Little Steps by DayBreak

Reviving a Quaker folk hymn with some well-placed cello and unexpected energy, or coupling an Irish jig with an Egyptian riq or bongos are the kinds of regenerative ideas we like to embrace. We play and create music to unearth something fascinating in the tried and true. While working on "Little Steps", we played around with combos such as hammered dulcimer, concertina and viola merged in an old Scottish air. If a lush bass voice and some strains of harp with bouzouki chords sounds both relaxing and refreshing all at once, DayBreak's groove will probably be right up your alley. Much warm audience response to our straight-to-the-heart "How Can I Keep From Singing" and an original about family heritage, "Roman's concertina" has been gratifying. Rob and Cliff have both had a number of rich years of composing, and the flavor of this CD reflects that.

DayBreak artists include: Cliff Cole playing hammered dulcimer, guitar, and percussion; Anna Lisa Yoder on violin, mandolin and bouzouki; and Rob Yoder on bass vocals, guitar, concertina, harp, bodhrán, and mountain dulcimer. Denis Blodgett, a founding member of DayBreak, joins us on tin whistle, guitar, and bouzouki for the CD Little Steps. DayBreak also often incorporates the musical skills of our talented children, and Little Steps is our first CD to include them on a few pieces such as "Harvest Home" and "Cripple Creek". They are Emily Cole (15) on vocals, tin whistle and light percussion, Trudy Yoder (15) on cello and vocals, Lydia Yoder (12) on violin and bodhran (Irish drum), and Seth Yoder (10) on hammered dulcimer and piano. At times we all add vocal harmonies to an engaging repertoire of winsome and compelling songs. Cliff (of PA) got his musical start as a rock and blues drummer. Rob (from NY state) was a vocal major, and Anna Lisa (of PA) started on classical violin.

People of all ages have found that our music is easily approachable, with a thoughtful flair. When we've played for passersby, we're gratified to see a diverse group sit down to listen. Through music we like to embrace all aspects of life--an infant wanting to drift off to a mesmerizing lullaby, or a returning traveler expressing both delight and sorrow with an occupied Tibet. Of course we can't forget that universal unrequited love theme which pervades Celtic ballads, surviving right alongside an urge to dance a reel. We hope everyone will find something buoyant in our music, even if it's a well-tempered rainstick (!) or the surprising return of a theme. Hearing a sailor's hornpipe, a fiddling cello, a poignant instrumental spiced with a Chinese bell, and a good old session favorite like "Road to Lisdoonvarna" all in one place fits just fine in DayBreak's worldview! Sensitivity to the transitions is part of the glue that holds it all together-- and with "Little Steps", we will walk you through.

DayBreak (currently of Quakertown, PA) has performed in various settings including The Bethlehem MusikFest, Longwood Gardens, Godfrey Daniels Coffeehouse, The Allentown Mayfair, Moravian College, Celtic Classic, Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse, The Kutztown Pennsylvania German Festival, churches, weddings, and clubs. The group has enjoyed playing in many configurations and with a wonderful array of musical friends, relatives and founding members. We thank them, and our families and supportive listeners over the years who have inspired us and brought us to this place. Thank you for sharing us with the world around you, from the youngest little ones to the 100-somethings. "Man man zou", our Chinese friends used to tell us-- "walk slowly; take it easy." .....Little Steps!

Average Customer Review: