southmountain.mp3 [6,034 KB]

Shortly after their debut record release, South Mountain had created sufficient impact to capture the Canadian country music association’s coveted “Vista Rising Star Award” honors as top new artist of 1991. The industry buzz, coupled with the group’s instant success at radio, would indicate that the win was no surprise.
When you consider the depth of talent and record of achievement within the individual members of South Mountain, plus the unique sound created by the combination of their strong vocal abilities, unparalleled musicianship and years of experience, success would have been difficult, if not impossible, to deny.
At this moment there are five albums “We’re Back”, “Layin’ Tracks”, “Just For You”, “All Roads Lead To…..” and a live album taped in The Rattlesnake Saloon in Münich. .
In The Netherlands the group is chosen as International Group of the Year 2003. The albums are available for sale during their shows.

Kurk Bernard - lead vocals & bass guitar
Country is written all over Kurk, with personality and dedication. Coming from a small town in Prince Edward Island, country music has been in his family blood line for three generations. By the time Kurk was 8 years old, singing country music became as natural as breathing.
Today, country music is Kurk’s life as he is now heading up South Mountain as the Lead Vocalist & Bass Guitar position for this Award Winning Group.
It is now certain that South Mountain continues the success they have had all over the world, with Kurk Bernard as the, “Voice of South Mountain”.

Bill Carruthers - drums & vocals
Bill is back with South Mountain and was the
original member that took South Mountain through
many highlights in the bands career with his amazing feel and authentic playing ability. Bill also has a pure country voice that you will experience when you catch the band, live. Whether singing harmony or lead, Bill is a master. From today, forward, don’t miss this man in action with South Mountain.

Steve Piticco - lead guitar & vocals
These days it’s difficult to tune in to a country music station without hearing the identifiable “one-of-a-kind” sound of Steve Piticco and his Fender Telecaster
guitar! ! ! When it comes to pickers, Steve is in a class of his own and he has become the bench mark for seasoned professionals and developing players alike.
Steve Piticco (born in Toronto, Ontario) began playing guitar at age eleven. On his fifteenth birthday, Steve acquired his Fender Telecaster guitar and he has been ‘one’ with that specific instrument ever since.
As a result of his distinctive sound and style, Steve has toured and recorded with an endless list of the who’s who in country music.
In addition, the Canadian Country Music Association (C.C.M.A.) has recognized his talents by awarding him “guitar player of the year” and “instrumentalist of the year” on numerous occasions.
The recognition of Steve’s talents knows no boundary as the “Dutch Country Music Association” of the Netherlands also honored him with three “Gram Awards” for “international instrumentalist”. These were true international wins as Steve defeated world renowned players such as Chet Atkins, Mark O’Connor, Paul Franklin and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, just to name a few.
An appearance on a Nashville television program brought the following comments from seasoned Nashville session players . . . .
“he can’t be from this planet” and “it should be against the law to play like that! “
If these kind of comments are accurate, Steve Piticco would be an alien who constantly defies the laws of music! ! ! !
When it comes to country guitarists, Steve Piticco is world class!

Linsey Beckett - fiddle
Linsey Beckett has performed on numerous stages across Canada and parts of the United States, awing audiences with her toe tapping fiddle styles, energetic step dancing and contagious smile. The tradition of fiddling has been passed down through many generations in Linsey’s family. She regularly performs with her family band, The Beckett Family, who have been credited for their traditional country music from Western Swing to Bluegrass, and their Canadian Old Time fiddle sound; making them a popular attraction at festivals.
Linsey started touring with the Don Messer Jubilee Tribute show at the age of 13, performing over 200 shows in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Eastern Provinces. She performed as the guest fiddler and step dancer, and in her last year with the production, was featured in the lead role. Linsey has won many fiddle awards, including the Ontario Junior Fiddle championship, and has shared many duet championships with her brother, Tyler. Linsey continues to play with a variety of traditional fiddle, country and contemporary acts, including, “Bowfire”, the ‘Beckett Family,’ Kevin Collins show (Nfld), GM Patterson show (Tenn.), Scott Woods show, Magnum (ON) & now with “South Mountain”.
Currently, Linsey is balancing her performance career with her studies in geography and music at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University.