Album Notes

Idol Hands is a four piece folk/bluegrass band based in northern New Hampshire. On the "folk" side of the slash, they seek (and write) a repertoire of exceptional songs. And on the "bluegrass" side they revel in the interplay of instruments and voices, the technical demands and harmonic rewards of string band music.

The Old DoubleWide showcases both of these sides, beginning with the title tune, "Back To The Old DoubleWide", a take on the bluegrass standard theme of The Old Home Place that's both humorously sarcastic and sincerely nostalgic. This is a Doug Hazard original, as are "The Last You Saw of Me," "You Can't Live On Dreams Forever," "Sail Away," and "The Heavenly Bar." Doug plays mandolin on most of the album, with occasional forays into guitar.

Bob Peelstrom is a banjo player with a uniquely large range of expression. Bob is a disciple (and personal friend) of the Country Gentlemen legend Eddie Adcock. One of the highlights of Idol Hands' yearly calendar is concert they host and open featuring Eddie and Martha. On this album Bob contributes one of his instrumental compositions, "Hello Blues," and also leads the band through the classic "Red Wing."

Peter Heimlich is a finder of good songs. He knows them when he sees hears them, irregardless of the source. To this album he has brought the traditional bluegrass tune "I'll Remember Your Love In My Prayers," the extremely trippy Michael Nesmith (he used to be a Monkee-- then aliens came) tune "Rio," and the modern, minor hit by Jay Farrar/Son Volt, "Tear-Stained Eye," which somehow makes a perfect bluegrass ballad. Peter's Martin guitar (D-28) anchors all the songs on the album. Peter is also much in demand by other folkies in the area, Bill Morrissey among them.

Lisa Ferguson can play anything, and does gigs playing guitar, hammered dulcimer, and piano. But in Idol Hands she plays electric bass. And sings. And sings! Lisa's harmonies grace almost every song on the album, and she takes the lead on a moving version of Stephen Foster's "Hard Times."

Filling out the album, making the sound richer and fuller and sweeter, is Special Guest Ellen Carlson on the fiddle. Ellen joins Idol Hands when the occasion warrants... and, more rarely, when she's not already booked with her own band, High Range.

The OId DoubleWide largely recorded "live in the studio." There is some overdubbing, but each track starts with the band sitting in a circle and banging out the tune. Listening to each other while they play. You can't, of course, hear musicians listening. But you can tell when they are.

Visit Ellen Carlson at highrangeband.com. Visit Doug Hazard at doughazard.com.