Album Notes

“Eliza & Vince Play Variety Music” features the swing and old-time fiddle and vocal styling’s of Eliza Welch, fiddler with Red Brown and the Tune Stranglers and The Citizen Band, and guitarist and banjo player Vince Brown, guitar player with Red Brown & the Tune Stranglers and former guitarist with the Gypsy Swing Band Hot Club Sandwich.

The CD features a mix of small combo style music from the 30’s. It includes close covers of early swing violin/ guitar recordings like the Venuti/Lang tune "Sweet Lorraine" and the Reinhardt/Grappelli Swing classic "Blue Drag". It ventures into early country covering two classics from the great Texas sting masters The Farr Brothers in "Rye Whisky Waltz" and "Deed I Do". It pays homage to classic Hawaiian recordings of the period with spot-on Hawaiian reso guitar work by master player Ben Bonham. As if that's not enough, Vince Brown is a mean frailer and several banjo/fiddle duets are included - most notably a high energy rendition of the seldom recorded West Virginia Gals.

But it's not just the instrumental numbers that shine - the vocal duet harmony of the Delmore Brothers is recalled in "Weary Lonesome Blues" while guest vocalist and uke player Rich Sikorski adds an eerily accurate vocal touch to the Hawaiian numbers with tight harmonies provided by Eliza.

Additional musicians include clarinet and baritone sax player Tommy Russell (his trades with Eliza on "I Got Rhythm" are not to be missed) and washboard player Skuff Acuff.

This is a CD that should appeal to aficionados of 30's music as well as those who are new to the genre. Those who know the music well will appreciate the attention to stylistic detail that keeps the music grounded in tradition. Newcomers will marvel at the creativity and energy that abounds in this music. It's just plain fun to listen to!

Eliza & Vince have been playing this music together for over 12 years and this CD reflects their long history in the easy comfort that comes from hearing two great musicians play with a style & grace that can only come from years of shared dedication to their craft. IT's a great CD and comes highly reccomended!