Dulcimer
Harvest
Ruth Barret and Cyntia Smith
I had the privilege of hearing Cyntia Smith play a duet with Lois Hornbostel at the Claremont Folk Festival. And I got to take part in a workshop Ruth Barret led at the Southern California Harvest of Dulcimers. So that prompted me to search for albums by either of them. Fortunately, amazon.com has this one. Unfortunately, they have mighty slim pickens when it comes to mountain dulcimer music.
The
Most Dulcimer
Jean Ritchie
Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson Live at Folk City
Many of us were first introduced to the mountain dulcimer through the music of Jean Ritchie. "The Most Dulcimer" is one of my favorite albums and one that gets quite a bit of play in our home.
Mountain
Dulcimer Galax Style
Bonnie Russell and the Russell Family
For those who like dulcimer playing with an old-timey flavor, this is a welcome addition to a CD collection. The "galax style" is not just a style of play, but a unique tuning, where all the strings are tuned to D. It sounds as it it would be limiting, but it isn't. Actually it sounds, in the hands of Bonnie Russell, simply amazing.
Leading
Off
Chris Thile
A real live homeschooling child prodigy! Chris Thile has been winning accolades for his mandolin playing every since he was a tiny tot. This recording will tell you why---and it may inspire some of the budding musicians in your family.
