Brad Kolodner's debut solo album 'Chimney Swifts' proves that traditionally-rooted banjo music is alive, well, and on the move. After years of recording in a duo with his father Ken and with progressive roots supergroup Charm City Junction, Kolodner has assembled a powerful debut of instrumental clawhammer banjo music. Honed during solo practice time during the pandemic, 'Chimney Swifts' focuses on what he calls "private music." This is what musicians play when they first pick up their instruments, it's familiar and evokes time and place. You might think this is just music for musicians but upon first listen the appeal is immediate to the casual roots fan as well. The record's fifteen tracks feature solo pieces as well as duets with Kolodner's frequent collaborators like his father Ken, Rachel Eddy, and the members of Charm City Junction. Kolodner showcases deft original tunes, both jaunty and plaintive, alongside traditional music spanning old-time, Irish, bluegrass and even a Greek number. A handful of pieces feature the haunting tone of fretless gourd banjo. Clawhammer banjo is frequently used as accompaniment to fiddle music and songs but rarely as a lead voice. One of the most daring achievements of 'Chimney Swifts' is to highlight clawhammer banjo as a central melodic voice. With this record, Kolodner positions himself besides other contemporary banjo luminaries like Jason Romero, Allison de Groot, Jake Blount, and Nora Brown.

Tracklist:

Chimney Swifts
Five Miles From Town
Foggy Mountain Special
Old Grimes
Ants In The Honey Jar
Chirps ; Williams
Mr. Pantaleish
Killavil Fancy
Julianne Johnson
Tuckerman Lane
Catalpa Hop
Old Aunt Jenny
Campbell's Farewell To Red Gap
Blue Violet Waltz
Waynesboro

UPC: 877746003462
Label: Fenchurch Music
Release Date: 9.10.21
Format: CD

Brad Kolodner - Chimney Swifts (CD)