Harvey started playing the autoharp in the summer of 1972, at the age of 18. He is known primarily as an acoustic guitarist, composer and songwriter, and was the 1981 National Fingerpicking Guitar Champion. A full-time professional musician his entire life, he has recorded 26 highly-acclaimed albums of acoustic music on Woodpecker Records. He also plays the mandolin and 6-string banjo, but has always featured the autoharp prominently on his recordings and in his concerts. His unique style, impeccable tone and uncannily accurate melody-playing technique are rooted in his deep knowledge of traditional American music, and in the intricate right-hand picking skills borrowed from his guitar background. He was the winner of the International Autoharp Competition in 1982, and his CD Steel Drivin' Man was voted in the Top 10 Folk CD's of all time by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
Marc Gunn is an acoustic folk musician based in New Orleans. His music is rooted in the American Celtic song tradition, and his preference of musical instruments-the autoharp-make him stand out as something unique in the Celtic musical community. He has been called "The Godfather of Celtic music online" for his steadfast support of indie Celtic music, free Celtic music downloads, and his award-winning Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, one of the most-popular music podcasts on iTunes.
Marc Gunn's early background in folk and rock music led him to discover the roots of both genres in Celtic music. He worked for many years at Renaissance festivals and events across the country as lead vocalist of the Brobdingnagian Bards. Marc Gunn headlined a "Lord of the Rings" Oscar night party, and is a regular at Dragon*Con, the world's largest fantasy and science fiction convention. Recent work includes parody albums setting cat-inspired lyrics to traditional Irish music, and adaptations of traditional Celtic music to contemporary rhythms and forms.
While in Austin, The Bards won a number of Austin Music Awards, including "Best Novelty Band," "Best None of the Above," and "Best Folk Band" and were named "Best Renaissance Men" in the Austin Chronicle's 2003 Best of Austin Poll. Gunn also won "Best Album Cover" for his solo album "Soul of a Harper."
Officially hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Scott Rainnes, despite any formal music training (that is, with the exception of Woodstock- he was there at the age of four) is an accomplished Singer, Songwriter & Autoharp Player.
Starting off at what most might consider to be a disadvantage (being left-handed, he plays the instrument upside down) he is a self-taught talent with a message to share that's as prolific and timeless as his forbearers and is always at the ready to perform for all that would lend a thoughtful ear. With over one hundred original copyrights to his claim, he spent several years in his late twenties in Los Angeles as a moonlighter, coming back to Florida after the '94 Northridge Quake with quite a tale to tell.
In his music, it's almost as if you can hear your very own heart beat as his lyrics purely exemplify the spiritual proposition that we are indeed all a part of one another. Listen to a few samples over at his YouTube page. If by chance you find yourself in the mood, just kick back, close your eyes & enjoy! To contact Scott or inquire about his music, feel free to e-mail him: Scott Rainnes
Premier Oscar Schmidt Autoharpist, singer and Colorado folk legend Roz Brown has built a mighty impressive career as a captivating entertainer and recording artist performing and recording classic folk music on his own terms for over thirty-five years.
Native to Madison, Wisconsin Roz has been playing the autoharp since 1975. The beginning of this venture proved to be interesting as he states, "I found I could actually play a lot of the folk songs I liked on the Autoharp and accompany my singing. I was not a skilled singer or Autoharpist but I was persistent in becoming proficient."
His most recent album "A Cowboy and his Sweetheart" was inspired by his sweetheart Barbara (tracks are available for download at Airplay Direct). It’s also a family venture as the album is produced by his son and renowned Soul/Rock keyboardist Paul Brown.
Roz expresses his musical talent, "I have developed a wide variety of folk songs and can always find just the right mixture of songs for most types of programs." AutoHarpStore.com is proud to recognize Roz Brown, autoharp player and singing talent. you can learn more about Roz and how to purchase his songs by visiting the links posted to the left.
Stanley Smith, Jr, better known as Andy Dallas in the music world, has been playing string instruments since 1959.His instrumental repertoire includes the autoharp, guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, and the dobro. Currently, he is working on a CD that will be released sometime in the future.