Grassapelli--Mysterious Fiddle Avatar

The creative artist and musician recognizes a higher power, an inspiring source, a muse that informs and extends his output to its full potential.

Grassapelli is the name of that muse for me. The earth magic of Kokopelli, the energy of bluegrass, the elegance of Grappelli combine in this spirit that channels through me.

It was Grassapelli that whispered the secret of 100 tunes 100 times. Grassapelli hinted of the sonic wealth to be found in A 432 tuning. Grassapelli said I could combine Irish fiddling with bluesy sounds like Eileen Ivers. Or, make Irish tunes have a Texas flavor. Or, use Irish ornaments in old time American tunes.

The musical journey began in near mediocrity. It seems headed towards virtuosity. Where I am now only Grassapelli knows.

Here's what Peter B. Gallagher says about Grassapelli:

Late at night we sit around the campfire. Dancing in the flames, weaving in the smoke, the Grassapelli spirit lurks. When the time is right, the ancient musician leaps into the mind of Elan Chalford and his fiddle becomes one with the smoke and fire. Pete Gallagher joins in with raw, driving guitar, while Jack Piccalo’s banjo rings with melody and dance. The thumping of Raiford Starke’s bass lays a rhythmic bottom that pleases Grassapelli so much, he drives Elan deep into that nether word where wild tradition and breathless improvisation meet. These are the top fiddle tunes of all time given new life by the Green Grass Boys . . .inspired by Grassapelli, the ancient fiddler of the musical spirit world.

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The same great offer I give my students.

Announcing : A-432 Tuning
the Mozart A

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In the past huge companies controlled the distribution of music to the masses. Today they are struggling to maintain control of a medium that is slipping away from them. Even as the giants win in the courtroom, the people who actually spend money on music are voting with their dollars. The results say that big music is fading away.

The technology is already in place for a fan to gather only those songs and compositions she wants. The form of MP3 makes it feasible to get songs online even with a average speed modem.

The future with increased bandwidth only makes this easier and faster. No one is constrained by technology to go to a store and buy music. That’s the point. And that point is not going away.

Fans of unsigned or indie musicians can find CD's online that are not found in stores. The long tail of music dominates the music marketplace by the purchasing power of fans.