The Northeastern corner of Tennessee bordering Kentucky where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Appalachians is arguably the birthplace of bluegrass, and it's exciting to see that there is a growing number of bands on a national and international level that not only keep the tradition of authentic American folk music alive, but further it with original songwriting, recordings and tours.

From Johnsonville, Tennessee, The Reeltime Travelers are an authentic Appalachian folk band emphasizing a fiddle driven sound as well as a group of professionals that understand the subtleties of music while keeping the focus on what it's all about...a feel good band that makes you want to kick off your shoes and dance!

All five Travelers' come from musical families, each performing since childhood. Each individual’s dedication to the preservation of old-time traditional folk and country music both in performance and songwriting is evident in their musical interpretation of traditional folk songs as well as their songwriting.

Livin' Reeltime Thinkin' Old-Time is The Travelers' second recording and, like their first CD Reeltime Old-Time Stringband Music, Livin' Reeltime Thinkin' Old-Time is a mixture of original compositions and traditional folk songs interpreted and performed with all the zest and enthusiasm you would expect from artists devoted to the music and cause. In their own words, "There is a characteristic of old-time music that we try to stay true to, one that generates a sort of collective involvement and brings people together." From the opening song, a traditional instrumental called Paddy Won't You Drink Some Cider, The Reeltime Travelers establish their ground as accomplished musicians while songs like Little Bird of Heaven and Higher Rock feature the strong traditional songwriting abilities of guitarist, Martha Sclanlan.

I've fortunately had the opportunity to see The Reeltime Travelers live, and was not only impressed with their musical abilities, but was equally if not more impressed with the stage energy and fun the band conveyed to the audience. Fiddler Heidi Andrade was not only amazing on fiddle, but in my opinion, her 'clogging', or tap-dancing with wooden shoes in the spirit of folk hero John Hartford, was the icing on the cake that really set The Reeltime Travelers apart as entertainers as well as musicians.

For more information on The Reeltime Travelers, CLICK HERE

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