Album Notes

West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle is an area of beautiful, rolling, green hills and clean, cool rivers. It is also the home base of the Critton Hollow String Band. Sam and Joe Herrmann formed the band in 1975 with a heart-felt dedication to kindle community life and spirit with their music. Since then, Critton Hollow has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. playing to audiences varying in size from small front porch gatherings to thousands at festivals. Their warmth and honest approach to music enables even the largest crowd to become an intimate part of their program.

About "The Dulcimer Collection":
Many people have asked why I started playing the dulcimer so I think I'll give you a brief history. It was 1974 when Joe, my fiddle playing spouse came back from the National Folk Festival in Washington D.C. He described an instrument that was built and played by Sam Rizzetta. His enthusiasm was quite impressive and a few weeks later I saw my first dulcimer at the Galax, Va. Fiddlers Convention. It was a homemade instrument, which in those days most of them were, and it was already pulling apart but something about it was enough to capture my heart. Thinking retrospectively, Ive always been curious about the paths we all take. If I was a reincarnationist I'd figure I needed to learn patience and tolerance this time around. Perhaps I played the dang thing in someone's court or some such thing, but alas it remains a curiosity.
This compilation is an effort to bring 25 years of Critton Hollow's dulcimer history together on one recording. My style and energy absolutely depends on making music with others and especially with these guys in the band.
Of course I (we) hope you find this collection of tunes something you want to listen to often for a long time and perhaps we'll pass a tune or two from pur hands to yours.
All the best to you,
Sam and the Joes