Album Notes

Renowned hammered dulcimer player Tony Elman was first introduced to old-time fiddle music in 1974 at a festival in Santa Cruz, Ca. When he saw an elderly fiddler perform for the last time Tony realized that he wanted to be a part of this tradition. Shortly there after, he made a pilgrimage to Appalachia and built a hammered dulcimer that he still plays today.

1982 Tony found himself at a friend's house in LA – with a studio in the guest bedroom – and recorded what became his first album, SHAKIN' DOWN THE ACORNS, a toe-tapping instrumental folk classic. Buoyed by it's success, he went on to record another collection of fiddle tunes, aptly titled SHAKIN' DOWN THE ACORNS, VOLUME II. Selling thousands of tapes at fairs and festivals all over the West, he founded Acorn Music. A third critically acclaimed release,SWINGING ON A GATE, arrived in 1986. Responding to the demand from his fans for a Christmas album, Tony, in collaboration with his brother Pete, produced WINTER CREEK, a perennial favorite described by the Washington Post as "the best chamber-folk offering of the year."

In 1995, Tony released his first all-original album, EARTH TONES. Produced by Mike Marshall of the Modern Mandolin Quartet, this unique release features an all-star cast of acoustic musicians.

Tony also collaborated with Appalachian singer/songwriter April Cope on her original folk album, also released on Acorn Records!