Ken & Brad Kolodner Release Hands Cove Ahead of 15th-Anniversary Album

Ken and Brad Kolodner, a Baltimore‑based father‑son duo, have dropped the title track “Hand’s Cove” as the lead single from their forthcoming fifth studio album, slated for release on July 10. The new single arrives as the pair marks 15 years of collaborative recording.

The Kolodners’ partnership began in informal jam sessions that gradually crystallized into a distinct musical voice. Their sound blends clawhammer banjo and hammered dulcimer, and expands with gourd banjo, hammered mbira, twin fiddles, and string‑band influences. Over the past decade and a half, the duo has released nearly twenty recordings, ranging from traditional old‑time styles to experimental arrangements.

“Hand’s Cove” takes its name from a secluded inlet on Vermont’s Lake Champlain, close to the family’s multigenerational cabin known as The Camp. Brad’s gourd banjo leads the track, while Ken’s hammered dulcimer weaves an atmospheric backdrop that echoes the anticipation tied to the historic lake crossing.

The inlet’s history adds depth to the song. Historical accounts note that Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys used the cove as a concealment spot during the early stages of the American Revolution, before crossing Lake Champlain to capture Fort Ticonderoga. The track’s narrative nods to this strategic significance.

The album’s release date, July 10, aligns with the duo’s 15th anniversary of making music together, underscoring their long‑term commitment to blending traditional Appalachian instrumentation with contemporary folk sensibilities.

Instrumentation on the single reflects the Kolodners’ broader approach to old‑time music. Clawhammer banjo, a down‑picking style common in American folk, supplies rhythmic drive; hammered dulcimer adds melodic and percussive textures. The inclusion of gourd banjo and hammered mbira broadens the sonic palette, creating a layered sound that feels both rooted in tradition and exploratory.

The Kolodners have earned recognition in several folk and old‑time circles. Their recordings appear on Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Shazam, and they have performed at regional festivals such as the Charm City Bluegrass Festival in Baltimore and the Appalachian String Band Festival near the New River Gorge.

“Hand’s Cove” offers the first glimpse of the album’s thematic focus. The track’s narrative, tied to a specific historical location, suggests that the album may continue to explore places and moments significant to American folk heritage.

The single’s release and the album’s forthcoming launch mark a milestone for the Kolodners. Their 15‑year partnership has produced a body of work that showcases the versatility of traditional Appalachian instruments in contemporary contexts.

As the album becomes available on July 10, listeners can expect a collection that blends the rhythmic energy of clawhammer banjo with the resonant textures of hammered dulcimer, continuing the Kolodners’ tradition of pushing the boundaries of old‑time music while honoring its roots.

The duo’s next steps will involve promoting the album through live performances and digital releases, though specific tour dates have not yet been announced.

The Kolodners’ latest single and upcoming album highlight the enduring appeal of family‑driven folk collaborations and the continued relevance of traditional instrumentation in modern music production.