Overview

This recording introduces the musical talents of Baltimore-based clawhammer banjo player Brad Kolodner with his father Ken Kolodner, a nationally known traditional musician. This first recording for the father and son duo blends the traditional with many original tunes written in a traditional style and performed in a musical, dynamic and transparent esthetic with little use of backing instruments.

Reviews of Otter Creek

“Beautiful melodies, varied instrumentation, wonderful hammered dulcimer music AND clawhammer banjo playing. It’s great to start hearing professional caliber music from the next generation of players. Otter Creek may be a bit broader than your average old time stringband recording. But, then again, old time music is more than we think. This one is a must.” – The Banjo Newsletter, July 2012

“Father and son have reached that musical telepathy that family members can sometimes achieve. The blend of the hammered dulcimer and banjo is exceptional.” -- The Old Time Herald January, 2012

"This is old time music played in the purest way: at home, with family, with heart, and with a creative curiosity that lets all listeners know that a passion for traditional music yet thrives in every generation." -- Dulcimer Player News April 2011

"Ken Kolodner is a world class multi-instrumentalist...Otter Creek is a joyous recording featuring two fine musicians who playing excellently. There must be something special to that father-son thing." -- Sing Out! April, 2011

"Ken is regarded as one of the finest hammered dulcimer players today. What makes this recording special is that Ken collaborates with his son Brad who plays the banjo and banjola. It is what folk music is all about in my opinion. I would also recommend that when you preview the CD do so on good equipment (not a car CD player or cheap computer speakers) otherwise you may miss the tight, intricate, and interesting arrangements" -- DJ Mark Pederson, WOJB Folkways, Barron, WI

Otter Creek was #1 on the Folk DJ-L (the Folk Charts) for instrumental recordings and top 50 overall for all releases in 2011. Brad’s composition “Otter Creek” was the most played instrumental on reporting folk radio stations across the U.S. in 2011.

www.bradkolodner.com
www.kenkolodner.com