Mountain and Hammer Dulcimer
Books, Tapes, CDs and Videos

The West Virginia Hills:
A tribute to the Mountain Dulcimer

In the early 1990s, the Augusta Heritage Center documented many older West Virginia dulcimer players and makers at their homes. The film traces the old world German roots of the instrument through the collections of Patty Looman and Jim Costa. It includes footage of traditional players, old dulcimers, and discussion about the origins of the instrument. It ends with cameo performances by some of the best players in the country who have graced the Augusta stage, including Margaret MacArthur, Lorraine Lee Hammond, and David Schnaufer.

Produced by Gerry Milnes for August Heritage Recordings, Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College,
Elkins, West Virginia.

Twisted Laurel

Folk Art, Folklore & Music from the West Virginia Woods Twisted Laurel captures the relationship between the land and the people to whom a rare legacy of art and lore has been passed down. Tales and beliefs, folk art and functional objects, nature's own remedies, and the natural beauty of wood are all woven together like an oak basket, held tightly by a strong thread of ballads and banjo tunes.

Produced by Gerry Milnes for August Heritage Recordings,
Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College,
Elkins, West Virginia.

Southwest Sampler

A COLLECTION OF TUNES FOR FRETTED DULCIMER.

This is a compilation of traditional and original tunes arranged for fretted dulcimer. Connie edited and published this book in 1995. Proceeds go to Southern California Dulcimer Heritage. A companion learning tape is also available for an additional $10.00

Song list:
Abide with Me -- A-roving -- Arthur McBride -- A-souling -- The Boatsman -- Caledonia -- Fair and Tender Ladies -- Flame -- Franke Roche's Favorite -- I Wonder as I Wander -- Land on the Shore -- Midnight on the Water -- Mo Ghile Mear -- Old Paabo's Favorite -- Pastime with Good Company -- Planxty Fanny Power -- Planxty Irwin -- Romp of the Canyon Kitties -- Rue -- Spotted Pony -- Sto Mi e Milo -- Sweet Hour of Prayer -- There is a Fountain -- Water Bound -- Wild Mountain Thyme

The Waves We Left Behind

Their debut album featuring Connie and Bill as they sound in concert. Four originals, several traditional, and a bunch of covers. Lyrics are included with the CD. Song list:
Midnight on the Water -- Eleanor Cutler -- Buckdancer's Choice -- Indiana -- Wife in Every Port -- Sailor Jack -- Miss Rowen Davies -- By the Seat of His Pants -- Oh! California -- Cowboy Waltz/Sittin' Alone in the Moonlight -- Jubilee -- Blues for Dixie -- Christmas on a Train -- What a Wonderful World

Where the Wild Birds Do Whistle

This album is dedicated to Elwood's mother, Catherine, who died on January 6, 1997.

Song List:
Pretty Saro --When I Go to West Virginia -- Pity Undue -- Red Rocking Chair -- Dabbling in the Dew -- These Woods -- Blind Fiddler -- Johnny Be Fair -- Hey Ho Nobody Home/Ah, Poor Bird/Rose, Rose (Traditional Round) -- My Little Doney Gal -- Again -- Forgiveness -- Love is Little (Traditional Shaker Melody) -- No Phone Calls in the Night -- Catherine's Reel

Like the Willow Tree

Another mix of traditional and original songs, released in April, 1994.
It also features contributing musicians Everett Brown, Noah Donnelly, Susan Hurley-Glowa, Steve LaValley, and Travis J. White.

Song List:
Angel Gabriel -- Problem With Words -- Love and Freedom -- Kilkelly --Kinlock of Kinlock -- Willow Tree -- Fighting for Strangers/Johnny, I Hardly Knew You -- Omie Wise -- My Love -- Beginning with You -- Train on the Island

Simple Sentences

Simple Sentences is an album of original works by Aubrey, released in May 1992. She dedicated it to the students and staff of Dorcas Place Parent Literacy Center, in Providence, RI, where she worked at the time.

Song List:
Look at me Now -- Silver Foxes -- Birthday Song -- Si'l Vous Plait -- Give the Woman Jewels -- Robert -- Wide Horizon -- Vast River -- Maria -- Take Me -- The Melt -- In the Springtime -- Let My Life -- Music is My Lover

Song By Song

A 130-page songbook compiled and written by Aubrey Atwater which includes 85 songs and tunes as well as method for mountain dulcimer, old-time banjo, and Irish tin whistle. Back-up chords are included throughout and there is a special ballad and song lyric section.