Album Notes

Alan Darveaux,
born 10-10-46 CT. Grew up on Long Island Sound. My interest in acoustic music started in high school and led to a college group known as the "Newcomers". The dulcimer caught my eyes and ears while visiting friends at Berea College in KY back in 1967. I left Berea with all the information, books and records I could find on the dulcimer. Since then I have eagerly sought as much history, lore and makers of the dulcimer as I can fit into my life. It is my bliss.

I moved from IL in 1976 seeking a simpler life style in the mountains of Appalachia and following my interest in the dulcimer. I live here because of the tradition of the mountain, Appalachian, dulcimer. My friends asked if I would support myself with my dulcimers when I moved South. I replied no. I would not turn my bliss into a have to do. My interest remains at a level of enjoyment and bliss. I hope through this site to share some of my bliss.

Mentors and Influences

Jean Ritchie along with George and Gerry Armstrong became my listening interests. Jean has always been in the mist of my dulcimer enchantment. Howie Mitchell became one of my building gurus and I cherish the letters from him. I began travelling and sought Homer Ledford in KY. He has been my biggest influence in building dulcimers. As I traveled throughout the Appalachian mountains I met many builders and was received with warm encouragement everywhere I went. I extended my travels and received more gracious help from Len at Here Inc. MN. My journey continues. More and more folks are finding the enchantment of the dulcimer. More and more builders are discovering the joy of this instrument.

Slight Departure
Jim Clark, Alan Darveaux, Sherrill Keever, Jeff Haslam

Contemporary acoustic quartet consisting of Alan Darveaux on dulcimer and autoharp, Sherrill Keever on guitar, bass, bowed psaltry, melodica, Jeff Haslam on mandolin, Jim Clark on bass.

'Slight Departure', Keever's name, came about from playing solo gigs at different places and working with Keever at our estate funded by the great state of North Carolina for our developmentally different adults.

We performed for a lot of functions on campus and in the community. Our practice led to becoming a duo sometimes called 'Duh Squared'. Jeff joined playing mandolin with no rules. We are slightly departed from a category of music. My background is in folk and contemporary folk singers. Keever grew up with the Beatles and Doc Watson. Jeff comes from 60's folk with Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead influences. Jim comes out of nowhere with rock, blues and jazz influences. Now the four of us offer a blend of fine harmonies and driving songs in ole time, contemporary, and original material.