Through the Woods [CD/DVD]

Personnel: Joe Mailander (vocals, guitar); Hubby Jenkins (vocals, banjo, mandolin); Justin Lansing (vocals, banjo); Rosie Newton (vocals, fiddle); Jed Anderson (vocals, drums, log drum, pans, percussion); Andrea Maddox (vocals); David Holt (guitar, slide guitar, harmonica, mouth bow, washboard); Kevin Wenzel (mandolin); Mark Murphy (upright bass).
Recording information: No Parking Studios, Rosendale, NY.
Minneapolis-based children's bluegrass duo the Okee Dokee Brothers follow up their Grammy-winning 2012 album Can You Canoe? with another adventure-themed album called Through the Woods. Much like their previous record, which recounted a month-long voyage down the Mississippi River, Through the Woods chronicles a month-long hiking trip down the fabled Appalachian Trail. Musicians Justin Lansing (banjo) and Joe Mailander (guitar) have hit upon a formula that is fun for all. Their simple, warm, folk and bluegrass songs are perfect for kids, yet attractive to parents, and best of all for the Okee Dokees, the two friends get to take fantastic adventures together which inspire these enjoyable and educational children's albums. Musically, Through the Woods focuses on the sounds and styles of Appalachia and old-timey mountain music and features guest spots from Carolina Chocolate Drops' Hubby Jenkins, folk duo Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, and esteemed folk multi-instrumentalist David Holt. ~ Timothy Monger