We are thrilled to introduce our forthcoming new album, "Across the Sea" — available for preorder on Bandcamp now!

For our sixth official release (and third album on the Old-Time Tiki Parlour label), we are joined by two pals: Tallahassee-based Paddy "Otis" League—a master of both Irish and Greek music—and Michael Starkey, a talented clawhammer banjo player living in the northwest Highlands of Scotland already making waves in the States.

The 13 tunes on Across the Sea chart the many paths that traditional music can follow when it crosses oceans and passes through generations. There are lively burners like 40 Weight of Gingerbread and Wabash Hornpipe. There are haunting tunes that carry all the heft of their immigrant histories, such as Georgia Belles, Wading the Cheat and Polly Put the Kettle On. The album also takes a more reflective turn with the banjo-fiddle duet Ten Steps and an almost chamber-music approach to Sarah’s Ashes. We also did some reimagining of old favorites like Ways of the World, Yell in the Shoats, and The Galway Reel. And we got to sing some too, on Wolves A Howling and on Across the Sea, which was learned from our dear friend, the late painter and folk music champion Art Rosenbaum.

As with our 4th release (Old World Music of the Southern Appalachians), we recorded “Across the Sea” at home with a stereo pair technique invented in the 1930s by Alan Blumlein, playing around two vintage ribbon microphones in the middle of the room.

In our view, “Across the Sea” is not just an album; it’s an exploration of the spirit of exchange and connection that has always been at the heart of America’s folk music traditions. In an era defined by borders and division, this project embraces community, empathy and curiosity. We think it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done—which is why it’s the first album we’ll be releasing on limited edition vinyl (as well as CD and digital formats). While the melodic approach to the tunes is still traditional, playing with Paddy and Michael gave us a chance to get a more creative with the arrangements. We think you’ll love it; as Rob says, “it has a vibe.”

There are a couple tracks available for streaming here (preview quality only) and on Bandcamp (32 bit res)! For folks who pre-order (which really helps us out), you’ll get a physical copy just as soon as we have them and access to the full digital album on the official release date this summer.