This album spotlights the husband-wife duo’s original songwriting with 10 new songs, many of which were written during the pandemic. Exhibiting the playfulness and pathos that are a hallmark of their live shows, this timely collection is full of songs that speak to our times yet feel like timeless folk classics.

Funded by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, this album was certainly born of the pandemic. After over 40 years of almost constant touring, Curtis & Loretta, like so many musicians, found themselves stuck at home, with no work. During those days of canceled gigs, the duo had time and space to step back and view the world with clear and insightful vision, from the heart-warming, to the humorous, to the heart-breaking.

Curtis & Loretta use all the tools in their musical toolkit to present this collection of songs; their signature tight harmonies, folk harp, mandocello, guitars, banjo and ukulele, harmonica, shakers and kazoo. They are joined by guest musicians Tom Schaefer (fiddle), Sandy Njoes (bass), and Sera Smolen (bowed cello). As always, Curtis & Loretta combine equally strong strains of gravity and playful irreverence, for a captivating experience for their listeners.

Loretta Simonet is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Produced by Curtis Teague, Loretta Simonet & Doug Lohman Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Doug Lohman at Armadillo Sound, Minneapolis Graphic Design & Cover Artwork by Jeanne Bullard

This recording is dedicated to the courageous folks on the frontline of the pandemic, to all those lost, and also to the folks who helped their neighbors persevere through their generosity and consideration.