound engineer & co-producer
Mamadou Ba, electric bass
Michela Marino Lerman, tap
Rashaan I.A. Salaam (Ra$h Ca$h), spoken word
Russell Hall, electric bass

recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Lift You Up

New York City's The Scooches (formerly Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches) are likely the only band infusing elements of world rhythms and sonorities with folk traditions, New Orleans influences, and music from the 1920s. Their forthcoming sophomore album, Get Us Out Of Fearland, due June 15, builds upon the multi-cultural exuberance that made their debut, Very Next Thing, a transcendent breath of fresh air. Elmore Magazine championed its “Remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition,” with revered tastemaker station WFUV adding, This is a band that must be heard to be believed!"

"This powerful and strong influence for our band brings spiritual energy to our shows," says co-founder/musician Nick Russo. "My musical life has always been surrounded by an eclectic combination of unique musicians and scenes. So naturally, this band is a melting pot of many different cultures, genres, instruments, and sounds. My dream is that people of all races and origins live, play and share all our different world musics and cultures together as one united race, without fear…one love!”

While the band’s debut featured a “Unfailingly high-spirited” mix of traditional fare culled from various cultures, the new 9-track opus showcases mostly original material, with the lone cover, a lively rendition of “A Hundred Miles," the rollicking fiddle-fueled train tune from the 1800s. The remaining eight songs were penned by vocalist Betina Hershey, “Songs are always pouring out of me. Some I catch, and some slip out past my lips and float away. With the help of a cast of music mates, these songs linger so beautifully, with textures that I hadn’t even imagined.”

Highlights of Get Us Out Of Fearland include the playful 1920s verve of “I Don’t Need No Glasses,” the warm lilting embrace of “I Wish The World Knew Why,” the organ-driven, gospel-tinged “Dandelion,” featuring special guest singers, Stephanie Rice and Charenee Wade, and “Soar,” an inspirational song filled with optimism, determination, and perseverance. These qualities soar skyward throughout the 25-minute journey but none more so than on the boisterous groundbreaking title track, which features improvisational vocalist Miles Griffith, known for his work with Max Roach, Paul Simon, and Reggie Workman, and percussionist/vocalist, Dr. David Pleasant, a singular talent who has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Cecil Taylor, and Paul Simon. 

To support the lead-up to the release of Fearland, Russo and Hershey, along with accomplished percussionist Emiliano Valerio, who appears on four songs on the album, will play fifteen showcases at the world renown Folk Alliance International Conference, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary, February 14-18, in Kansas City, MO. Last year, the group was a breakthrough act at the conference, receiving a special invitation to open the main stage of the Kansas City Folk Festival.

“Unfailingly high-spirited.” London Times

"This is a band that must be heard to be believed!” WFUV

"Americana music at its purest and most impressive." No Depression

“It's unlike anything most listeners will find elsewhere.” San Diego Troubadour

“Remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition.” Elmore Magazine

"Get Us Out of Fearland” https://youtu.be/eBjU_0TyBnw
“I Wish The World Knew Why” https://youtu.be/_nUIaxzjoKc
“Soar” https://youtu.be/wPcqoubvUxo

Get Us Out Of Fearland

(4:47) Folk - FCC Friendly - "Stop This Climate Change" is a poetic and uplifting call to action fraught with cataclysmic imagery of fire, ice, flooding, and the desire for change. The lyric "We’ve got to stop this climate and change" refers to the climate of helplessness and denial that surrounds climate change. 

Vocalist/composer/lyricist/performer Betina Hershey wrote the song about interpersonal relationships with each other, but also with Mother Earth, because, collectively, the human race must stop denying climate change. 

Featuring a stately co-lead vocal by the gifted Miles Griffith, and spiritually-elevated musicianship by multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo, the excursion concludes with a passage of thought-provoking spoken word by rapper Ra$h Ca$h as a hypnotic Indian-influenced outro propelled by Aditya Phatak (tabla), Mamadou Ba (bass), and Harvey Wirht (drums) carries strength to the promised land. The uplifting vocals, harmonies, rhythms, instruments, and visceral message combine into a bold, and jubilant, declaration of unity. Climate change is not irreversible. Together, we can, and will, make a difference.  

"Stop This Climate Change" 
by Betina Hershey (lyrics/music), Nick Russo (music), Rashaan I.A. Salaam (spoken word)

There’s fire in the haystacks, ice deep in your eyes
Flooding in the gutters, and a hailstorm full of lies
Burning in the village, oil slicks in the bay
Storms in ev’ry corner, and no safe place to stay
 
CHORUS
Though it feels so strange
We gotta Stop This Climate Change
We gotta Stop This Climate and Change
We gotta Stop This Climate Change
 
We’ve fallen in the ashes, breathed that choking air
Tried to find the living, but death was waiting there
I’ve been to the graveyard, seen those ghosts escape
Scrambling for the mountains, in the avalanche we made
CHORUS
 
Change the climate, change who we are
Why deny it? We’ve gone too far 
No more blinders or sacrificed lambs 
Lend a shoulder. Toughen our hands 
 
(Instrumental)
 
Well there’s fire in the haystacks, ice deep in your eyes
Flooding in the gutters, and a hailstorm full of lies
Burning in the village, oil slicks in the bay
Storms in ev’ry corner, and no safe place to stay
CHORUS
Make a change, make a change
  
Spoken Word:
We gotta make a change before we wash away
We all gone turn into dust if we don’t change our ways
No love it’s only lust and these killings
The lord give me strength to take care of these villains 
And most importantly please watch out for ya children 
You start em up young teach them how to make a difference 
The kids are the future, the planet’s karma sutra 
Instead of doing right you doing whatever suits ya 
But imma suit up and hit the front lines 
I’m earth’s soldier - I heard it from the grape vines 
But keep it real and understand it’s gone take time 
I FaceTime with God so I don’t face crime 
Get it?
If you don’t please do not sweat it 
My versus like them scriptures from the man up in heaven 
And best believe we bout to fix the earth -  hope the people get this message 
We bout to fix the climate - everything perfect timing 
Brighter than the sun that shine right in July 
And the solstice just passed best believe I’m aligned 
With the universe giving me answers, giving me guidance

Who's Who On The Recording:
Aditya Phatak, tabla
Betina Hershey, vocals, guitar, lyrics, composition
Harvey Wirht, drums
Mamadou Ba, bass
Miles Griffith, lead vocals
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, composition, music director, producer
Rashaan I.A. Salaam (Ra$h Ca$h), spoken word
Recorded at Soundtronics in NYC
Sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Stop This Climate Change

(2:48) - Folk - FCC Friendly - This strong rhythmic version of Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round is led by Dr. David Pleasant with drums as a powerful expression of protest, honoring the civil rights movement, Gullah Geechee, and all who have died for the cause of justice. This song has a deep and important history, and we wanted to honor the roughness, the raw power in this song’s history.

This was a completely live second take.

Track 11 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC Code: QZXRQ2300012
Formatt: Traditional, Global Folk
Length: 2:48

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Hilliard Greene, double bass
Dr. David Pleasant, Gullah Geechee drumming
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), acoustic guitar

Authors: 
Traditional
Dr. David Pleasant (arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round - Gullah Geechee

(3:57) - Folk - FCC Friendly - Give It To Me Real is the beginning of a deeper connection. No more stonewalling! Give it to me real! Tell me what you feel! We all need to communicate with each other, and believe that our truths can be heard and understood. I am here. I am listening. I can handle your truth!

Recorded live, this was the second take. Nick overdubbed Fender Rhodes.

CHORDS & LYRICS: Give It To Me Real

After so much time	D	D
Avoiding my glances	G	A
You’ve got something on your mind	D	D
I’m taking my chances	G	A
No more staying quiet	Em	A	
Talk to me. Just try it.	Em	A
  
I can take it	Bm
What’s on your mind	G
I won’t break	D
And I’m not blind	Em
You’ve got something holding you back 	Bm	Em
I can feel	G	F#
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
 
You used to smile	D	D
Like I was golden	G	A
It’s been a while	D	D
What cha been holding back	G	A
So much left unspoken	Em	A
I don’t think we’re broken  	Em	A

I can take it	Bm
What’s on your mind	G
I won’t break	D
And I’m not blind	Em
You’ve got something holding you back 	Bm	Em
I can feel	G	F#
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
Give it to me real	Bm	E7

Look in my eyes. My heart’s open	G	Bm
I’m ready for this cry	A#dim	Gmaj7
Reach for me now. I will listen,	Em	Bm
So please don’t lie.	A#dim	/ 	/ F# /         /

I can take it	Bm
What’s on your mind	G
I won’t break	D
And I’m not blind	Em
You’ve got something holding you back 	Bm	Em
I can feel	G	F#
Give it to me real	Bm	E7
Give it to me real	Bm	E7

Break open and reveal
The way you really feel
Not perfect, not ideal 
No, don’t conceal  (I won’t break… I won’t break...)
Give it to me real


Track 10 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300010
Formatt: R&B, Singer/Songwriter
Length: 3:57

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Russell Hall, bass
Amad Johnson, drums
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Give It To Me Real

(4:39) - Folk - FCC Friendly - A traditional protest song, this version starts with a New Orleans style funeral procession feel, and then bursts into the celebration that helps us believe we can continue the hard work of making change happen!
We recorded live in the studio with Betina, Miles, Ra$h Ca$h, Mamadou, Harvey, 

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Rashaan I.A. Salaam (Ra$h Ca$h), freestyle spoken word
Harvey Wirht, drums
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), electric & acoustic guitar

Authors: 
Traditional
Rashaan I.A. Salaam (Ra$h Ca$h), freestyle spoken word
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Track 11 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300011
Formatt: Traditional, Global Folk
Length: 4:39

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round

(4:33) - Folk - FCC Friendly - Spread Your Wings And Fly invites us all to believe we can each make a difference and change the world for the better!

LYRICS: Spread Your Wings And Fly

Ain’t no use in sitting on the side lines
Watching other folks ignore the signs
Get on up and see what the future brings
When you Spread Your Wings

How you gonna change things if you’re hidden
Cut the strings that keep you where you’ve been
You can change a life, change most everything
When you Spread Your Wings

Spread your wings and fly
Come on, take to the sky
With a dream of unity that sings
Spread your wings and fly
Like a sure sunrise
Come on, spread your wings

See the hope around you like a beacon
Asking you to start what must be done
You got more to say on how (much) freedom rings
When you Spread Your Wings

Spread your wings and fly
Come on, take to the sky
With a dream of unity that sings
Spread your wings and fly
Like a sure sunrise
Come on, spread your wings

And just because you’re down right now
Don’t make it a place you gotta stay
There are friends you don’t know no how
Who’ll help you clear the cobwebs away … yeah

Spread your wings and fly
Come on, take to the sky
With a dream of unity that sings
Spread your wings and fly
Like a sure sunrise
Come on, spread your wings



Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Hilliard Greene, double bass
Harvey Wirht, drums
Dr. David Pleasant, percussion
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitars, organ, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Track 9 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300009
Formatt: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Length: 4:33

Spread Your Wings And Fly

(1:59) - Folk - FCC Friendly - Run is dedicated to oppressed women everywhere, and to victims of gun violence. 

Originally recorded for our album Get Us Out Of Fearland, we pulled out this recording of Betina playing and singing solo, and Dr. David Pleasant added his touches.

LYRICS: Run

I am looking for your soul
Hiding from your gun
I am frozen in my tracks
I’m looking for a chance to run 

Frozen by this rotten log
I recall the day
That I first did hear that lie
That led me here today

People are good
We’re all the same
People are beautiful
No matter who they blame

Mama tried to feed my dreams
Hide my one true fate
But this world of darkness seems
To bring me only hate 

Hate was swirling all around
Gumming up the vines
Like a demon makes no sound
Like poison in my wine

People are good
We’re all the same
People are beautiful
No matter who they blame

I am looking in your eyes		
And I know what you've done		
I’ll be here for all my days	
Just looking for a chance to run 
I’m looking for a chance to run
Still looking for a chance to - run



Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
David Pleasant, percussion

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Track 8 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300008
Formatt: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Length: 1:59

(3:25) - Folk - FCC Friendly - What’s Meant To Last Will Last is inspired by songs from the 1920’s songs and written as a celebration. Sometimes we need to let go of the past to be joyfully present.  For my friend Heidi Anderson, inspiring songstress and sweet dreamer! This song has gorgeous harmonies layered on by Angela Workman.

LYRICS: What's Meant To Last Will Last

Don’t you wanna throw it all away
Don’t you need to clear the system
Don’t you wanna throw away the past
What’s meant to last will last

Don’t you want to sweep the dirt
Though the sweeping, it may hurt
Don’t you wanna clear the path
What’s meant to last will last

Oh I know you and you know me, too
And I know all the things you wanna do

Don’t you wanna laugh out loud
Don’t you wanna make yourself proud
Don’t you wanna have a blast
What’s meant to last will last

(Solos)

Don’t you wanna fill up your shoes
Don’t you wanna outshine the news
Don’t you wanna give up the past
What’s meant to last will last

Don’t you want to clean that slate
Don’t you wanna fill up your plate
Don’t you want to end this fast
What’s meant to last will last

Oh I know you and you know me
I think this journey - might set us free

Don’t you wanna laugh out loud
Don’t you wanna make yourself proud
Don’t you wanna have a blast
What’s meant to last will last

(Solos)

Ooh, the breezes, how they blow
How it teases with the - things I wanna know

Don’t you wanna laugh out loud
Don’t you wanna make yourself proud
Don’t you wanna have a blast
What’s meant to last will last

Don’t you wanna throw it all away
Don’t you need to clear the system
Don’t you wanna throw away the past
What’s meant to last will last
Don’t you wanna throw away the past
What’s meant to last will last


Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, guitar, lyrics/composition
Angela Workman, voice
Michela Marino Lerman, tap
Russell Hall, double bass
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), tenor banjos, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

DETAILS:
Track 7 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300007
Formatt: Singer/Songwriter, 1920’s inspired
Length: 3:25

What's Meant To Last Will Last

(5:35) - Folk - Leavin’ is a song about how we have to leave people behind to follow our dreams, but yes, we will be back! Written for my kids. This song came out as I was driving away to tour with my band, missing them already. I captured it on voice memo and immediately added it to our set list. - Betina Hershey

LYRICS: Leavin'
(For Seriana and Lydian)

Leavin’. It’s so hard to be leavin’ you
Like I know I gotta do.
Believe me. Oh, please believe me. I love you so
Even though I'm gonna go.    

The road keeps calling, I keep falling
For the dream ahead.
It calls me nightly, holds on tightly
Though I’d rather be with you instead.
But I’m leavin’.  
Yeah, I’m leavin’.   

Remember, by mid September I’ll come back here
So There’s nothing more to fear.
I’m returning when dreams stop burning inside my mind,
And I’m ready to unwind.

The road keeps calling, I keep falling
For the dream ahead.
It calls me nightly, holds on tightly
Though I’d rather be with you instead.
But I’m leavin’.  
Yeah, I’m leavin’.   

Well, I know it’s gonna be hard
When the road between us is long	
But no matter how far you are
I’ll be back before it all goes wrong		

Stop bugging. Let’s get to hugging and say goodbye, even as we cry.
Just hold me. Go on and scold me but I tell you true, I’m coming back for you.

The road keeps calling, I keep falling
For the dream ahead.
It calls me nightly, holds on tightly
Though I’d rather be with you instead.
But I’m leavin’.
Yeah, I’m leavin’.   

Still believing
Though I’m grieving
By the next full moon
Though I’m leaving now 
I’ll be back soon
Though I’m leaving now
I’ll be back soon	
Though I’m leaving now
I’ll be back soon
Take this as a vow
I’ll be back soon
Though I’m leaving now
I’ll be back soon



Track 6 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code:QZXRQ2300006
Formatt: R&B, Singer/Songwriter
Length: 5:35

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Art Hirihara, organ
Harvey Wirht, drums
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitars, electric bass, piano, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics/arrangement)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Leavin'

(3:53) Folk - FCC Friendly - I Broke The Egg is a break-up song that involves a dropped egg, dancing, and a bath. Yes, this is a funny, raucous song with a twist.

LYRICS: I Broke The Egg
by Betina Hershey

I broke the egg, I let it fall, 
I saw it crack against the wall
And now it’s oozing to the floor

You saw my fingers as it flew
Oh, yeah, your face turned stiff and blue
And then you slammed right out the door 
And now you won’t be back no more

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
So good for me
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack 
And now I’m free

My naked foot stepped in that mess
So slimy, sticky, I confess
That I began to shake my toe

And now I’m laughing like a fool
I have no plans for keeping cool
I’m letting loose and letting go

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
But not for you
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack 
And now we’re through

And in the aftermath I shook
I had to take a bath and look
At how we always up and walk

You needed me, I needed you
But there is one thing we don’t do
We don’t know how to sit and talk

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
But not for me
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack 
But now I’m free

And so you’re gone, gone, gone
And yeah it’s good, good, good
But good for who?
You held me back, back, back
I wanted slack, slack, slack…
But I wanted you.

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Kenny Kosek, fiddle
Jennifer Vincent, double bass
Harvey Wirht, drums
Dr. David Pleasant, tambourine, Gullah Geechee stomping
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, banjo, music director, producer

Track 5 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code: QZXRQ2300005
Format: Americana, Newgrass
Length: 3:53

I Broke The Egg

(3:40) Folk - FCC Friendly - Open A Door is a song about opening ourselves to the muse, the opportunity, the dream. Let’s keep on opening doors and fulfilling dreams! This is a song that arrived fully formed as an elegant AABA song structure with a bossa nova feel. 

LYRICS: Open A Door

Open a door, Open a door to the place you adore
One little taste Before you’re erased Open a door

Open a dream Open a dream that seems wide and worthwhile
Look deep inside When your dreams hide and open a dream

And though it may seem far too hard
You must step to the task
And become what you ask

And though you may pull yourself back
Say you’re not what they need
Look again. You’re the seed that’s growing

Open a chance Open a chance to be more than a glance
You are the cure When you dream more - open a door

(solos)

And though it may seem far too hard
You must step to the task
And become what you ask

And though you may pull yourself back
Say you’re not what they need
Look again. You’re the seed that’s growing

Open a chance Open a chance to be more than a glance
You are the cure, when you dream more - open a door

Extended Ending:
Look deep inside, when your dreams hide, open a dream
One little taste, before you’re erased, open a door
A dream, a door, a chance for more
A task, a need, at last, a seed
A pull to grow, a cure, a door

Who’s Who On The Recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, lyrics/composition
Dr. David Pleasant, percussion
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), classical guitar, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics)
Nick Russo (arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

Track 4 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code: QZXRQ2300004
Format: Global Folk, Bossa Nova
Length: 3:40

Open A Door

(4:47) Folk - FCC Friendly - "Stop This Climate Change" is a poetic and uplifting call to action fraught with cataclysmic imagery of fire, ice, flooding, and the desire for change. The lyric "We’ve got to stop this climate and change" refers to the climate of helplessness and denial that surrounds climate change.

Vocalist/composer/lyricist/performer Betina Hershey wrote the song about interpersonal relationships with each other, but also with Mother Earth, because, collectively, the human race must stop denying climate change.
Featuring a stately co-lead vocal by the gifted Miles Griffith, and spiritually-elevated musicianship by multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo, the excursion concludes with a passage of thought-provoking spoken word by rapper Ra$h Ca$h as a hypnotic Indian-influenced outro propelled by Aditya Phatak (tabla), Mamadou Ba (bass), and Harvey Wirht (drums) carries strength to the promised land. The uplifting vocals, harmonies, rhythms, instruments, and visceral message combine into a bold, and jubilant, declaration of unity. Climate change is not irreversible. Together, we can, and will, make a difference.

"Stop This Climate Change" 
by Betina Hershey (lyrics/music), Nick Russo (music), Rashaan I.A. Salaam (spoken word)

There’s fire in the haystacks, ice deep in your eyes
Flooding in the gutters, and a hailstorm full of lies
Burning in the village, oil slicks in the bay
Storms in ev’ry corner, and no safe place to stay
 
CHORUS
Though it feels so strange
We gotta Stop This Climate Change
We gotta Stop This Climate and Change
We gotta Stop This Climate Change
 
We’ve fallen in the ashes, breathed that choking air
Tried to find the living, but death was waiting there
I’ve been to the graveyard, seen those ghosts escape
Scrambling for the mountains, in the avalanche we made
CHORUS
 
Change the climate, change who we are
Why deny it? We’ve gone too far 
No more blinders or sacrificed lambs 
Lend a shoulder. Toughen our hands 
 
(Instrumental)
 
Well there’s fire in the haystacks, ice deep in your eyes
Flooding in the gutters, and a hailstorm full of lies
Burning in the village, oil slicks in the bay
Storms in ev’ry corner, and no safe place to stay
CHORUS
Make a change, make a change
  
Spoken Word:
We gotta make a change before we wash away
We all gone turn into dust if we don’t change our ways
No love it’s only lust and these killings
The lord give me strength to take care of these villains 
And most importantly please watch out for ya children 
You start em up young teach them how to make a difference 
The kids are the future, the planet’s karma sutra 
Instead of doing right you doing whatever suits ya 
But imma suit up and hit the front lines 
I’m earth’s soldier - I heard it from the grape vines 
But keep it real and understand it’s gone take time 
I FaceTime with God so I don’t face crime 
Get it?
If you don’t please do not sweat it 
My versus like them scriptures from the man up in heaven 
And best believe we bout to fix the earth -  hope the people get this message 
We bout to fix the climate - everything perfect timing 
Brighter than the sun that shine right in July 
And the solstice just passed best believe I’m aligned 
With the universe giving me answers, giving me guidance


Who's Who On The Recording:
Aditya Phatak, tabla
Betina Hershey, voice, guitar, lyrics/composition
Harvey Wirht, drums
Mamadou Ba, electric bass
Miles Griffith, voice
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, composition, music director, producer
Rashaan I.A. Salaam (Ra$h Ca$h), voice, spoken word

Track 3 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code: QZXRQ2300003
Format: Global Folk
Length: 4:47

Song Description: Let’s Grow Our Roots Deep And True
The struggle of refugees is like a storm which keeps blowing, and requires strong roots and community building to survive. This song uses hurricane and tree roots imagery, and a hopeful voice. We should all be able to grow our roots deep and true wherever we are. Betina wrote this in the woods of New Hampshire.
Nick and Harvey first tracked the second, faster section, laying down acoustic guitar and drums. Betina tracked her delicate finger-style guitar and  earthy melody, followed by Miles’ beautiful harmony for both sections. Kenny Kosek overdubbed his improvised solo and fiddle parts followed by Nick’s improvised resonator/slide and 5 string banjo parts and solo. Jennifer Vincent tracked double bass and Dr David Pleasant tracked his Gullah Geechee foot stomp and tambourine. Angela Workman’s harmoniee was tracked later and Len Monacello’s low voice singing the bass line and his jaw harp were the finishing touches we needed!

Track 2 on the upcoming album Lift You Up.
ISRC code: QZXRQ2300002
Format: Folk, Newgrass
Length: 3:46

Which Scooches are on the recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, fingerstyle guitar, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Angela Workman, voice
Kenny Kosek, fiddle
Len Monachello, vocal bass line, jaw harp
Harvey Wirht, drums, percussion
Dr. David Pleasant, tambourine, Gullah Geechee foot stomping
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), banjo, resonator/slide, acoustic guitar, composition, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

CHORDS & LYRICS
Let's Grow Our Roots Deep And True

A Adim A D E
Hurricane, icy cold
Can’t keep us from grabbing hold
Let’s grow our roots deep and true

When the eye is over me
I’m just like a redwood tree
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
	D E A   Tag: G / D / A  		

Though I bend to the ground
Still I’m gonna stick around
Let’s grow our roots deep and true

Come on now, take my hand
You and I can barely stand
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
	D E A   Tag: G / D / A  

(Solos)

Winds of change in the air
Ripping through our dark despair
Let’s grow our roots deep and true 

Every day we survive
Is one more story for our lives
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
	D E A   Tag: G / D / A  

D A E A 
Let the calm fin’lly come
We’re struggling but not more than some
Reach for me. I’ll reach for you
Whatever comes, we’ll make do

Though they shout “Go on home”
Why must we forever roam?
Let’s grow our roots deep and true 

When the storm fin’lly breaks
We’ll know we got what it takes
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
Let’s grow our roots deep and true
	D E A   Tag: G / D / A

Let's Grow Our Roots Deep And True

(4:54) - Folk - FCC Friendly - Lift You Up is all about how good it feels to give. When we give our gifts to others, we lift them up, and this lifts ourselves up, too. Science supports the fact that when you give to others, you feel better for longer, so let’s lift each other up! 

Harvey and Nick started recording by laying down the groove together. Kingston, Jamaica born, Russell Hall tracked electric bass producing a deep reggae feel complimented by Nick’s overdubbed reggae organ bubble and Harvey’s layered percussion. Miles’ island roots shines through and supports Betina uplifting original. 

CHORDS & LYRICS: Lift You Up

D A Cadd9 Bm
Every day when I - wake up I look for the sound of the - hope for the future
Reach so deep, I’m ready to make my way- falling forward - I can’t help looking for

CHORUS: G D A Bm  (2x)    F#m	G	Bb 	(ending C D)
Something to gift
Something to lift
Something to give you, I lift you up
I lift you up		F#m
I lift you u-u-up	G	Bb 	(ending C D)

D A C Bm
Every day when I - notice the - feelings inside me that hurt me and guide me I
Take one moment more - to explore what’s too real, no big deal - you and me always see there’s

CHORUS: G D A Bm  (2x)    	F#m	G	Bb 	(ending C D)
Something to gift
Something to lift
Something to give you, I lift you up
I lift you up		F#m
I lift you u-u-up	G	Bb 	(ending C D)

D / C / Bm / G/A A
It’s a song, it’s a mem’ry, it’s a way forward, it’s rain in the sky
It’s a string, it’s a pedal, it’s a vibration, the glint in your eye
It’s laughter	G  D/F#
It’s allowing myself to cry	Bm E9

CHORUS: G D A Bm  (2x)   	F#m	G	Bb 	(ending C D)
Something to gift
Something to lift
Something to give you, I lift you up
I lift you up		F#m
I lift you u-u-up	G	Bb 	(ending C D)

(solos on a vamp)

D A C Bm
Every day I strum my guitar how I feel something real always shaking - it’s coming
Sweet and clear, I hear what I long for - this song shaking free. Yeah, the music’s in me as...

CHORUS: G D A Bm  (2x)   	F#m	G	Bb 	(ending C D)
Something to gift
Something to lift
Something to give you, I lift you up
I lift you up		F#m
I lift you u-u-up	G	Bb 	(ending C D)

Track 1 on the album Lift You Up.
QZXRQ2300001
Format: Global Folk, Reggae
Length: 4:54

Which Scooches are on the recording:
Betina Hershey, voice, guitar, lyrics/composition
Miles Griffith, voice
Russell Hall, electric bass
Harvey Wirht, drums, percussion
Nick Russo (Banjo Nickaru), guitar, organ, composition, music director, producer

Authors: 
Betina Hershey (music/lyrics)
Nick Russo (music/arrangement)
recorded and shot at Soundtronics in NYC
sound engineer & co-producer, Len Monachello

From our debut album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Release date: September 30, 2016

Betina Hershey, voice
Miles Griffith, voice
Nick Russo, slide guitar
Dr. David Pleasant, percussion
Mamadou Ba, electric bass

http://banjonickaru.com

Jock-A-Mo

1924 Spencer Williams's piece (lyrics by Jack Palmer).

From our debut album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Features:
Betina Hershey, voice/guitar
Nick Russo, banjo
Dr. David Pleasant, percussion
Josh Holcomb on trombone (from MTV's Lucky Chops)

Release date: September 30, 2016

http://banjonickaru.com

Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love

1926 Harry Woods tune.

From our debut album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Release date: September 30, 2016

Features:
Betina Hershey, voice
Gordon Au, trumpet
Dennis Lichtman, clarinet
Nick Russo, banjo
Essiet Essiet, bass
Dr. David Pleasant, drums

http://banjonickaru.com

When The Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin Along)

Harry Dixon Loes (1895-1965) wrote this spiritual in the 1920s and was first collected by John Lomax in 1939.

From our debut album 'Very Next Thing' by Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches.

Release date: September 30, 2016

Features:
Miles Griffith, voice
Betina Hershey, voice
Nick Russo, guitar
Mamadou Ba, bass
Dr. David Pleasant, drum

http://banjonickaru.com

This Little Light Of Mine

New York City's Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches are likely the only band infusing elements of world rhythms and sonorities with folk traditions, New Orleans influences, and music from the 1920s. Their forthcoming sophomore album, Get Us Out Of Fearland, due June 15, builds upon the multi-cultural exuberance that made their debut, Very Next Thing, a transcendent breath of fresh air. Elmore Magazine championed its “Remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition,” with revered tastemaker station WFUV adding, This is a band that must be heard to be believed!"

"This powerful and strong influence for our band brings spiritual energy to our shows," says co-founder/musician Nick Russo. "My musical life has always been surrounded by an eclectic combination of unique musicians and scenes. So naturally, this band is a melting pot of many different cultures, genres, instruments, and sounds. My dream is that people of all races and origins live, play and share all our different world musics and cultures together as one united race, without fear…one love!”

While the band’s debut featured a “Unfailingly high-spirited” mix of traditional fare culled from various cultures, the new 9-track opus showcases mostly original material, with the lone cover, a lively rendition of “A Hundred Miles," the rollicking fiddle-fueled train tune from the 1800s. The remaining eight songs were penned by vocalist Betina Hershey, “Songs are always pouring out of me. Some I catch, and some slip out past my lips and float away. With the help of a cast of music mates, these songs linger so beautifully, with textures that I hadn’t even imagined.”

Highlights of Get Us Out Of Fearland include the playful 1920s verve of “I Don’t Need No Glasses,” the warm lilting embrace of “I Wish The World Knew Why,” the organ-driven, gospel-tinged “Dandelion,” featuring special guest singers, Stephanie Rice and Charenee Wade, and “Soar,” an inspirational song filled with optimism, determination, and perseverance. These qualities soar skyward throughout the 25-minute journey but none more so than on the boisterous groundbreaking title track, which features improvisational vocalist Miles Griffith, known for his work with Max Roach, Paul Simon, and Reggie Workman, and percussionist/vocalist, Dr. David Pleasant, a singular talent who has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Cecil Taylor, and Paul Simon. 

To support the lead-up to the release of Fearland, Russo and Hershey, along with accomplished percussionist Emiliano Valerio, who appears on four songs on the album, will play fifteen showcases at the world renown Folk Alliance International Conference, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary, February 14-18, in Kansas City, MO. Last year, the group was a breakthrough act at the conference, receiving a special invitation to open the main stage of the Kansas City Folk Festival.

“Unfailingly high-spirited.” London Times

"This is a band that must be heard to be believed!” WFUV

"Americana music at its purest and most impressive." No Depression

“It's unlike anything most listeners will find elsewhere.” San Diego Troubadour

“Remarkable musical dexterity with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition.” Elmore Magazine

"Get Us Out of Fearland” https://youtu.be/eBjU_0TyBnw
“I Wish The World Knew Why” https://youtu.be/_nUIaxzjoKc
“Soar” https://youtu.be/wPcqoubvUxo

A Hundred Miles

Dandelion

I Don't Need No Glasses

Get Us Out of Fearland

I Wish The World Knew Why

Soar

NYC-based The Scooches fuses global music with Americana sounds, including folk, roots, New Orleans styles, music of the 1920s, and originals.

"...it's unlike anything most listeners will find elsewhere."
San Diego Troubadour

"Americana music at its purest and most impressive" No Depression 
 
“Unfailingly high-spirited." LONDON TIMES

"It underscores, too, how sounds from another time can be renewed and re-imagined, by creative minds and right hands, in the present moment. (Banjo Nickaru & Western) Scooches are ridiculously fun." Rambles. 

LIFT YOU UP #1 Album - FAI Folk Chart July 2023
GET US OUT OF FEARLAND  #2 Album - FAI Folk Chart April 2018 
THE VERY NEXT THING  #6  Album - FAI Folk Chart September 2016

“Remarkable musical dexterity, with songs that bask in a genuine roots regimen and a sense of timeless tradition.” Elmore Magazine

Led by Betina Hershey and multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo, the Scooches feature standout musicians from New York, Suriname, Mexico, and Sapelo Island, who have performed at Kansas City Folk Festival, Club Passim, Isis Music Hall, Blue Plate Special, WFUV, John Platt's “On Your Radar” and all around the world. Band members have performed with artists such as Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Jerry Garcia, Julia Roberts, and Wynton Marsalis. Plus they have made appearances in movies such as Disney's "Enchanted,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” “Away We Go” and PBS Masterpiece, “The Chaperone.” 


"Fresh and vital" Classical Arts 

“Nick Russo has worked with artists all over the jazz spectrum. His latest release brings a decidedly unorthodox approach.”DOWNBEAT  ⋆⋆⋆⋆

The Scooches

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