Album Notes

This is the Raisin Pickers’ third release, but the first that features the current lineup of Mark and Carol Palms, David Mosher and James Sneyd. Think of the Raisin Pickers as a string band that swings. Or, if you prefer, think of them as songwriters who can go from ballad to bluegrass without missing a musical beat. Handed Down opens with the title cut, a lament for the family farm, skillfully written by founding member Mark Palms. Mark sings and plays guitar, old-time banjo and fiddle throughout this recording. His other song contributions include a delicious number called Chicken Flippin' which celebrates the traditional summer cookout in their hometown of Manchester, Michigan. A cookout so fine ”Home of the Famous Chicken Broil” is engraved on the town’s welcoming road sign. Mark’s song gives ”flippin’ the bird” a whole new meaning. And don’t forget Out Of This World, Mark’s song about....on second thought, I’ll leave that one for you to discover for yourself. Mark’s musical and life partner, Carol Palms, thumps a steady stand-up bass and lets fly on Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring. Her love of singing in the swing style is obvious. But she can handle the ballads as well. She sings Craig Johnson’s Keweenaw Light as only someone who has experienced the splendor of Northern Michigan can. And she joins Mark on the sweet A Uke and You to close the record out. Multi-instrumentalist, producer and all around musical wizard, David Mosher offers up 3 original tunes and some astounding guitar and mandolin licks on Handed Down. His bluegrass inspired songs include Michigan Moon, Old Back Roads, and For The Love of Brandy, a haunting tale of love and death that you would swear has been around in the tradition for a long time. David’s skill and taste is prevalent throughout this recording both as musician and producer. It’s not surprising that his name is showing up as producer on several recordings throughout Michigan. The Raisin Pickers have found a combination that works - great songs that mix both fun and tradition.