Album Notes

A ground-breaking musical journey takes place on this album. The 'common thread' that weaves around and through the music tells tales of personal triumph and loss, of hard times and the promise of new tomorrows. Enhanced by the musical and artistic vision of producer, Brian McNeill, Common Threads becomes an experience that you won't want to miss. The Story SWEETWATER is a gathering of three women from Ohio who, since 1985, have captured the hearts of audiences with the pure power of voices blended in harmony, with diverse instrumental work on traditional instruments and warm interaction with the audience. SWEETWATER'S members, Cindy Funk, Shelley Stevens, and Shari Wolf became acquainted through their shared interest in the mountain dulcimer. It soon became evident that their vocal blend was something special and that they all had a loving respect for the folk music of America and of other cultures. Soon, ideas were exchanged, additional instrumentation was experimented with, best-loved tunes were chosen and SWEETWATER emerged, spread it's wings and went on the road. Since that day, SWEETWATER has performed for audiences from the midwest to the Pacific Northwest, here in the U.S. and also toured Ireland and the British Isles. With eight recordings on their own TWEETWATER PRODUCTIONS label, several projects assisting other musicians, and our latest collaboration with author, Sharyn McCrumb, SWEETWATER'S recorded works encompass American traditional and contemporary, Celtic traditional and contemporary, and country music genres. And, don't forget the humor that the audience loves. Whenever SWEETWATER has performed, they have won the affection of their audiences for many reasons, but largely for the fact that they have such fun while entertaining and want their audiences to enjoy the time they spend together as well. And now, from the "More than you ever thought you wanted to know about Sweetwater" Dept! We are.... CINDY FUNK Cindy considers the Autoharp to be her first love. With it she backs up the other instruments in Sweetwater's repertoire. Cindy also adds to the versatility of the group's instrumental lineup with her work on mountain dulcimer, tinwhistle, concertina and bodhron. Cindy sings mid to high harmonies and lead vocals on material ranging from light-hearted fun songs to her own compositions. SHELLEY STEVENS Shelley played guitar for 18 years before taking up the mountain dulcimer which is now her principal forte'. Her articulate and expressive playing on soprano, mid-voiced, bass and chromatic mountain dulcimers is an education in itself. Shelley also brings stand-up bass, and guitar to the group. Shelley's versatile mid-range voice swings easily from harmonies to singing lead on haunting ballads and variety tunes. Shelley has two dulcimer books and CDs published by Mel Bay that are available world wide. And Shelley's own Baker's Dozen dulcimer tabulature books are available from TWEETWATER Productions, through her website. www.shelleystevens.com SHARI WOLF Shari's artful guitar backup of vocals and multi-layered instrumentals is the foundation of Sweetwater's sound. Shari's deep, resonant voice adds the warm tones to the group's three-part vocal harmonies and to the lead on several of the group's most requested songs. That's us. We swore 'lo, those many years ago, that if playing music ever stopped being fun...we'd quit. But we're still having fun, trying to introduce folk music to the masses, and spreading the music to as many people as we can reach. Won't you join us?