Album Notes

"Pure New England fiddle music, proud of its rural past, relishing the present ... the feeling of a warm kitchen above a well-stocked root cellar ... The performances are inviting, warm, energized and straight ahead, with a bit of mischief thrown in."
- Greg Boardman, longtime Maine fiddler and teacher

Original New England-style dance tunes written by Hope Hoffman -- A musical journal of Maine's farm-fresh foods and good company.

Maine fiddler Hope Hoffman presents lively and inventive performances of original tunes and the traditional Maine music which inspires them.

Known for her warm and personable performances from Presque Isle to Manhattan, Hope Hoffman has been a professional musician in Maine for several years, sharing a rhythmic and lyrical repertoire including Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, French Canadian, Welsh and Scandinavian tunes in addition to her new compositions.

Her musical style is noted for its evocative beauty and rough-and-tumble playfulness, with influences including Maine dance fiddlers and early music.

Hope's collection of original fiddle tunes was written while living in Maine surrounded by a community of farmers, artists and other independent-minded people, exploring and appreciating the varied landscape and unique personality of Maine.

The stories behind the tunes are generally about farm foods, weather, and the related adventures of neighbors and friends.

A self-employed performer and teacher since 1999, Hope currently gives concerts, plays fiddle and viola for contra dances, as well as solo fiddle for barn dances, and provides imaginative charm and good old-fashioned fun to dozens of downtown festivals, restaurants, weddings, and community gatherings. She also leads sessions for children's museums and festivals featuring fiddle music, creative movement and folk dance.

Her band, Kittlish, is named after a Scottish slang word for "ticklish." It features Larry Burkett on guitar and bouzouki, and Hugh McGinness on cittern, cross-tuned guitar and jaw harp.

Hope's concerts are often partnered with local food-related organizations through www.freegrange.org.