Embracing a crossover sound between progressive bluegrass and alternative country, Fitzmaurice has captured the attention of people on both sides of the tracks. Virtually unknown just six months ago, the band finds themselves on the fast track to success, landing opening positions for such major progressive bluegrass acts as The Infamous Stringdusters, The Dixie Bee-Liners and Mountain Heart, as well as major country recording artists Jason Michael Carroll and Josh Gracin.
Recently, Fitzmaurice appeared on stage at the Lincoln Theater for a filming of the award-winning PBS series, Song of the Mountains, and were also featured in-studio guests on WAMU's Bluegrass Country Radio promoting their self titled debut album, "Fitzmaurice"
This young quintet, fronted by twenty-one year old identical twin sisters Maria and Sarah Fitzmaurice, has generated a rarely-seen amount of attention for a band that has just released their first album. At the beginning of 2010, they kicked off the year by placing in the Top 15 in FOUR CATEGORIES (Best Band, Best Female Vocalist, Best Fiddle, and Best Mandolin) in The Bluegrass Legacy's People's Choice Awards. With a daily expanding fan base that covers not only the US but also Europe and Australia, they are poised to rise to the top with the recent release of their debut album, and soon to follow music video.
The magic in this band is rooted in the fact that they are not just band mates, but also the best of friends, and this can clearly be seen on stage. The energy, interplay, and synchronicity they possess are characteristic of the most seasoned of bands, and their love for music comes across with clarity, absorbing the audience into their experience and generating a genuine bond between listener and performer.
"Still in the ever-changing phase of being 20-something, these ladies sound as seasoned and professional as the big timers who grace Country Music Television and radio every day." - Lisa Rich, New Jersey Times
"People tend to dismiss things which at first glance might seem gimmicky. Yes, Fitzmaurice is composed, in part, of 21 year old twins Maria and Sarah Fitzmaurice, and yes they are stunning and downright mesmerizing, but if you think they look good, wait till your ears and heart kick in. Thirty seconds into "Cross Your Mind" and you will immediately forget they are twins and see them as amazing songwriters and artists, and 30 seconds later think "holy moly major world class talent going places big time soon"...and guess what; Brandon Snellings, Aaron Malone, and Mike Simms are equally talented. Do not deny the serendipity which brought you here. These young folks are the real deal. Get their new CD and if you are an eBayer get yourself 2 dated and signed copies, one to keep and one for your IRA." - Henri Deschamps, The Bluegrass Legacy
"I'd have a hard time taking this out of the rotation in my CD player. It's the kind of sound that would make me stop and take notice if I heard it at a festival. You'll definitely be going places with this CD." - Andy "Panda" Moritz, Cadillac Sky - Personal quote
"This is one of the best new bands I've heard in recent years. Perfect harmony with energy. When I have a chance I love to jam with them. The only problem is, I can hardly play as I get caught up in those heavenly harmonies. You will see this group have songs on the bluegrass charts." - Billy Lee Cox - National Banjo Champion - personal quote
"It was our pleasure having the Fitzmaurice Band as our guest on our High Noon Hoedown radio show. We see nothing short of a positive future for this group as they have all the ingredients needed to reach the top of the ladder in bluegrass entertainment." - Mel Payne, host of the "High Noon Hoedown" and "Bluegrass Depot" on WSVS AM radio