"This is exciting stuff. It has country-blues weaving through the melody, joy and pain riding their rustic tonsils and these young people have brought the truth in authentic folk music back from the dead." - No Depression
"Living for the last few years in an isolated area of the Ozark mountains has no doubt contributed to the authenticity they bring to their original songs that mainly embrace themes from a world that has been passed by“ - Elmore Magazine
The Lark and the Loon are a songwriting duo consisting of husband/wife team Jeff Rolfzen and Rocky Steen-Rolfzen. Named after the state birds from which they were born the two bring their distinct writing styles together in what they call an exploration in the etymology of American music. They take inspiration from prewar blues and jazz, Irish dance music, Sea shanties, and dustbowl folk songs. Their debut album "Songbirds and Fog" was recorded in their cabin home in the Ozarks after a period of heavy isolation and was met with fast critical acclaim. Their follow up album “Homestead Hands” contains songs focused on the American West and themes of western life. As said by Netherlands based reviewer The Next Gig: “The Lark and The Loon, takes you to past times, but also paints a picture of modern-day America viewed from a farm in Arkansas.” The album received praise for its thematic elements, and its rural focus. That following May the two released their third album entitled "2" which focuses on themes of duality through 12 original duets. "On 2, the recent release from the Arkansas duo the Lark and the Loon, Jeff Rolfzen and Rocky Steen-Rolfzen invite you to join them in a bygone era. Proclaiming a commanding understanding of roots and classic folk music, the Lark and the Loon embolden old-time music to offer listeners a gateway into music's past." writes Pop Matters
Seasoned performers at home and abroad Jeff and Rocky bring their songs to life with a shotgun shell crate turned stomp box, antique washboard, accordion, resonator guitar, and other acoustic instruments. Front and center through their performances are their vocals which focus on the harmonies that two singers can find. Though often upbeat they can be "Deliciously grim and enticingly bone-breaking" says B-sides and Badlands. Performances are often accompanied with their stories from their isolated woodland home to their adventures across the American Interstate, German Autobahn, Irish pubs, and the places in between.
In 2021 the two added a third little bird to their home and welcomed a child into their lives. The three of them have traveled together and sailed aboard their floating home the SV Ghostlight, a 41ft ketch sailboat. Inspired by the development of their child they enjoy sailing and bringing music to audiences young and old through programs catered to childhood musical development, reflection on intergenerational musical motifs, and of course the ever powerful ability of children's imagination. In 2024 the duo was awarded a San Juan County Arts Council Artist Grant for their work in the semi-remote archipelago.
“What remains in memory is against all musical trends, against modern compositional and production techniques, these spouses play at the highest level, reaching deep into the stylistic fund of their country. The whole thing seems so honest and undisguised that it's all too well to imagine that they enjoy the loneliness and seclusion of their homeland.” - Kieler Nachrichten (Translated from German)