Album Notes

At 21 years old, Justin Hoffenberg has accomplished more in his musical career than many people three times his age. He began playing classical violin in the fifth grade orchestra, and shortly thereafter began suzuki violin lessons, which he excelled in and continued with until graduating high school. Classical violin gave Justin a solid foundation of technique that has helped him play many different styles of music with ease. Through high school Justin was involved in his high school orchestra as well as orchestras and symphonies throughout Colorado. After one year of playing classical violin in elementary school, a family friend informed him of a bluegrass festival near his home - Rockygrass in Lyons, CO. In 1999, Justin ventured up to Lyons, where he experienced his first bluegrass festival. While at Rockygrass, he met Jason Carter of the Del McCoury Band, who really introduced Justin to the world of bluegrass, and what being a bluegrass fiddler really meant. It was while he was at Rockygrass that week that Justin decided what he wanted to be when he grew up. In actuality, he didnt wait until he grew up to become a professional fiddler. At the age of 14, Justin began playing professionally, and quickly rose to become one of the premiere fiddlers in Colorado and the surrounding areas. Justin Hoffenberg and Friends has a rotating cast of musicians, all of whom are respected musicians in the country. Shows have included such faces as Gene Libbea (formerly of the Nashville Bluegrass Band), Nick Forster of Hot Rize, Sally Van Meter, members of Hit and Run, Slipstream, and others. He is also a member of Long Road Home, a band based on the Front Range of Colorado and Wyoming, which has been referred to as a teenaged super group. Since graduating high school in June of 2005, Justin has been playing bluegrass full time, and is now making a name for himself on a more national scale.

Justin Hoffenberg’s debut release, Songs of the Wood, has been called “a must have for traditional music fans”. While the album is mainly bluegrass, Justin also draws on traditional sounds from many styles while adding something new and fresh. With an all star cast, Justin has created a world class album while maintaining a more home grown approach. All of the musicians included (except one – Jason Carter of the Grammy winning Del McCoury Band), make their homes in Colorado, and represent the best that the Colorado bluegrass scene has to offer.