Morning Star is the fourth CD from Tom, Betty and Nathan Druckenmiller, a family-based old-time band who play music together and are based in eastern Pennsylvania. Tom sings and plays banjo and guitar, Betty sings and plays fiddle, and Nathan continues to dazzle on the banjo, mandolin, guitar and especially the fiddle.
Their three previous CDs were recorded at home, in the tradition of early field recordings, but Morning Star was created in Bearswamp Studios (Macungie, PA) under the watchful ear of Clark Ferguson. The studio allowed for a more relaxed recording environment and also permitted friends to be involved with the project.
Friend include Mike Andrews, mandolin on "Truly Understand," and Paula Taylor, bass on about half the tunes. Mitch and Hannan Miller (who perform with the Druckenmillers as the contradance band Friends and Kin) play on "Appleknocker," and Mitch fiddles and sings "Ducks on the Millpond." Wayne Leibel brings his accordion for "Hazeldon Waltz and L.A. Williams adds second fiddle to "The Golden Fiddle Waltz." Clark Ferguson offers harmonium on "Your Lone Journey" and zimbelstern (look it up!) to the title track. Guitarist Bob Heyer from Wheeling, WV, is featured on "Canaan's Land" and "The Library Set," which is named for a favorite jam spot on the campus of Davis and Elkins College, home of the Augusta Heritage Workshops in Elkins, WV.
Bill and Libby Hicks say this about Morning Star:
"This music is going to go straight to your heart and soul without stopping for gas. In their ardent love and respect for the old-time traditions, the Druckenmillers have discovered the pearl. They play and sing with great joy and conviction. Listen to them and be reconnected to the music inside yourself that is waiting to be given a voice."
Tom, Betty and Nathan Druckenmiller and some of their best friends continue the journey to the roots of old-time country music without losing touch with the present day. Old-time music from the banks of Spring Creek.
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