DULCIMER SESSIONS

David Schnaufer is the world champ dulcimer player. But you've never heard mountain dulcimer played in so many different styles. From conjunto to rock and soul classics to Appalachian folk tunes, Schnaufer puts his spin on it all. The Rolling Stones' "Lady Jane," the Everly Brothers' "All I Have to Do Is Dream" and Phil Spector's "Spanlsh Harlem" all get the dazzling Schnaufer treatment. Featured guests include Mark Knopfler, Santiago Jimenez Jr., Albert Lee, and the Cactus Brothers ("Fisher's Hornpipe"). So this is one all-star recording affair that does work. By RON YOUNG Pop music critic SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1992 SAN ANTONIO LIGHT David Schnaufer, Dulcimer Sessions SFL #5 (1992) He's the hottest dulcimer handler around, attaining a level of expression on an instrument many felt was beyond its capabilities. If you like the autoharp/mandolin sound of the dulcimer, this CD will please. Solo, duo, trio and larger combinations all feature fine performances by, among others, The Cactus Brothers, Toni Price, Albert Lee, and Mark Knopfler. The material comes from all over the map, while the performances range from folk/old timey to jazz, Latin and pop. The unaccompanied "If She's Gone,Let Her Go" opens this program. displaying Schnaufer's gossamer lines that sound almost silky, thanks to his vast technique. "Blackberry BIossom" introduces the eclectic Cactus Brothers band, featuring a fiddler known simply as "Tramp," who has ample creativity and a close, dry recorded sound similar to that of Vassar Clements. Schnaufer's duets with Knopfler and Lee are enjoyable, as is a simple but effective solo interpretation of the Jagger/Richards "Lady Jane." Singer Toni price, sounding a bit like Rickie Lee Jones, provides the CD's high point with her moving performance of Schnaufer's "Colors," the lone dulcimer accompaniment perfectly cushioning her expressive delivery. For the finale, an exhilarating jaunt through "Fisher's Hornpipe" drives this enjoyable seventeen-track CD home In a blaze of glory. [MA3642] David Royko (Chicago, IL), Dirty Linen, Issue #43, December/January 1992/93

Dulcimer Player Deluxe

"David Schnaufer is the Richard Thompson--or maybe the Eric Clapton of the dulcimer... .Schnaufer extends the musical reach of the dulcimer without losing any of the inherent sweetness or down home coziness of the instrument. It will enhance your collection and delight patrons of all musical persuasions." GraceAnne A. DeCandido Library Journal July, 1990 "Dulcimer Player Deluxe lives up to its title, at least in terms of showcasing David Schnaufer's prodigious talent on the Appalachian folk instrument. He extracts myriad styles and techniques,sometimes sounding like a guitarist, at others like a banjo player, and occasionally like a super-stringed hybrid." John Diliberto CD Review August; 1990 "David Schnaufer does something different with the Appalachian dulcimer. He takes it out of the backwoods.. .A National Mountain Dulcimer competition champ, Schnaufer is not afraid to take risks, and you come away from the album amazed that he can bring such distinction to the dulcimer." Stephen ****** Quincy Patriot-Ledger July 17,1990 "Schnaufer's recording reminds me of Chet Atkins' records or maybe those steel guitar albums that Buddy Emmons and other Nashville session players put out periodically.. The range of expression is impressive... on one track it sounds like a mandolin, on the next it may mimic a harpsichord or an electric guitar. ..The entire project is eminently listenable." Mike Parrish Dirty Linen April/May, 1990 "Schnaufer's sensitive touch and the dulcimer's soft, shimmering sound lend his music a certain "New Age" appeal. But this is music for the old and the new ages, spanning centuries and continents in its evocative moods." Rick Mitchell Houston Chronicle February 25,1990 "In David Schnaufer's hands the dulcimer sounds like the most magnificent piece of musical machinery ever invented.. .Schnaufer delivers no less than 73 minutes of pure magic here.. it all adds up to one of the most remarkable CD's that has yet been created." Larry Delaney Country Music News (Canada) July, 1990 "Dulcimer Player Deluxe is superb! Packed with a variety of sounds from traditional country to jazz, from western swing to rock, it is probably the finest album you'll ever own." Pete Smith Country Music Round-Up (England) May, 1990