This wholesome looking country-folk duo out of Kalamazoo, Michigan both sing and play banjo. Laurel Premo also plays the fiddle while Michael Beauchamp also plays guitar
On their fourth album they combine original tunes with traditional material. Four of the twelve tracks are all their own work and, in the true spirit of democracy, two are by her and two by him.
Despite looking to the past for inspiration they are not on a mission to slavishly replicate songs of old.
Come All Ye Fair & Tender Ladies and Yarrow are played straight but they add lyrics to Skip James' blues song I'd Rather Be The Devil and although Gibson Town is constructed from a Muddy Waters melody, it tells the story of shootings in Ransom Street, Kalamazoo in 2016 which claimed the lives of six people.
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More contemporary issues are raised in Shale Town by Premo which was "written in protest of hydraulic fracturing" (or fracking).
In this way, thoughtful lyrics combine with gentle harmonies and lilting arrangements for a modern take on authenticity.
Red Tail Ring's website
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