Bethany and Rufus make beautiful music. They are part of a musical tradition that extends to the turn of the century and depression America. The sound they create is stripped down, and yet each of the two instruments played (vocals and cello) is extremely rich and vibrant in its tone. Particularly impressive is Rufus's cello playing, wherein he has created a style that allows him to simultaneously pluck the lower strings of the cello while playing rhythm by brushing the higher strings with the bow. Bethany has a beautiful voice, and it can be strange sometimes to hear such a beautiful voice playing Leadbelly songs. Although these songs are either traditionally folk or blues songs, the playing here brings out influences one would otherwise miss. For example, the old standard "East Virginia" is given a very lounge jazz feel. One can almost see the dim lights and smell the smoke.