An acoustic, all-instrumental mix of original melodies, Celtic jigs, airs and waltzes, and American reels. Vibrant solo hammered dulcimer with a blend of fiddle, guitar, concertina, tin whistle, mandolin, cello, banjo, bouzouki, bodhrán, bongos and riq.

17 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Traditional Folk, FOLK: Modern Folk



Details:
"Autumn Calling" features the hammered dulcimer playing of Cliff Cole, who plays in the musical group DayBreak. The all-instrumental (no vocals) CD showcases twelve original pieces written by Cliff, intermixed with delightful traditional folk melodies such as jigs, reels, and airs. DayBreak is featured on many of the tracks, along with some of Cliff's other musical friends. Cliff played in blues and rock bands in Eastern PA until he was smitten with the hammered dulcimer sound, and approaches this trapezoid as a melodic percussion instrument. His enjoyment comes through in his well-crafted dulcimer compositions, often sprinkled with intriguing techniques of his own. Cliff's "damper-pedal" system adds a great textural element which often turns a few heads!

The musicians of DayBreak have been harmonizing together for the past fifteen years in and around Lehigh and Bucks Counties of Pennsylvania. We enjoy applying our rich blend of acoustic instruments and voices to Celtic jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads; American folk tunes and songs, folk hymns, original pieces, and seasonal songs. Our unique weave of vibrant sound brings warmth and freshness to an uncommon range of traditional and current genres. For those who have not yet experienced a mountain bike, you may feel compelled to hop on one after the energizing finish to "Autumn Calling"-- "Fog on the Water" into "Mountain Bike Ride". For those who've been there, you'll recognize the rush and resonate with that wonderful pulse.

DayBreak musicians on "Autumn Calling" include Cliff Cole on hammered dulcimer, guitar, and percussion; Denis Blodgett on guitar, bouzouki and tin whistle; Anna Lisa Yoder on violin, mandolin and cello; and Rob Yoder on concertina, bouzouki, bodhrán, and mountain dulcimer. Rob grew up in Clarence Center, NY, while Denis and Anna Lisa are both Pennsylvanians. Anna Lisa and 7 siblings were raised in Sellersville, and Denis is from Easton. We get our jollies out of trying new juxtapositions and fun twists on the old tunes that have been passed down for ages.

Guest musicians for "Autumn Calling" are: Jesse Grim on guitar, Jay Kreider on banjo, Rich Bernardin on mandolin and Ed Nardi on the riq (Egyptian tambourine). Rich was a founding member of DayBreak. They add some entrancing textures and fancy fingerwork to pieces such as the favorite old bluegrass reel "Blackberry Blossom", as well as "Frost along the Bridle Path", "Dawn" and others. For those looking for wedding music... much of the music on this CD has worked its way into countless weddings. People find it approachable and interesting for all ages, and in turns reflective or energizing.

Currently based in Quakertown, DayBreak consists of Cliff, Rob and Anna Lisa. Our talented children also join us where possible with vocals, cello, fiddle, bodhran, piano, and hammered dulcimer. They can be heard on our newest release, "Little Steps", which is pleasantly eclectic and highlights our more recent musical directions. For our folksy but international sounds in a Christmas CD you can enjoy year-round, look for our CD "Unity Unique Music for Christmas." On these other CDs and in concert, vocals are often an integral part of the DayBreak sound fabric.

DayBreak has performed in various settings including The Bethlehem MusikFest, Longwood Gardens, Godfrey Daniels Coffeehouse, The Allentown Mayfair, Moravian College, Celtic Classic, Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse, and The Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival. We also play for churches, weddings, and clubs. The group has enjoyed playing in many configurations and with a wonderful array of musical friends, relatives and founding members. We thank them, and our families and supportive listeners over the years who have inspired us and helped bring us to this place.