Hardtack & Saddlesores

The ensemble's six writers and musicians all have Kentucky roots,except for one Missouri boy. All well seasoned musicians with credits, credentials and recordings that have graced many public radio station programs during their careers. Instruments featured are guitar, mandolin, violin, hammered dulcimer, cello, mountain dulcimer, bass and some light percussion in various combinations. Contained in this collection are both vocal and instrumental selections of newly composed works and a handful of short traditional arrangements and performances compiling 21 tracks of music. It doesn't contain another rendition of 'Dixie' or 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic', but you will hear an excellent sampling of new material with a cool taste of creativity dipped from the well of American history. Some stories have been waiting to be told, along with other fine instrumental compositions and performances that stand on their own merit. Several of the songs are about Kentucky topics during the war such as The Orphan Brigade and Sue Mundy. We've attempted to give a fair amount of subject matter and themes to both sides of the war & the song list is in chronological order.