22nd of july
So far, I am a solo performer with occasional guest stars keeping me com pany in studio and on stage.
My instrument of choice is the Appalachian dulcimer, which I play aggressively in my own style of strumming, finger-picking and chording.
I began playing the dulcimer in 1993 after my return from six months in Ireland, to provide some accompaniment to my vocals.
I began professionally as a vocalist and percussionist in a local Tri-Cities band "Sigean", rarely having the opportunity to show off my dulcimer playing.
Since then, I have played festival and concert venues throughout East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
I have returned to Doolin, Co. Clare twice since 1993, and welcomed into the sessions at O'Connor's, McGann's, and McDermott's.
Harp and fiddle tunes in my own arrangements and fresh approaches to traditional songs make up my repertoire, with a few of my own.
Phil Leonard, of Mountclair Studios in Johnson City, recorded my debut CD, Genius Loci.
Most of the tracks are barebones dulcimer and voice, but a few have double dulcimer tracks (Si Beag Si Mor, Star of the County Down ) and harmony vocals (Black Fox).
"Terry McKee" is my original song about himself, a bouzouki player in Doolin.
"Stolen Child" is my composition of music to the famous W. B. Yeats poem of the same name.
This is me and my neice, Paulina Batich.
