Our CD Reviews


"The Strothers didn't bother tackling songs in D and the DAd tuning for their first album. None of that. They experiment in this CD, something I probably wouldn't have the nerve to do. There are interesting keys for MD such as Em even G, and tunings, such as DGd (Banks of the Ohio), and AAd (Amazing Grace).

All this non-D work adds a richness to these mostly familiar songs that is refreshing, and is further proof of the versatility of the mountain dulcimer. For instance, most have probably heard Wayfaring Stranger many times, but in Em, it's a striking song...and you might fall in love with it again. Westphalia Waltz in G brings it up in pitch and is lovely.

Instrument-wise, the CD features mountain dulcimer (bass, and normal), but there is banjimer, tenor recorder, penny whistle and Bodhrán to round out the mix. All instruments are played by Tom and Missy. I like the simplicity of the instrumentation because you can really hear the dulcimers without them getting lost in the crowd.

I recommend this CD as an addition to your collection. If you have any interest in expanding to minor keys and alternative tunings, consider this CD a primer. If you want a collection of songs that showcase the mountain dulcimer, this is it. This CD is suitable for learning from (the tempos are great), or for listening to at home as background music." -- Bruce Ford, Everything Dulcimer, http://everythingdulcimer.com/articles/review_strothers_March_In_Ohio.php .


"I REALLY like your choice of melodies. So far my very most favorite is Shoes For Baby Jesus. It touches the "old world" blood that runs thru my veins." -- Fran Booth, Cincinnati, Ohio


"If you have not yet heard this new CD, I encourage you to add it to your collection. This is a very talented couple, as most of you already know, and they have put together an excellent package of tunes and instrumentations. You're gonna love Missy's bass dulcimer! Get in touch with the Strothers' and order one...very nice stuff!"
-- Ed Foley, Marlow, Oklahoma


"I thought your rendition of the Boatman in the style of a waltz, then a jazzy version, and then the traditional was really creative....and as I mentioned before, I like the fact that you did lots of "different" things on several songs...such as unusual tunings or changing traditional tuning from major to minor keys, etc. I especially liked the "drop A" tuning on Amazing Grace. I love the feel of that low, low drone from the bass dulcimer." -- Terri Morris, Frankfurt, Kentucky


"Hi Guys  I have listened to your CD several times now and I really like it, the overall quality is as good as any of my others.  I like all the songs especially March in Ohio, Crucharain's Cross, Fisher's Hornpipe, and Daggett's Revenge.   The first time I heard your Boatman arrangement I didn't like but now that I have heard it a few times I like it as well as the others.  I think you have a good CD that you can be proud of.  I don't think  I have ever heard March in Ohio before but that is a beautiful song.   Congrats on a good job." -- Dave, Baltimore, Ohio