(Flying Mountain)
What do you think a band called Flying Mountain sounds like?
Flying Mountain, an eclectic band known for blending folk traditions from across the globe, came together in a surprising way thanks to the vision of Dan Rubin.
Rubin, who had previously played with the Spaghetti String Ensemble, was ready to start a new musical project. That moment arrived when he witnessed Ferguson Neville playing air drums alongside a friend on guitar at a house in Vancouver. Without hesitation, Rubin declared, “I want the air drum in my band.” That spark led to the beginning of a bold and unconventional musical journey.
At the time, Neville was focused on a fine arts program. But Rubin’s invitation changed his direction. Neville says, “I was in a fine arts program, and later on I finished my fine arts degree, but that was quite a bit later.” Music became the priority, and Flying Mountain came to life.
The band created what they called “Mountain Music,” a rich mixture of Greek, Appalachian, and other folk influences, along with their own original material. Neville explains, “We played Greek music, ‘Hava Nagila,’ Appalachian music, and our own stuff. It was original, modified.”
Their first major performance took place at the very first Vancouver Folk Festival in 1978, in Stanley Park. The weather was rough, but the moment was unforgettable. “It was the most amazing thing in my life. I played in the rain the first night. It was really bad, but everyone was there anyway,” Neville remembers.
(Flying Mountain)
Flying Mountain soon found themselves sharing stages with some of folk music’s greats. One highlight was a workshop with John Hammond. Neville recalls, “I did a workshop with John Hammond, who is a famous producer of artists like Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee.” Collaborations like these helped deepen the band’s connection to the wider folk community.
Life on the road brought its own share of challenges. One memorable incident happened between Nelson and Hedley in British Columbia. “The radiator blew, and it just blew my ass off. Not really, but it was scary,” Neville says. These moments became part of the band’s story.
Flying Mountain also performed internationally, with standout shows across Europe. Neville remembers one in particular. “We played in a festival where 26,000 people came through. It was the most electrifying, best time of my life.”
Their final performance came in 2015, once again at the Vancouver Folk Festival. Though the band eventually parted ways, Neville reflects with pride on what they accomplished. “We did 200 gigs a year. We did play for five years.”
Flying Mountain’s unique blend of world folk traditions and their passion for live music continues to resonate with those who experienced their journey firsthand. Their music and spirit remain a vibrant part of the underground folk scene’s history.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca