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.

Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances in late 1992 would cause lead vocalist Todd Nolan and drummer Bill Carruthers to leave the group in pursuit of other individual interests. South Mountain regrouped with new members to continue with the touring & recording momentum they had recently established. Todd Nolan is replaced by Kurk Bernard. At this moment there are four albums “We’re Back”, “Layin’ Tracks”, “Just For You” 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 group taped a live album in Münich in the summer of 2003 and this album and the other ones are available 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 new 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”.

Jay Riehl lead vocals & drums

From Stratford, Ontario Jay has been around country music all of his life, and the reason being that his father Royce was for many years and active entertainer/musician in Southern Ontario.
Through the years Jay has developed into one of this country’s most sot after drummers, and was called upon for his talents to tour with such renown Canadian artist as Jim Witter, Farmers Daughters to name a few.
When Jay is not touring he keeps himself busy at his recording studio producing and recording local artist.
Jay was asked to join “South Mountain” in late fall of 1998 after doing a few concert dates with the group.
Not only is he a great drummer but also is a remarkable singer
This adding to South Mountain’s already strong vocal abilities.

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!

Tyler Beckett fiddle

Tyler began fiddling at age 3 and has performed across Canada and the U.S.A. Ontario Open Fiddle Champion, Canadian Novelty Fiddle Champion, and along with his sister, Linsey, is a 2-time Canadian Duet Champion. He is currently studying business at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. He is honoured to be replacing Don Reed as South Mountains new Fiddle Player.