Martin Grosswendt (Special Event)

Martin Grosswendt, once described by U. Utah Phillips as "a rumor in his own time," has been a presence on the folk and traditional music scene for nearly three decades. A multi-instrumentalist and singer long known for his skill as an interpreter of 1920s and '30s blues, he is equally at home playing the old-time country music of the Southern Appalachians or the Cajun and Creole music of Southwest Louisiana. A musician's musician and a powerful singer, he is proficient on guitar, five-string banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, Cajun accordion, and Dobro. His bottleneck guitar playing is especially highly regarded.Martin began his career at the age of 16 as a session musician at Vermont's Philo Records, supplying Dobro and guitar licks for artists such as Phillips, Tom Mitchell, Jim Ringer, and Mary McCaslin. Martin spent a couple of years living at Helen Schneyer?s house in Kensington during the early 1970s, and was an important part of the Washington folk scene during those years. After touring as an accompanist with various artists, he established a solo career playing at festivals and coffeehouses across the country and opening for musicians including Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee, Dave van Ronk, Taj Mahal, David Bromberg, NRBQ, and Sam and Dave. He recorded a solo album for Philo, Dog on a Dance Floor, which was released in 1980. His newest album, Call and Response, was released in 2004 to enthusiastic reviews.Over the years Martin has continued to delve into the roots music he loves. His eclectic performances might include bottleneck guitar pieces by Robert Johnson or Blind Willie McTell, finger-style blues from Reverend Gary Davis or Blind Blake, a haunting banjo tune by Dock Boggs, a number on fiddle from Creole master Canray Fontenot, and even an original piece or two. His musical understanding of the many genres he explores is complemented by his historical knowledge of singers and songs.Martin has performed and taught at festivals and at WUMB?s Summer Acoustic Music Week, Pinewoods Folk Music Week and served as a Master Artist?s assistant at the Augusta Heritage Workshops. He has also served as music director for and taught at Banjo Camp North, Old Time Music Camp North and Mandolin Camp North. Martin lives in Rhode Island with his wife and their twin daughters.Contact Andy or Sondra Wallace by phone or e-mail to make sure they reserve space for you in the front hall of historic Mount Lubentia for an evening with Martin Grosswendt.