Collectively they have been referred to as “three powerful musicians,” “masters of southern traditional music,” “triple threat,” “sublime combination,” “soulful, highly skilled musicians,” and “as well known as the Three Tenors are in the opera world.” Individually, Tom Sauber, Brad Leftwich, and Alice Gerrard are each recognized and respected as powerful musicians whose influence has been felt on a generation of younger musicians, and whose effect on the wider world of traditional music and culture has been far reaching.

Like their well-received debut of last year, Holly Ding is a masterful collection of rural music from a broad array of sources including old-time string band pieces, classic country a la Hank Williams, traditional gospel, ballads, and even an original by Alice. With all three musicians being adept on a variety of instruments, a great diversity of musical combinations abounds. Everything from straight guitar, banjo, and fiddle playing to twin fiddles, twin banjos, to unaccompanied ballads with no music at all can be found here. It is a rich tapestry of the best that rural music has to offer.

The Musicians

Tom Sauber, a native of California, has devoted over 30 years of his life to playing traditional music, and is widely recognized as one of the master musicians of his generation. Over the years, he has played and recorded his share of bluegrass, Cajun, and old-time music.

Also a native Californian, Alice Gerrard is a singer, songwriter, and musician who has spent many years listening to, advocating for, and learning from bluegrass and old-time musicians. Her collaboration with Hazel Dickens was a major influence and inspiration for scores of young women singers. She is the founder of the Old-Time Herald magazine, a publication dedicated to the musicians and issues of old-time music.

Brad Leftwich has been sharing his love of old-time music with audiences for more than 25 years. He was born and raised in Oklahoma, in a musical family with roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and his music reflects the traditions of both those areas. He has two old-time fiddle teaching videos and a book, in addition to being featured on two current recordings.