At age 28, in a visit from a friend, Abby Washburn, I had an epiphany that my true love and passion is music and that music is where I wanted to invest my life. Eighteen months ago, I began a journey to better understand and interpret the roots of American vernacular music by learning to play the banjo and immersing myself in old time music. I then began to interpret these solid roots into new rhythmic and lyrical forms which would better relate to current sensibilities.
This album, "Providence" is the culmination of that musical and personal journey. These songs, while rooted in the past, provide a totally fresh perspective and musical treatment which can be embraced by a new generation. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it.
Kikazaru: The three wise monkeys (Japanese: san'en or sanzaru, or, sanbiki no saru, literally "three monkeys") are a pictorial maxim. Together they embody the proverbial principle to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The three monkeys are Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil.
Mike Block, cellist and composer, is active in many genres and groups, including his own band for which he also sings. Mike also performs in Mark O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz trio, Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, The Absolute Ensemble, The Sirius String Quartet, Hanneke Cassel Band, YMusic, The Knights, Darol Anger's Republic of Strings, Saraab Ensemble, and Bassam Saba's New York Arabic Orchestra. A frequent performer in Germany, it was there that Mike Played the World Premiere and also recorded Gregor Hubner's Cello Concerto No. 1, which showcases Mike's non-traditional pizzicato and improvisational abilities. As a composer, Mike has had his works performed as part of the Tribeca New Music Festival, the MATA Festival and by ensembles such as The Silk Road Ensemble, Sirius String Quartet, The Absolute Ensemble, The Knights and The Brandywine Chamber Orchestra, among others
Rob Hecht is from central Illinois and has been playing fiddle for 17 years. He grew up playing bluegrass and country with father Bill Hecht (pianist, composition graduate from Berklee College of music, pastor). Mark O' Connor's Fiddle Camp and mentor Casey Driessen played a big part in Rob's development. Rob then attended Downbeat Award Winning Decatur MacArthur High School and played first tenor saxophone in their band, as well as violin and saxophone in the jazz combo. Rob also performed in the second tenor saxophone seat with the Heartland Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Doug Tidaback and Thomas Shabda Noor. Rob was whisked away to New Jersey to study Jazz Studies on Violin and Saxophone at William Paterson University. Rob studied here with David Demsey, James Williams, Don Braden, Rich DeRosa, and Mark Feldman. Rob now resides in dabronx, and performs regularly with Elizabeth and the Catapult, the Five Deadly Venoms, Clay Ross, Hans Holzen, Kari Denis, Justin Brown, and the Falco Bros. Rob has recorded/performed with Casey Driessen, Noam Pikleny, Blue Merle, Clay Ross, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Jeff Taylor, Andy Friedman, the Defibulators, James Williams, Vassar Clements, and the Prigs.
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