Album Notes

Vince has relished the opportunity to arrange his favorite holiday music for hammered dulcimer, taking the music he sang in high school choirs and bringing it to life instrumentally. Hang the Holly first began to take shape in 2002 when he learned to play "Carol of the Bells", one of his absolutely favorite melodies; Vince then began branching out into other Christmas songs he'd loved for years. He recorded an early version of the CD in 2003, but re-recorded it in 2008 to take advantage of his maturing skill as a performer. The new recording was available with the original cover art in 2009, and the artwork was redone by Heather Dale for its 2010 release.

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 in St. Louis, New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, Naples, Athens, and Rome!