About us
The Hazel Nuts are an old-time string band based in the greater Philadelphia area. We have a particular love for fiddle tunes from Missouri which are the focus of our first album. We also feature songs and tunes from other traditions new and old which will be highlighted in future releases.
The Hazel Nuts are:Chris Germain, Fiddle/Guitar/VocalsKeith Brand, Banjo/VocalsJohn Salmon, Guitar/VocalsHeidi Germain, Bass/Guitar/Vocals
THank you for the support!
We want to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has bought, streamed, and shared our music. Your support means the world to us and helps keep the spirit of old-time music alive. Whether you're spinning our record at home or adding a little extra bounce to your daily playlist, we're so grateful to be a part of your world. Thank you for helping us make this journey possible—we couldn't do it without you!
Our new album
Uncut Gems from Missouri
On this recording we celebrate the music of the Show Me State and its many historic fiddlers. The music draws from diverse cultures, including Scots Irish, African American, French, Native American and others. Sources for these tunes include several National Fiddle Champions and NEA National Heritage Award Winners. We dedicate this recording to the musicians who played and preserved this music.
The Missouri fiddle repertoire is less well known and performed than fiddling styles from other regions such as Appalachia. Even though the Midwest has a rich fiddling legacy, there have been relatively few commercial recordings compared to fiddle tunes from other American regions.
We call this effort Uncut Gems From Missouri because many of the tunes on this CD have not been recorded often. We hope that this recording will help to draw increased attention to the rich musical heritage of Missouri fiddling.
The Missouri fiddle repertoire is less well known and performed than fiddling styles from other regions such as Appalachia. Even though the Midwest has a rich fiddling legacy, there have been relatively few commercial recordings compared to fiddle tunes from other American regions.
We call this effort Uncut Gems From Missouri because many of the tunes on this CD have not been recorded often. We hope that this recording will help to draw increased attention to the rich musical heritage of Missouri fiddling.
“This is a damn good record and fine presentation. Love it!”
Charlie “Possum” Walden—champion fiddler and Youtube personality
“The Hazel Nuts play an array of tunes from “Old Mizzou,” which is the state of my birth, so it’s fitting for me to comment. As Uncle Dave Macon once said, ‘Now folks…buy this record. It's a good one.’”
Walt Koken—legendary old-time fiddler and member of The Highwoods Stringband
“The Hazel Nuts new release, Uncut Gems From Missouri, rocks. Chris Germain’s fiddling has an old Missouri sound that you can tell was handed down to him from elder masters of the craft. The band holds tight to give Chris’s fiddling the perfect ride. The Hazel Nuts play some real jewels here that may be less well known outside of Missouri. It’s a joy to hear Missouri fiddle music sound the way it oughta.”
Howard Rains—fiddler, artist
“Bravo! What a lovely selection of Missouri tunes and a splendid set of liner notes. I was so delighted to hear South Missouri on the first track. The band's energy is infectious too! Great job to all involved.”
David Bragger—old-time musician, instructor and founder of the Old-Time Tiki Parlour
“Uncut Gems From Missouri is a fine package of goodies for all fans of traditional American fiddling and string band music. Very highly recommended.”
Dr. Howard Marshall—noted traditional music historian and author of Keep It Old-Time, Fiddler’s Dream, and Play Me Something Quick and Devilish
“This album is incredible! This is going to be the gold standard. Out of the park!”
John Williams—President, The Missouri State Fiddler’s Association