Album Notes

True to tradition, true to the impulse to make music that speaks from and to the soul, Devilish Merry makes music that is mellow and edgy, ethereal and intense, enchanting and nefarious.

It's music that you'd likely hear wandering in the shadows of misty Glendalough and suddenly coming upon Dock Boggs sitting in with a host of urban shaman.

It's music you've always dreamed you'd dream if you could ever dream in five dimensions at once and realize that Beauty Is Everywhere and you can dance to it.

Devilish Merry has performed its unique blend of folk fusion since 1978. The group has played across New England, the Mid-Atlantic States and the Midwest.

Devilish Merry is known for its lively old-time fiddle tunes, Irish jigs and reels, American folk and industrial ballads, and new songs from the musician's own experiences. With a new highly original CD release in Spring 2005, the band has created a dynamic, layered, and driving brand of music that bridges cultural roots and produces a totally unique sound.

The group has always found instant appeal with its instrumentation - hammer dulcimer, banjo, percussion, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, flute and tin whistle. The group matches finely crafted musicianship with a constant desire to break new ground with songwriting and musical arrangements.

Devilish Merry is comprised of original members and founders Burr Beard, hammer dulcimer and vocals, Jan Hamilton, fiddle, L.E. McCullough, tin whistle, flute, harmonica and bodhran, and Sue Powers, banjo and vocals. The group is joined by Jeff Berman, lap dulcimer, dumbek and other world percussion instruments. Band members come from New York, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Allentown-Bethlehem, PA.

The members of Devilish Merry draw inspiration for their arrangements and performances from their career work in music, the arts, media and education.