Album Notes

Headquartered in the rural coastal plains of eastern North Carolina, the Huckleberry Brothers band was formed to explore our interest in the traditional and popular music of mid-19th century America after meeting as American Civil War reenactors.

The Huckleberry Brothers formed in 2002 with three members as a result of meeting as American Civil War reenactors with an interest in mid 19th Century music. The group has grown to nine members. The Huckleberry Brothers not only play in camp and for dances during Civil War reenactments in North Carolina and surrounding states, but also performs at living history presentations, period balls, and for various functions at the North Carolina State Capitol.

The instrumentation includes 5-string banjo, fiddle, guitar, accordian, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, tin whistle, harmonicas, bones, tambourine and flat-footing. Our goal is to research and perform the minstrel and old time styles of music in a way that is faithful to the original form. The music is composed of songs, ballads, and fiddle tunes from the 1700’s through 1865.

We can be seen performing at reenactments, living history presentations, period dances, and other events. The Huckleberry Brothers will be found entertaining and educating the public throughout the day as well as playing for the participants at a dance or around the campfire. The music on our CD represents some of our favorites songs and tunes and is what you would hear should you camp with us. As the soldiers did then, we entertain ourselves and our friends in camp with songs, dances, and infinite tomfoolery. Our goal is to research and perform the minstrel and old-time styles of music, particularly of North Carolina, in a way that is faithful to the original forms. The sound of the fiddle and banjo is a quintessential American pairing, and the addition of more instruments and percussion creates the varied and vibrant sound that transformed folk music into the foundations of American popular music. I

t is our goal that our involvement in "The Huckleberry Brothers" and this music will provide even more fun and realism to historical and musical events. We have noticed one thing in particular -- this kind of music draws a crowd, and it seems to attract folks who are our kindred spirits.