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IBMA’s 2023 New Artist of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, Authentic Unlimited, will release two highly-anticipated new albums on March 29th from Billy Blue Records. This is the second time the band has released two albums at once, signaling their passion for both Bluegrass AND Gospel music. Their previous two releases, the self-titled Authentic Unlimited and Gospel Sessions Vol. 1, debuted at #4 and #5 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts. So Much For Forever and Gospel Sessions Volume 2 will deliver a signature blend of their unique and soulful melodies along with heartfelt lyrics. Pre-order So Much For Forever HERE and Gospel Sessions Volume 2 HERE. Authentic Unlimited’s So Much For Forever album features 13 tracks showcasing the group’s harmonious vocal blend, unique storytelling ability, and exceptional musical talent. Their single, “Fall in In Tennessee” (ft. Jerry Douglas), released in June 2023 and their single, “Big Wheels,” released on January 19th, generated immense anticipation for the upcoming album. Their title track, “So Much For Forever,” and “I Can’t Let Go” eloquently and uniquely articulate the raw relatable emotion of the beauty and heartbreak of life. “A Drive at Dusk” and “Benfield Line” sees the group’s musical talent take center stage without the need for words. “Every Authentic Unlimited song tells its own unique story. Some end in heartbreak and even tragedy, while others offer a hint of light at the end of the tunnel and even full-blown joy and inspiration,” says Jerry Cole, member of Authentic Unlimited. He continues by stating, “The collection of tunes making up So Much For Forever explores human frailty in relationships and the raw and real emotions emanating from people who put their hearts on the line for love. Of course, we do love some fun music, so the listener will find that it is possible to hear a sad tale and tap your foot at the same time!” Authentic Unlimited’s “Gospel Sessions Volume 2” features powerful vocals and uplifting melodies, essential characteristics of Gospel music. Offering 12 tracks such as, ”Thank You Lord for Grace,” which came in at #1 on Singing News Bluegrass Chart, “Come On In,” and “You’ve Been a Blessing to Me,” the album is a testament to the band’s reverence for the Gospel tradition while breathing new life into the genre. The group’s unparalleled musicianship and dedication to their craft is on full display in additional tracks such as “Help Me Endure” and “Troublesome Waters.” Jerry Cole further adds, “When we started Authentic Unlimited, we were very intentional about including Gospel music on our recordings and in our performances. Nothing has changed in our hearts and intentions. We are proud to present Gospel Sessions Vol.2, a wonderful collection of bluegrass songs that give honor, thanks, and glory to God! These are songs from our souls focused on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus at Calvary, promises He faithfully keeps, and many other themes. We want to continue to give praise to Him through our music!” So Much For Forever 1. Big Wheels 2. Goodbye 3. Ain’t Got Time 4. Praying for the Night 5. Fall in Tennessee 6. A Drive at Dusk 7. Ruby Ann 8. Beenfield Line 9. I Can’t Let Go 10. Misty Vale Intro 11. Misty Vale 12. Second to None 13. Reflection Gospel Sessions Volume 2 1. Cry From The Cross 2. Come on In 3. Memories of Home 4. To the Cross 5. Wings of Love 6. Help Me Endure 7. You Know What I Need 8. Troublesome Waters 9. Written Up There 10. Thank You Lord for Grace 11. Won’t it be Wonderful 12. You’ve Been a Blessing to Me
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About Authentic Unlimited: Stephen Burwell Stephen is the son of Edwin and Cheryl Burwell of Lake Jackson, Texas. At age 4, the family moved to Washington. He learned to play fiddle when he was 8. In 2014, he moved to North Carolina, where he auditioned for Doyle Lawson only a few days after the move. He was made part of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on October 1, 2014. He describes Lawson as “the best boss ever” and contributes much of his dedication to the craft to the years spent in Quicksilver. Stephen is also a recording engineer and has a studio located at his home. Stephen and his wife, Haley, welcomed their daughter, Lydia, into the world this winter. Jerry Cole Jerry was born in 1974, and raised in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee. He has been around music his entire life. He is the son of Jerry Lee and Nancy Cole. He has two older and two younger sibling. At the age of 6, Jerry’s father, Jerry Lee, taught Jerry to play guitar. Jerry Lee sang with The Betterway Quartet for nearly 30 years. During Jerry Lee’s practice sessions at home, young Jerry also learned to sing lead and harmony vocals. Jerry first toured with Cody Shuler and Pine Mountain Railroad, recording two albums with the band. He later joined Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out where he stayed for 3 years. In December 2018, Jerry joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver where he stayed until Lawson’s retirement in December, 2021. Eli Johnston Eli was born near Branson, Missouri, to parents David and Alycia Johnston. He was raised in southeastern Kansas after his father had taken a job at the hospital there as a surgical nurse. He has two younger brothers, one a musician and the other a police officer. Eli’s grandfather, Joe Riker, bought Eli his first guitar when he was 11. Seeing that his son had a love of music, David would drive Eli all over the country to attend festivals. Eli joined his first band, Nothin’ Fancy, while he was in high school. Later, he became a member of Pine Mountain Railroad. In 2013, Eli joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. During his time there, two of Eli’s songs were recorded by the band. Eli is married to wife Keasley, and they have two children, Huxley and Boone. Jesse Brock Jesse is the son of C.W. and Starre Brock who hails from Kentucky. He grew up in a musically inclined family and began singing at the age of 7. At 8, he learned to play the fiddle but soon decided that he was better suited for the mandolin. His first experience as a band member was with his family. Since then, he has performed with some of the top acts in the industry. His efforts were recognized in 2009, and again in 2015, as he was awarded IBMA Mandolin Player of The Year. Jesse is married to Kristine. John Meador Meet John Meador who is from East Tennessee. John is the son of Marty Meador and Jenice Harper. He plays guitar and is one of the lead and harmony vocalists. John says he began singing before he was walking. His father began teaching him to play the guitar when he was 12 years old. John joined his first band (Kentucky Just Us) at the age of 14, along with his younger brother. When he was 16, he was offered a scholarship in music that he completed while he was still in high school. John is married to Grace, and they have a daughter, Bethany, and a son, Andy.
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