The Whitetop Mountaineers appearing with Luke Plumb and Peter Daffy
Wednesday January 25, 8pm
The Spotted Mallard,
314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Tickets: www.spottedmallard.com
For fans of American old time mountain music (and roots music lovers alike), the Whitetop Mountaineers are a live act not to be missed. From Virginia, USA, Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham return to Australia by popular demand.
On their previous 5 visits the duo stunned and delighted audiences across the country with their performance of American mountain music, song & dance – they are the ‘real deal’. Both are skilled multi-instrumentalists – Jackson on guitar, mandolin & claw hammer banjo, and Martha on fiddle, guitar & banjo. They are both strong vocal performers and their close harmonies are indicative of the old time and bluegrass traditions from which they draw their repertoire.
In addition to being a talented musician & singer, Martha is also an exceptional dancer and teacher of the art of Appalachian dance. Jackson is also a highly skilled luthier and his beautiful hand crafted fiddles are in high demand.
“A lot of our music comes from local tradition and sources in the Appalachian Mountains. There is a big musical tradition and cultural heritage in Virginia where tunes, playing styles and songs are passed down in families, communities and generations. We both grew up in musical families and music & dancing has always been a big part of life. The Carter Family, Stanley Brothers, and Doc Watson all are from the same area and were influences. We also pull from old country like George Jones, bluegrass, and whatever music we like. Martha also enjoys writing a lot of songs that we perform.”
~ Jackson Cunningham What’s My Scene April 2015
Jackson and Martha have played concerts, festivals, workshops, and dances throughout the United States, UK, Ireland & Australia including Merlefest, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Grahamfest USA, San Francisco Bluegrass and Old Time Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Brunswick Music Festival.
On Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lmzWq31W84
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO0PJdsELf0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgZqhrGAZYo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_khqtylcgc
Appearing with LUKE PLUMB and PETER DAFFY
Luke Plumb and Peter Daffy are two of our favourites and are steeped in Celtic and American folk styles. Best known for his long-term membership of Scotlands’ famous Shooglenifty, Luke has established a reputation as a driving force in acoustic music on the global stage. He is a world-class mandolin player, but he is equally at home playing melody on the banjo or accompanying on the bouzouki and guitar.
Peter Daffy is a highly respected maker of mandolins, guitars and other stringed instruments and is guitar player and singer of impeccable taste. Together these two artists have honed their musical partnership into something quite special and it is a real treat to have them opening for The Whitetops.