Among the many strengths of traditional music is its capacity to evoke a sense of place, culture, or particular time. Jim and Kim Lansford view the American rural musical tradition not merely as a collection of antique voices who have had their say, but rather as living voices that continue to speak--with an abiding and often peculiar kind of power.

     Many signposts have marked the Lansfords' musical passage. These remain rich, persistent sources of inspiration:  the songs and tunes gathered by Missouri and Ozark collectors; old-time fiddlers and the tunes that reflect southern and mid-western traditions; field recordings of Lomax and many others; and finally, the commercial recordings of old-time country duets, southern string bands, country blues, and traditional bluegrass.