Album Notes

Hickory Strings blends musical influences from around the world into a unique brand of modern American chamber music. With elements of classical, jazz, African, klezmer, bluegrass, celtic, folk, pop, and funk, the resulting compositions and improvisations are unclassifiable. The group’s versatility has led to performances in concert halls, bars, coffee shops, bluegrass festivals, libraries, and is one of the few groups truly suitable for nearly any venue. Their music has appeared in films and for public radio. The group is often grouped with and compared to similar recording and performing artists: Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Nickel Creek's Chris Thile.

The musicians are active educators, providing workshops and interactive performances in schools, community centers, and other academic institutions. The group also provides music for weddings, private parties, events, and children’s concerts.

The core of the group is a duo: Geoff Brown and Mark Whitaker. The critically acclaimed duo formed in 2006. The debut 2006 recording, Geoff Brown and Hickory Strings includes a variety of duo, trio, and quartet combinations for mandolin, banjo, upright bass, and guitar.

The 2008 recording, Patches, features bassist Gian Pangaro (Three Tall Pines). Gian actively performs concerts with Hickory Strings throughout New England and adds a third dimension to the music, bringing his strong background in bluegrass, jazz, and classical music.