
In the hands of Batterton and Edwards, two distinct musical traditions merge into something both timeless and fresh. Their sound embodies the natural fusion that occurs where Ozark grit meets Delta groove — a musical intersection that’s uniquely Arkansas.
For nearly twenty years, this duo has explored the rich territory between mountain and Delta traditions. Joe Batterton brings storytelling depth through his lyrics and vocals, while his solid rhythm guitar and mandolin work lay the foundation for their sound. Mark Edwards weaves between styles with masterful ease, whether he’s flat-picking, playing Delta blues fingerstyle, or making his slide guitar moan like a midnight train.
Their music reflects the historical exchange between Arkansas’s highlands and lowlands, when mountain folks would journey down to the Delta for cotton harvests, bringing their banjos and fiddles to swap songs with blues players. This cultural cross-pollination creates something that’s more than just country blues – it’s the sound of Arkansas’s full musical heritage.
In performance, Batterton and Edwards move effortlessly between traditional numbers and original compositions that speak to contemporary life while honoring age-old themes. Their multi-instrumental approach keeps their sound fresh and dynamic, but it’s their deep respect for both traditions that gives their music its authenticity. Whether they’re playing a festival stage or a front porch gathering, their sound carries the raw emotion of Delta blues filtered through the clear mountain air of the Ozarks.
Every song tells a story of this special place where hill country meets Delta plain, where ancient ballads blend with cotton field hollers, where mountain streams flow down to meet muddy waters. In their music, you’ll hear the echo of Doc Watson’s guitar meeting Son House’s slide, feel the spirit of mountain gospel merging with Delta spirituals, and experience the continuing evolution of Arkansas’s rich musical heritage.