* Promotional statement:

Long John and the Tights is the latest in a distinguished line of old-time string bands from the Ithaca, New York area to receive national attention. John, Stefan, Jim and Randi present wonderful songs and dance tunes from the Southern Appalachian Mountains with the knowledge and respect gained from their many years of deep involvement with this age old musical idiom. The fiddle, banjo, piano, and tenor guitar blend together to create a sound that is innovative in its melodic complexity, fresh in its energy and solidly traditional in its drive and passion.

John Hoffmann has mastered the subtleties of the most archaic Appalachian fiddle styles, carefully preserving the many echoes handed down from the Celtic tradition.

Stefan Senders picks the banjo, and has performed and taught at music camps and festivals across the USA, including the Port Townsend Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Ashokan, Wheatlands, and Pinewoods, and with the Wildcats he toured Southeast Asia. He has performed and recorded with such bands and players as the Chicken Chokers, the Wildcats, Rafe Stefannini, Mike Seeger, the Canote Brothers, and the Kyle Wade Experience. He learned much of his traditional playing from North Carolina fiddle legend, Tommy Jarrell, but in odd moments he's been known to play Chinese anthems on the banjo.

Former Chicken Chokers banjo uke player Jim Reidy contributes a punchy back beat and expressive voice to the musical texture of Long John and the Tights.

Randi Beckmann's piano playing adds to the powerfully irresistible rhythm, which has already made the band a favorite on the Northeastern (USA) dance circuit.

* You'll find us quite humble in person.