Sunday January 28, 2024

Andy Davis has been a part of Nowell Sing We Clear, New England Dancing Masters and has been on staff at Country Dance and Song Society summer camps for many years. He helps lead a church choir, plays accordion for a Morris team, and calls for contra dances. Andy shared with us some thoughts and background about the material for this concert: "After teaching music in the public schools of Windham County, Vermont for over 30 years I find myself drawn to songwriting. These songs are written in a traditional and participatory style. Each song contains a chorus or refrain. The songs are drawn from local history, personal experience and heartfelt memory. They speak of life in New England, interesting characters, dear friends and family, philosophical musings–and an occasional political or environmental commentary. Most of these songs were written while hiking, cycling, cross country skiing and driving. Paper only gets involved after the song is complete. Memorization seems to be falling out of fashion in society but remains the truest way of claiming ownership of a song. Calling and playing for community dances has kept me in touch with traditional music and its place in community life. Our local (Brattleboro) pub sings have been an inspiration to create songs that tell stories while opening a space for improvised harmony each time the chorus rolls around. I include some original dance tunes in my performances - all with a story or memory to relate."