Fred Carpenter and Tim May play roots music at its best. Their versatile new trio with bassist Charlie Chadwick is a solid equilateral triangle of tone, taste, and timing. Using guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, and vocals, they can mow down backyard bluegrass, tug the Celtic heartstrings, or even croon a jazz standard.


Fred and Tim are a one-two punch: two virtuosos who share a passion for acoustic music from many different traditions. Both have a musical maturity and depth of phrasing that instantly complement and play off each other. From achingly beautiful ballads, through celtic airs, jigs and reels, to hot jazz and fiery bluegrass, they bless us with their talent, their vision and the generosity of spirit with which they play."


“Carpenter & May are everything you could ask for in an acoustic act. They are the cream of the crop, both as solo players and side men, and together they make a beautiful musical statement: fiddle and guitar with heart and soul and a whole lotta fun! We have a high standard for live music here at Stone Mountain Arts Center, and Fred and Tim had no trouble living up to it.

Singer, songwriter and owner of the Stone Mountain Arts Center

I predict time will prove Tim May to be one of the legends of flatpicking guitar.

Flatpicking Guitar Magazine