Category: Album

New EP on Bandcamp! Exploring More of the Acoustic Sounds from the Dulcimer

I’ve been very busy in the last three or four months with producing these tracks in my home studio. I don’t remember a time in the past where I was so dedicated to getting a collection of tunes out, and getting everything sounding right.

I went into 2025 with a surge of interest in recording my own handcrafted dulcimers acoustically, using just a decent quality condenser mic. Much of my recording over the past decade has been with magnetic humbucking pickups — usually placed over the strings with device that hold the pickups securely. These pickups do a great job of amplifying the dulcimer, and they work incredibly well with the immersive and ambient reverb plug-ins I use with Logic Pro software. The downside is that they make the dulcimer sound VERY similar to an electric guitar.

Two tracks on this new EP that use mostly just acoustic dulcimer and acoustic guitar are the opening track “Allison’s Infinite Round I” and track 5 “Safe Passage Round II.” I think you will hear a difference in these tracks: to me, I notice the increased dynamic range of the dulcimer and acoustic guitar. There is also a fragility or delicacy in the tone, though there is also a certain kind of acoustical power that really kicks, particularly on the high-end.

https://jerryrockwell.bandcamp.com/album/safe-passage-to-green-fields

Brand New EP at Bandcamp!

This is East Beach on Lake Erie in Lorain, Ohio. "Twilight At East Beach" is the title of my EP on Bandcamp

It has certainly been many moons since I released anything on bandcamp, but I’ve been working diligently on some more meditative dulcimer instrumentals, and I have a 4-tune EP ready now……just in time for “Bandcamp Fridays” (where the platform forgoes their share of revenue on the first Friday of most months).

These are some tracks that took more time for me to get exactly the right production, and I’m learning a lot about audio engineering with each track.

“Kate’s Waltz” is a 3/4 time version of my original “Kate’s Tune” which first appeared on my Singing Messenger album, way back in 2016. It is based on a mixolydian chord progression which was generated by a harmonized descending mixolydian mode. I have used this for many other titles, including “Blue Ridge Dream” (also in 3/4), “November’s Waltz” (from the early years of my Patreon lessons), and also the last track on this EP “Continuous Lines 218.”

“Magic Mountain Sanctuary” is a continuation of my “Magic Mountain Solitude” tracks, and I’m tuned a half step up from my usual DAD tuning – to Eb – Bb – Eb. The chords are a stretched out version of the “cabbage chords” (well-known to many dulcimer players!), and there is an arpeggiated keyboard track in the background to set the groove.

The title track “Twilight At East Beach” is inspired by a beautiful beach on Lake Erie, in Lorain, Ohio, not too far from Cleveland. This one is actually in the key of F and uses an 8-bar progression I constructed from joining two 4-chord loops. These days, I usually play in the key of F by tuning CGC and keying off of the F chord as the center, but not using a capo. This track has a few synth pads to create a backdrop for the very high-pitched dulcimer melodies.

Anyway, here you go if you want to check it out. Thanks for listening!

Twilight At East Beach EP

New EP Release!

I have a brand new 7-track album of meditative instrumentals on my dulcimer, available at bandcamp. This collection is focused mostly on my baritone dulcimer (tuned AEAA in 4-string equidistant spacing). Some of the selections are out here on bandcamp before their official release dates: Mystic Light Meditation, and Lullaby for Kate.

Along with the extra warmth and richness of the acoustic/electric baritone, these are more ambient and immersive productions than most of my recent output. They should be great for meditation, yoga, daydreaming, or just getting some restful sleep.

https://jerryrockwell.bandcamp.com/album/rainy-day-dreaming

New EP on Bandcamp!

Here is a brand new EP for you at Bandcamp, where I have finally recorded some of my best takes of two pentatonic originals that go back a few years: Five Tones of Wonder, and Koehler’s Pond Meditation. There’s also some brand-new recordings of a few Celtic traditional tunes that have been great fun. These recordings have a bit more color and harmony than usual, and in the case of Ballinderry, I have revamped the tune into a kind of minimalistic, but jazzy round (even though it does not work as a traditional round in its original form). Another Irish tune in this collection is the ever-popular waltz South Wind. Red Is The Rose is a Scots melody attributed to Robert Burns.

Five Restful Tunes for Dulcimer EP

And here is a free pdf tablature download for 4 out of 5 of the tunes here (I don’t have anything in tablature yet on this new South Wind):

FourOfFiveRestfulTunesDownload

Starlight Variations

Listening to Jerry Rockwell’s new EP “Starlight Variations” is like opening a magic box. The gentle but sharp sound of the dulcimer, combined with heartfelt and unpretentious composition, makes this into something truly unique – even divine. If you are new to Jerry Rockwell’s music, “Starlight Variations” EP is a great place to start. – Read the whole BT Fasmer review

 

The Singing Messenger

You gave quite different and fresh taste to this familiar classic song. Very beautiful! B.S. on House of the Rising Sun……

Hi Jerry, I really enjoyed listening and I wanted to run down stairs and grab up my dulcimer! This would have to be my favorite version ever! U. O. on House

That’s very beautiful. We are always looking for ambient/chilled versions of rock or older classics. This is definitely that! Ocean Radio Chilled on House

Beautiful playing Jerry – the old tune is reborn T.R. on House

5 months in to comments pages…..

Now – per tune on new album:

Really wonderful interpretation of a classic. And classic in its own right as well. Pianissimo Tim on House

Very cool music , it seems to me i’m in nature , listening to all tiny sounds , seeing nice passiflore flowers ! your music speak to me , nice track ! C.L. on Singing Messenger

Contemplative, serene, and touching. Wonderful work. Tim P on SM

Beautiful sound, has some resemblance to a Weissenborn, but brighter. Beautiful instrument, fantastic music! T.B. on SM

amazing sound and work – not only from the instrument but the recording. B.T. on SM

Great music Jerry – calm, meditative, accomplished. A.C. on SM

a great chilled sound. And that dulcimer is lovely. Having made the instrument yourself makes your music all the more entriquing and beautiful. thanks S.F. on SM

Love your style, very fine composition and nice playing C.S. on SM

this is one of the more delightful tracks i’ve listened to recently O. on SM

this instrument that sounds beautiful, truly magical, very nice !! …most beautiful music, you’re a great artist, success and thanks J.F. on SM

wow! such soothing, peaceful sounds, Jerry. thanks for the touch of tranquility : ) L.T.P. on SM

Beautiful piece ! Soothing and relaxing. One man music laboratory indeed. Great work. N. Z. on SM

blessings emanate from your Tone n Flow…… 😀 A.N. on SM

Thank you for six minutes of total freedom, Jerry. WVPG on SM

Amazing sound!! Really beautiful & unique!! Great track! P.T. on SM

Lovely, so very soothing and gentle, real feelgood sound! T.T. on SM

Brilliant sounds and arrangement, Jerry! Incredibly soothing, calming the soul … thank you! S.S. on SM

What a beautiful sound! I think your music has healing effect. You maybe living surrounded by beautiful nature. I feel your love for nature from your tunes. B.S. on SM

A unique sound and such an elegant production. I’m captivated. Thanks for sharing Jerry M.B. on SM

Really loving this Jerry. Wonderful sounds!! Craig K. on SM

What a nice track to start thhe day with! Really interesting sound…I play dulcimer as well, the latvian one, but never recorded it…maybe I should give it a try soon:-) Really good feel on this piece of music! Best regards D.V. on six tones

Haunting, yet a serene vibe at the same time. Beautiful! D.B.A.

Am enjoying the smooth sound, and it made me sing along with this track. Love it! – Kori C.

Arrestingly beautiful–sad but uplifting and peaceful!! Great track! P.T.

hello Jerry, the music you make with the Mountain dulicimer you handcrafted is so important in our strife ridden world. S.A.C.

This is so transparent and fragile. Beautiful! H K

Love the harmonics..this also has a ‘music box’ vibe. Peaceful and a kind of lullaby. played well! D.B.R.

floating down the river of life, around the rocks and through the eddy pools 🙂 …..just great! M.W.

Such a haunting and arresting piece and I can’t say I heard you breathing as I stopped breathing myself. What a powerful piece M.B. on Thugamar……..

Really like this soft music, Very nice to to ear!, keep it up Jerry. Healing music it is. M.G. on Thugamar………

Waves of summer washing over….Yes, its a lovely tune Jerry, but you have taken it to a new level with the pacing, and delicate touch. C.O. on Thugamar……

 

Tapping at the Edge of Paradise

What is the sound of paradise? It is of course impossible to get a precise answer to that question. But I think that Jerry Rockwell on his new album Tapping at the Edge of Paradise has found a unique, almost heavenly sound. It is beautiful beyond words, and a worthy follow-up to 2013’s Nine Meditations for Dulcimer – (BT Fasmer from his review)

Nine Meditations for Dulcimer

In today’s world, where everything seems to go faster and faster, it feels like a privilege to slow down and experience something genuine and heartfelt. These two words sum up the essence of Jerry Rockwell’s Nine Meditations for Dulcimer. And when you take the time, you’ll see that there’s a poetic depth here too that makes this into a remarkable album. (BT Fasmer, from his review)

Here’s what listeners are saying about Jerry’s restful dulcimer sounds:

Wonderful, Jerry. Its relaxing flow gives me a peace of mind 🙂 F. G……

This is a joy – meditative……. A.W……..

wow, what a clear sound and pure melody! S. W. ……….

Such an atmosphere:) Wonderful tune! B. R. Green on Twinkle Variations……..

I found you and I love this track and I am adding it to a big playlist I am making of those I follow – Sunni ………

this makes me feel wonderfully relaxed! G. W. F……..

A beautiful piece and very much enjoyed! A truly beautiful dulcimer in your Masthead! D. S……..

Think I’ve just become a big fan of electric dulcimer….. 🙂 E.P………

Beautiful layers and so easy on the ears. I have to listen to more of your work Jerry. Thanks for sharing M. B. on………..

Lovely to hear an ambient waltz ..!! D. D………

An outstanding mood piece. Keep ’em comin’! L.Z. on twinkle variations……

Well, you’re certainly right about it being addictive…I could listen to this for a while and wind up feeling a lot better. H.T. on twinkle variations…………