July 2000 saw UK singer-songwriter Martin Stephenson journey to the United States to interact and record with the best acoustic musicians from the state of North Carolina. Bluegrass, Old-Time Music and Country Blues had always appealed to Stephenson but the impact of a tuition video by legendary North Carolina guitarist Doc Watson resulted in the realization of how this relatively unsung genre matched Martin's storytelling skills. Also serving as inspiration to this journey was a book written about the life and times of 1920's Old-Time String band, Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers. The book was written by Kinney Rorrer who Martin had a chance to meet and record with during his pilgrimage to the Olde North State.

Front and back porches, living rooms and kitchens all provided a natural organic south that cannot be achieved in a hi-tech recording studio. The sounds of birds, crickets and cars rushing by add to its charm. This collection of "field recordings" resulted in the making of The Haint of the Budded Rose - A Musical Ramble Through North Carolina. It features artists such as David Holt, Etta Baker, Sammy Walker, Kinney and Doug Rorrer, Jeremy Stephens, Ross Brown, Michael Reno Harrell, David Childers. Stephenson's love of music and his desire to search for its roots is testament to the restless, musical spirit of a man who has proved that talent and independence can not only survive but also thrive in the music scene of the new millennium.