Hamilton Ironworks, the last album recorded by the late, great John Hartford, is one of the most unique and bewitching stringband records in recent memory. While it can be argued that every note that John Hartford played is a tribute to his stylistic forefathers (given his thorough knowledge of rural American music), this is his first album entirely devoted to exploring his formative influences and experiences. Effortlessly blending singing, fiddling, and storytelling, Hartford creates a moving document that simultaneously pays homage to his heroes while retaining the ingenuous spark that has characterized his own music of the past four decades. Joining Hartford is the unassailable Hartford Stringband, which features Bob Carlin, Mike Compton, Larry Perkins, and Chris Sharp.