Van Colbert is one of the few remaining banjo players who have chosen a path away from the Bluegrass music more associated with the five-string banjo, preferring the old time two-fingered "claw hammer" style, which is likely to be slower, softer and more melodic, and more well suited to parlor songs and ballads. He has been named a Missouri Master banjoist by the Missouri Folk Arts division of the Missouri Arts Council. In this recording, he invites his brothers, who have performed in a family band since childhood, to share some of the songs. Others feature just Van and his banjo, and two are just the solo banjo. For all the jokes you may have heard about banjo players, this album features some of the most soulful works you have ever heard.