With a cast of characters that includes a mythical giant, an explorer, an inventor, a general, a pirate, and imp, a "spitting devil", and a mule named Sal, storyteller Jonathan Kruk and folksinger RIch Bala have created a historically accurate, meticulously recorded CD about 400 years in the life of The Hudson, "America's first river".
Their first CD since the award-winning "Revolution on the River" (named "Best CD of 2001" by Hudson Valley Magazine), they carefully researched and methodically selected authentic stories and both traditional and contemporary folk songs that capture some of the more significant "highlights" in the river's magnificent history. Jon and RIch carefully sifted through volumes of material in order to tell as complete a story as possible. The result is this "labor of love".
Assisting them on this project were some of the best musicians and studio personnel they could find. The producer, Al Hemberger, has worked on projects with Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, and RIchard Shindell. One of the engineers, Matt Noble, Received an Emmy for his outstanding studio work. Tom White, a versatile virtuoso on some halk-dozen instruments (banjo, fiddle, mandolin, concertina, pennywhistle, hammered dulcimer) has been playing with Rich since 1993, when they formed "The Barefoot Boys", and has performed with Emmy Lou Harris, The Woods Tea Co., and Pete Sutherland. Art Labriola has been awarded both a Grammy and an Emmy for his music compositions and studio work, and Peter Rundquist has recorded with Corey Harris, Taj Mahal, and BB King. Andy Revkin performs in the group Uncle Wade with Art and Peter, and has also performed with Pete Seeger and Dar Williams.
The Ramblers have been together since 1990, and have performed at schools, museums, libraries, historic sites, and festivals throughout the greater Hudson Valley, including appearances at Clearwater's Great Hudson Revival Festival, the NYS Museum, Governor's Island Opening Day Festival, NY Historical Society, and te Hudson River Maritime Museum. Jonathan was named "Best Storyteller in the HUdson Valley" in 2008 by Hudson Valley Magazine, and many of his solo recordings have received Parent's Choice awards. Rich is known as "The Hudson Valley Balladeer", and has performed with Pete Seeger and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, among many others.
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