Album Notes

Prettiest Girl in the County is an exciting and delightful collection of traditional American, Old-Time, and Celtic tunes and songs dedicated to the spirit to women. Some are playful, some solemn, some enchanting…but each one expressive of love, beauty, hope, strength of character, or freedom of spirit.

Jeff Furman is an award-winning mountain dulcimer and clawhammer banjo player who is known for his melodic and rhythmic style and his ability to combine this energy with sensitivity and expression. The result is music that touches the heart.

On Prettiest Girl in the County Jeff is joined by the other three members of “Well Strung Wood,” a band of musicians brought together by friendship and a love for making beautiful music. Using combinations of mountain dulcimer, fiddle, cello, guitar, old-time banjo, and vocals, “Well Strung Wood” offers slow airs and waltzes, rousing fiddle tunes, playful and fun songs, and traditional ballads. This variety makes “Well Strung Wood” a unique ensemble with wide appeal. Janet Furman brings to the group her beautiful vocals, a sweet touch on melody and harmony fiddle, energetic driving old-time fiddle, and guitar. Norm Boggs is a well-known and renowned fiddler and guitarist with a vast repertoire of traditional tunes and ballads. Gordon Arnold is a marvelous cellist capable of playing a variety of music styles. In addition to bowing tasteful counter-melodies and playing up-tempo fiddle tunes, Gordon also “frails” the cello resulting in unique and supportive low rhythmic sounds.

As stated in the extensive liner notes written by Jeff, “my hope is that, as you take the musical journey through Prettiest Girl in the County, you will think fondly of all the women in your life who have brought you friendship, fun, inspiration, beauty, and love.”

This is a recording that will continue to please you time after time. . .


Jeff Furman and “Well Strung Wood” can also be heard on their 2003 CD release, Jory’s Ladder.