Because of the instruments they blend together, their music has a ‘folksy’ flair. John and Connie picked up most of their instruments after watching and hearing other musicians. Although not experts on any of them, they use the talents they have to glorify God and further His Kingdom.
Their music consists of old hymns, newer Christian songs, and original compositions. Their style reminds you of old time traditional American, Celtic music, 60’s & 70’s folk, and sometimes a good classical piece or barn dance tune.
Instruments
Stringed Instruments:
Hammer Dulcimer (dulci + melos = sweet music)
Autoharp (automatic for those needing help in chording)
Bowed Psaltery – mentioned in the Psalm’s by David
Guitar – John has two; one for strumming, one for pickin’
Irish Bouzouki – long neck member of the mandolin family
Mountain Dulcimers (also known as Lap or Appalachian dulcimers)
Mandolin – California lineman’s first project made in his garage
Octave Mandolin – a large, fat mandolin, one octave lower
Wind Instruments:
Sweetheart Flute – much like a tin whistle only made of wood
Soprano Recorder – high pitched nice sound, made of rosewood
Tenor Recorder – large, haunting mellow sound similar to an Indian flute
Ocarina – clay “soap on a rope” with a beautiful whistle sound
Jaw Harp (also known as a juice harp, depending on how much ya spit when ya play)
Rhythm/Percussion Instruments:
Bodhran (bow-ran) – Irish drum, played with a wood “tipper” (no relation to Al)
Bones – made of various woods – purple heart, walnut, wenge
Washboard – pronounced warsh-bored, emphasis on the “r”
Spoons – wooden “sporks” and relish spoons – ask us the story!
Accordion – for different sounds and an occasional Irish tune
Keyboard – used for whatever sounds we can’t get from all the others
Piano – great with guitar especially for background music
Music Samples
Simple Gifts
Old Rugged Cross
Servants of the King
Road to Lisdoonvarna (instrumental)
