Biography

Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack of Switchback have been playing their brand of Americana music for over twenty years. Brian and Martin play an exciting mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass. Their harmonies have won them comparisons to famous duos such as the Louvin Brothers, the Everly Brothers, and Simon and Garfunkel. Music Connection Magazine said of Switchback: "Their vocal prowess is as pure as it is unique...there is no denying the stunning vocal blends that are achieved by this duo."

None other than the Grammy Award-winning producer Lloyd Maines chose to work with Switchback in producing three of their albums and considers the duo one of the most important acts playing Americana music today. Their latest collaboration has resulted in Switchback's 13th album "Kanoka." With the soaring pedal steel of Maines along with the boxcar-hopping harmonica of Chicago's own Howard Levy, Switchback has created a musical journey that will make every Midwesterner proud of the heartland and every non-Midwesterner longing for it.

The ability to write songs that touch the soul, and to convey those songs in a manner that brings the most diverse audience together, are what set Switchback apart from other performers. FitzGerald and McCormack are more than entertainers; they are more than songwriters. Jim Clark, publisher of the Lee County Courier in Tupelo, MS sums it up best: “Their music has a swing and a cadence to it that takes you on a journey…to well worn memories of your own. They frequently change tempos and moods, as quick as a hummingbird moves, with a seasoned ease.”

Switchback tours throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands and other countries around the world, playing over 200 engagements a year. Their television specials “The Americana Sessions” and “The Celtic Sessions” have aired on PBS stations throughout the U.S. The band has also been working with Paul Mertens (who arranged the music for “Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin”) on orchestral scores for “Kanoka: A Postcard from the Heartland” and “Bolinree: A Celtic Journey” suitable for a 50-chair orchestra.

On top of their usual tour schedule, Switchback regularly presents outreach programs for schools, community events, senior citizen groups, and special needs audiences.

Unusual, honest, heartfelt, humorous, personable, talented, spiritual, and spirited – these all describe the band Switchback.

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