Walt Michael and Co. – Step Stone – Vinyl Record

Description

Walt Michael and Co. – Step Stone – Vinyl Record

Step Stone is an album by Walt Michael and Co., released 1988, featuring the renowned Walt Michael on hammered dulcimer, an instrument for which he is particularly well-known. Michael is a key figure in the world of traditional American folk music and Celtic music, and Walt Michael & Co. reflects his ensemble’s collective approach to these genres, blending them with rich instrumentation and vibrant arrangements.

Walt Michael, a master hammered dulcimer player, is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional tunes with modern sensibilities, often incorporating elements of bluegrass, Appalachian folk, and Celtic music. His innovative style breathes new life into old tunes, making them accessible to contemporary audiences while retaining their rustic charm and historical significance.

‘Step Stone’ features a collection of traditional folk tunes and original compositions that highlight the hammered dulcimer’s unique tonal qualities. The album includes lively jigs, reels, waltzes, and ballads, with arrangements that allow for both instrumental exploration and ensemble interplay. Walt Michael’s skillful hammered dulcimer playing is complemented by a range of acoustic instruments such as fiddle, guitar, banjo, and mandolin, creating a warm and textured sound.

The album is a celebration of both American and Celtic folk traditions, with an emphasis on the communal and storytelling aspects of the music. Walt Michael’s arrangements emphasize rhythmic complexity and melodic interplay, with the hammered dulcimer serving as the rhythmic and harmonic foundation.

Walt Michael’s contributions to the folk music scene have been significant, and albums like Step Stone helped cement his reputation as one of the leading figures in the hammered dulcimer revival of the late 20th century. His ability to preserve traditional music while making it accessible and appealing to modern listeners has earned him a devoted following.

For fans of traditional folk music, Step Stone is a fine example of how old-world musical traditions can be adapted and reinterpreted by contemporary musicians, keeping the spirit of folk alive for new generations.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Flying Fish Records 1988 FF480

Players:
Frank Orsini – Fiddle, Vocals
John Kirk – Fiddle, Guitar, Piano, Vocals, Mandolin, Banjo
Walt Michael – Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals, High String Guitar, Harmonica, Hammered Dulcimer
Mark Murphy – Cello, String Bass, Vocals

Track Listing
Ashland Breakdown
Step Stone
Mary Queen Of Scots, Final March/ Down The Brae
Long Roads
George Brabazon, Second Air/ Charles O’Conor
Goodnight-Loving Trail
Chinqui Pin Hunting/ Rock The Cradle Joe
Laura Jean/ Cotton-Eyed Joe Reprise
Montreal Reel/ Bay Of Fundy
Shenandoah
Dubuque/ Pretty Little Indian
Sing The Angels Way