This Town (Ghost Town)

Rich Mattson is the great cosmic northwoods singer-songwriter rock and roll freak, and Germaine
Gemberling is committed not only in love but to their wild adventure in all things musical.
The two of them left the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul 10 and 18 years ago, respectively, and
hooked up at Mattson’s recording studio in Sparta MN in 2007. This is their “hauntingly beautiful”
cosmic folk group featuring acoustic guitar, strings, and their patented vocal harmonies.

Mattson is best known for his work leading the bands Ol’ Yeller, the Glenrustles, The Bitter Spills,
and the Tisdales. He is also known far and wide for his contributions to hundreds of artists’ recording
projects at his studio Sparta Sound, which is a former church in northern Minnesota. Germaine
Gemberling fronted an all-girl punk band called Smut (Twin-Tone/Spanish Fly Records) in the early
90’s before heading for the country and the Americana-tinged songwriting role she assumed later.

The Northstars began as a desire to expand the acoustic duo with Rich’s young nephew Curtis, who
was growing up to be a fine drummer with a sublime feel and great musical awareness. Also the
addition of exquisite gypsy jazz violinist Eli Bissonett (from Ely MN), who had performed on various
recording sessions at Sparta Sound. For a bassist, Mattson called on his childhood friend and former
Glenrustles bandmate Russell Bergum, who lived in the area and was performing with the Mesabi
Community Orchestra. The goal was to create an original, eclectic, acoustic band to play some new songs,
some old songs, keep it real and keep it Minnesota.

Recording for this album began at the band’s inception and continues as an ongoing project. This
collection features eight new original numbers penned by Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling
and four songs reworked by the Northstars from Mattson’s expansive back-catalog: “Blue Marvel”
(Ol‘ Yeller), “Last Hurrah” (Glenrustles), “Songs of Chaos” (the Tisdales), and “Everything Has Been
Done” (Dave Rave and the Governors).