From Bruce Molsky's liner notes...

Real, honest folk music at its best always represents some kind of confluence. Chance coming together of ideas and common experiences, when the conditions are right, paints a picture that's big, clear, colorful and completely in the moment. Since its very first year, the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, West Virginia has provided the right conditions for many "perfect storms" like this.

Each of Mark Simos' rich, new tunes on Clifftop Notes is an entry point to that special space that all musicians hope to enter when they play. Listen to these tunes, played with friends from the campground, and you can tell they never forget why they came to Clifftop in the first place, to enjoy each other and celebrate music.

The Cliffhangers describe themselves as a "campground band," but that's unfairly modest. Mark, Brendan, Jody, Rusty and Karen each bring their own distinctive sound, and this core is as much celebration as unique artistic statement. With help from Rich, Maxine, Tolly and Edwin, it just feels like you've stumbled into one great tailgate party.

The natural and totally comfortable take on Mark's tunes leaves you aware of the connection to old traditions, but also reaching to see what else is out there. It all makes perfect sense and you want to stay there for the whole ride. It's extrospective music: you can stay inside of it, looking out to see what it touches, or you can be outside and just enjoy the experience. And this music will definitely touch a lot of people. It's just great music.

~ Bruce Molsky