Album Notes

Some years ago, in response to a challenge by students enrolled in the Rockingham Community College Musician's Guild, five "old timers" (members of the college's faculty and staff) created a band to perform at "Homemade Music," a benefit for Habitat for Humanity. The group first formed to play for "Homemade Music" in 1999. They enjoyed the experience so much that they have remained together and have  performed throughout the states of North Carolina and southern Virginia as Campus Tradition. The group has opened for bands such as Lost and Found, Steep Canyon Rangers, the Jeanette Williams Band, and the Donna Hughes Band. An appearance on the King Pup Radio Program in 2003 got the group international attention. Lee Dodson, the group's founder, plays and sings bass. His impeccable sense of timing serves as an anchor for the band. Dale O'Bryant provides the intricate five-string banjo work and tenor vocals in the group's four-part harmony. Chip Cardwell plays autoharp in the band. His rich baritone harmonies and soulful leads accent many of the group's songs. Dave Smathers lays down solid guitar rhythms and brings life to the old songs with his lead vocals. Their first CD entitled "Homemade" contains a variety of songs, including old-time gospel (Sweet Bye and Bye), western swing (I Wonder Where You Are Tonight), cowboy (Tumblin' Tumbleweeds), and old-time (Whoa Mule) that highlight the group's versatility and love for the "good ol' songs." Their rendition of favorite novelty songs (The Preacher and The Bear and The Rooster Song) usually earn chuckles from the audience. All four members of the band have written and arranged original songs. A second CD project will hopefully be released early next year.