Kathryn Miller Haines Center for American Music, Stephen Foster Memorial, Associate Director "I've heard many interpretations of Foster's songs over the years, but your group does a fantastic job both with the songs themselves and the intent behind them. I'm duly impressed. By doing such a remarkable job of capturing the joy and pathos of Foster's lyrics, your performances transport the listener to another time... I am also impressed by the choice of songs you included. You've tackled some particularly challenging repertoire with gusto. I don't honestly think I've heard a recorded version of "Oh Lemuel" aside from a 1930s recording generated by our collection (at the very least, I'm sure you're the first recording of this song in 21st century). I had no idea what a robust, lively song it was -- it was really delightful to hear it as it should be performed. Civil War Times Illustrated, October 2001 Brenda Wilt. Camp Music "Just as camp musicians, or ministrel bands, were an essential part of camp life for Civil War soldiers, so they are for modern-day reenactors. One such talented ensemble, the 2nd South Carolina String Band, has produced a video called Far, Far from Home that brings to life not only the sounds, but also the sights of camp life... Filmed on location in Gettysburg, the video really creates the illusion of being in camp with the soldiers, listening to the songs of home." Civil War Times Illustrated, March 1999 Jim Kushlan.Fresh from the Past. "Much like hearing Bach's Brandenburg Concerti performed on period instruments according to a Baroque aesthetic, listening to Civil War songs played on genuine instruments of the period as they would have been in 1860s lets you hear the real sound of a time and place. Still, the real essence of a piece of music is not found in the make of the instruments, but in artful performance done with understanding. The players of the 2nd South Carolina String Band are clearly "musical reenactors," striving to re-create the real sound of Confederate soldier-musicians. Fortunately, they also understand the soul of the music they play, and they know how to convey it." Banjo NewsLetter, September 1998 Bob Flesher.The Banjo in the Civil War. "There is a lot of authentic banjo playing going on in the camps of Civil War reenactments today, aside from the old-time music scene. Some of the very best old-time minstrel sounds I've heard is a cassette tape called "Southern Soldier" by the Second South Carolina String Band. With a collection of instruments that might have been found in any of the Civil War minstrel bands, their interpretation of what the original sound would have been, I believe, is excellent. It's beautiful, but with a slight rough edge on it for authenticity. Excellent vocals and harmony and real good instrumentation. The banjo player Joe Ewers plays an authentic 13" tackhead banjo. And I love the use of the base drum." Camp Chase Gazette, September 1998 Will Dennison. Audio Reviews. "Southern Soldier". "... There is a nice blend of vocals and instrumentals, serious and light-hearted numbers, and even after an hour and a half and ten minutes I found myself wishing the music wouldn't end."