A Brackish Contemplation

We’re excited to release our first duo recording ahead of our winter “Snowbird Tour” through Texas and the American Southwest. Growing up as Navy kids, we were always near the water – that ever-changing boundary where rivers meet the sea. It seems fitting that our first recording together would draw from the rich tradition of maritime music.

We’ve gathered five traditional and traditionally-inspired songs about life on the water. Each piece tells stories of maritime adventure, connecting river songs with seafaring ballads. We combine our close harmonies with Jackson’s banjo and Corban’s guitars and mandolin. As a fully self-produced EP, this collection reflects our deep connection to traditional music and maritime song.

Our songs move from river to sea: Jean Ritchie’s “Movin’ On Down the River” flows into the ancient ballad of “Henry Martin” (Child 250), followed by the sprightly “Sailor’s Hornpipe.” The collection concludes with two classic songs of the sea – “The Bonnie Ship the Diamond” and “Pleasant and Delightful” – each telling tales of departure and the bittersweet nature of a sailor’s life.