This long awaited 4th album from husband and wife duo, Charlie Beck & Charmaine Slaven, celebrates their sustaining musical partnership and shared adventures that now includes a little girl, Hazel. Hazelnut features many inspired original compositions alongside venerable traditional numbers. Starting as buskers at the Pike Place Market in Seattle in 2005, Squirrel Butter has devoted countless hours behind the strings honing their craft at settings ranging from weddings to funerals, bars to bat mitzvahs. Charlie’s ability as a multi- instrumentalist is a delight throughout, with sharp banjo playing being especially notable. Charmaine shines with drive and refinement on guitar and fiddle, plus she dazzles with her step dancing. Their well matched voices engage with soul and sensitivity as they share roles of taking lead and harmony. Squirrel Butter thrives in a variety of musical atmospheres while staying grounded to their traditional roots.
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Release Date: July 8, 2022
“I’ve always admired Charlie and Charmaine for their old-fashioned DIY approach; their music is feel-good, down-home and wholesome, but it’s never boring. Charlie’s banjo picking rings like a bell and Charmaine’s rhythm is solid and natural, whether she’s playing guitar or doing her marvelous percussive dance moves. The songs they choose reflect their love of nature and rural life, dealing with subjects like geese, dogs, whippoorwills and trains. Their commitment to family and community shines in every note they play and sing.” – Suzy Thompson
“Charmaine and Charlie have rich, perfectly matched voices and great harmony singing on a wide variety of original and uncommon traditional songs. They have the skills to go seamlessly in any direction – old-time, country, or bluegrass – and rock-solid guitar, virtuosic banjo, and even some flatfoot dancing are the icing on the cake. Wonderful album!” – Brad Leftwich
“I love the way Charlie and Charmaine breathe new life into those old songs from another place and time. They obviously love the music, but they have put the work in, and it shows. Conversely, that same energy also gives the new songs a decided ring of authenticity. This is sterling musicianship generously dusted with humor and grace. No doubt about it- Squirrel Butter is the real deal!” – Greg Canote