A River Runs Through It (2019) is a collection of 13 songs performed on the cello and mountain dulcimer. The original concept was simply to record some pretty songs with a combination of instruments that Joe Collins has always liked. As the recording evolved, the songs that rose to the top were mostly deeply reflective songs about everyday life. They include “Shenandoah,” Erik Bogel’s “Willie McBride,” Dougie McLean’s “Caledonia,” and a host of original compositions and arrangements by Collins. He wrote the title cut, “A River Runs Through It” only after all the other songs were recorded and mixed in order to pull the CD together thematically.

 Collins’ recording partners in this endeavor are good friends Nancy Galambush of Snow Hill, NC (cello) and Mike McGee of Shelby, NC (guitar). On one song, Joe is joined by his son Sean who provides some nice background with guitar and midi instruments.  Joe provides vocals and plays mountain dulcimer, bass dulcimer, and guitar on the CD.  

The CD is available in the STORE on this website. It is also available in digital format from Amazon, ITunes, and a host of other distributors.