More than 30 local musicians from St. Clair County and the surrounding area have contributed to “Pickin’ Circles – Snapshots of Acoustic Music around St. Clair County, Alabama” a project which includes a new book as well as twenty-five audio tracks these musicians have recorded over the last sixth months. The book and CD was released at a listening and book signing event held in Moody on Saturday November 21 at 7 p.m.

“The project was born out of a conversation I had with Jerry Hinton the day after Christmas 2008 at a local gathering of musicians,” author Hank Hill reminisces. “That day we discussed some of the musician friends we had lost over the last year, and how we had no recordings and little or no photographs of them. Jerry passed away shortly after that conversation and I thought that it was important that some of this great music and the musicians making it were documented.

“Jerry Hinton was was a huge supporter of this music. Jerry along with his wife Mae Hinton were in the first class of Alabama Bluegrass Music Association’s Hall of Fame inductees. Jerry passed away mere weeks prior to his being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This entire project is dedicated to Jerry Hinton. “

The album includes traditional songs as well as more current titles. It also includes an exclusive and a never released song “I’m Going Home” by featured artist Richard McMunn. For a complete listing of the artists and the songs recorded go to:

www.pickincircles.org.

The CDs will be for sale via the pickincircles.org web site after the initial release date.

Pickin’ Circles” highlights the lives and legacies of local musicians with personal anecdotes, recollections, and photographs of this time honored tradition of musical collaboration and community. The book will be released as a limited edition hardback and will be available for download from pickingcircles.org. “We want everyone who buys a CD to have access to the book so that they can learn about the people who made and make this music,” notes Hill. “Our goal is to preserve the music and create a tribute to the folks who made it. I also want to make it available to a wider audience. I believe more folks would appreciate it if they were exposed to it.”

For further information or to arrange to attend the release event please contact Hank Hill at Acmar Recording, 640-3512 or hank.hill@mac.com