These two recordings were made from field tapes recorded over a period of several years during which we enjoyed repeated visits to friends on Beech Mountain in northwestern North Carolina. When programming them, we found it appropriate to divide them as we did. On the first volume you will find a number of Child ballads and ancient songs, plus gospel songs from the days of the old camp meetings. The second volume contains songs that have entered our tradition more recently, along with several hymns as they are sung in harmony today in the little church in Beech Creek. These two recordings are important and authentic examples of home-made music in the Appalachian tradition.