Album Notes

Irish Gaelic for “Going Back”, the title of Dul Siar came from a language class Vince was taking in 1997. His instructor used the phrase to refer to lesson review, and it seemed too good an album name to pass up. Vince combined a passion for his Celtic heritage with his enjoyment of ancient music to produce an album outside of time, one that evokes going back to an earlier age in a distant land.

The hammered dulcimer is a traditional folk instrument with origins in the early Middle Ages. Most likely originating from ancient Persia, it was brought to Europe during the crusades in the 1100s as well as passing along the Silk Road into India and China. More recently one is reputed to have crossed the Atlantic on board the Mayflower, and its American heritage has been preserved in the Appalachian and Ozark highlands as well as on the Michigan plains (where it is still known as a “lumberjack’s piano”).

Vince Conaway (http://www.vinceconaway.com) is a hammered dulcimer player and full-time touring musician, performing at festivals and events in the US, Canada, and throughout Europe. Originally from northern Ohio, he has made a home for himself on the road. Look for him, particularly, in St. Louis, New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, and Rome!