by Erik HageMalcolm Holcombe is an acclaimed singer/songwriter in the insurgent country/folk vein who grew up in Weaverville, N.C. The release of his debut album, 1996's A Hundred Lies -- which featured his moody poetry, country blues guitar, and rumbling baritone -- was met with acclaim from USA Today and Rolling Stone's David Fricke, among others, and garnered comparisons to folks such as John Prine and Tom Waits. (The album was originally recorded for Geffen and then re-released on Hip-O). He has also earned raves in print from such Nashville notables as Lucinda Williams. Holcombe has also played as a duo with Durham, NC, native Valorie Miller. The two have toured nationally with Shelby Lynne and opened for artists such as Merle Haggard and Wilco.