Strange Creek Singers

This group was formed during the late 60s by Mike Seeger (b. 15 August 1933, New York City, New York, USA). The rest of the group were Lamar Grier (banjo), Tracy Schwarz (b. Daniel Tracy Schwarz, 13 November 1938, New York City, New York, USA; fiddle/guitar/banjo) who had formerly been with Seeger's New Lost City Ramblers, Hazel Dickens (b. Hazel Jane Dickens, 1 June 1935, Mercer County, West Virginia, USA; guitar), and Alice Gerrard (b. 8 July 1934, Seattle, Washington, USA; guitar). The name of the group was taken from Strange Creek, West Virginia, and they played a mixture of bluegrass and old-time musical styles, both traditional and contemporary. It was very much a hobbyist's affair, given the commitments outside of the group of all concerned. Nevertheless, they toured both Europe and the USA, playing a number of major festivals in the process. Seeger is still recording, while Schwarz performs and tours with the Tracy Schwarz Cajun Trio. Dickens has also recorded solo.

This recording of country/folk three-part harmonies will seem a bit accessible to someone familiar with the smooth sound of Alison Krauss. One might also find these recordings spanning 1968 through 1970 full of charm and honesty. Four city kids are unsatisfied with the pop vocal groups and become enamored with the folk revival of the time. This is their worthy attempt to add to that honored body of work. Several bluegrass vocal favorites are treated here. Among them are "Sunny Side of Life" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." While the Strange Creek Singers sometimes outdo themselves technically, their passion and love for their craft makes this album a classic.