Diamond Rose

With rare honesty and haunting melodies, Diamond Rose writes from the heart. This is an entertaining blend of styles -- JayDee is bluesy and playful, Steven Gellman is woeful and bummed -- presenting a compelling mix in this diverse acoustic duo. Gellman plays a handmade stringed instrument that has become a trademark of the Diamond Rose sound. The strumstick, a cross between a banjo, mandolin, and dulcimer, is unique in sound and appearance. (biography by Will Grega, AllMusic)