Album Notes

Contradancing is a traditional and lively American folk dance that got its start in New England and in the last few decades has spread across the country. You may never have heard of it, but if you live in the US, somewhere near you on a Friday or Saturday night there are probably folks smiling ear to ear as they dance to great live music.

Along the River offers a sample of what you might hear if you headed out to a contradance in western Massachusetts, regarded by some as the epicenter of contradancing. Four fiddlers, two piano players, and two wind musicians play dance tunes of the Connecticut River Valley on this joyous and energetic recording. Twelve local dance musicians composed the twenty-eight tunes on the disc, which range from driving reels to haunting waltzes. There's even a tune with a ragtime lilt. Playing on the CD are Susan Conger (fiddle), Susie Secco (piano), Timm Triplett (piano, virginal), Van Kaynor (fiddle), David Kaynor (fiddle), David Cantieni (flute), Bill Tomczak (clarinet, dombek), and George Reynolds (fiddle).

"Along the River captures the vibrancy and excitement of the music in the region, as well as the fine musicianship." -Great Meadow Music

"This CD brings these tunes to life. . .This is all great contra dance music. A real treat to hear..." -Fiddler Magazine

"Susan Conger turns out to be an exceptional fiddler, bringing a selection of those tunes to life."
-Green Man Review