Album Notes

This is the third in a series of recordings, followed by Shakin' Down the Acorns,Volumes One and Two, which features the hammered dulcimer playing traditional fiddle tunes. This volume includes Irish, French, Scottish, Celtic and Appalachian as well as original tunes. All of these tunes were chosen for their lovely, distinctive melodies.

Traditional music evolves as it is passed down among generations of "old time" musicians. Each player brings a unique style to the music . . . rarely is a tune played the identical way twice.

About the Hammered Dulcimer:

The hammered dulcimer is an ancient and magical string instrument. Once known as "the instrument of the angels," its sound has been described as "crystalline and pure" . . . "hauntingly beautiful" . . . "the happiest of all instruments." Traditionally a folk and peasant instrument, its countless variations include the cimbalom (Hungary), santir (Iran), yangchin (China), and whamadiddle (Appalachia). Its best known relative is the modern piano, which is really a very elaborate hammered dulcimer.