The New Mules

The New Mules

It's unusual for a current old-time music group to perform music that has not been released on any previous recording, that comes from an area of America not generally thought of as being a source of old-time music, or that is native to those who perform it.

All of these things are true of The New Mules. Fiddler Garry Harrison learned the local music of his native downstate Illinois the old-time way, from his father and in person at the homes of elderly players of the area. Just as those folks learned and as Garry learned from them, Garry's daughter Genevieve in turn learned to play the fiddle in the old style, her first guidance being from her father.

Garry and Gena joined with some of the area's finest players to form the New Mules. Their music is from authentic traditional sources and includes both rare old gems and previously unheard versions of better-known numbers. But a New Mules performance is no mere history lesson; the group brings renewed life to this music with their own unique arrangements and performances, and no one has more fun in doing it.

The New Mules were honored with the award of First Prize in the Traditional Band competition at the Appalachian String Band Festival, Clifftop, West Virginia, August 2, 2008.

Garry Harrison has been an influence in the world of old-time fiddling for over 30 years, over which time he has made several recordings, taught at major fiddle camps, performed at numerous music festivals, and published a major book on the subject, Dear Old Illinois.

Like her father, Genevieve (Harrison) Koester was born and raised in the Charleston, Illinois area and plays the fiddle in the old style of rural downstate Illinois. She also does a fine job of singing the lead on many of the group's vocal numbers and plays the guitar and mandolin on the occasional number that calls for it.

Abby Ladin is well-known to old-time music enthusiasts, and not only for her rock-solid bass playing and angelic singing; Abby is also a top-notch dancer. In fact, she performed for a number of years with the widely known dance group, Rhythm In Shoes.

Another native Midwesterner, Smith Koester gives new life to the sounds of the past with his old-time fretless banjo. A player of superlative ability, his driving syncopation fills in the rhythm gaps while deftly delivering the melodies hand-in-glove with the fiddles.

Andy Gribble is one of the most sought-after string band guitarists around today, and when he strikes up the booming, jingling chords, there is no question as to why. Both he and his guitar have a sound all their own. Andy is also an instrument builder, a skill for which he has gained considerable acclaim.