Tag: Jerry Rockwell

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

QuaranTUNE 8.0 Registration

The best virtual dulcimer festival on the planet is coming your way on October 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2022, and I’ll be teaching four one-hour classes.

For registration and more info about the festival:

virtualdulcimerfest.com

For my classes below, the titles will link to the registration page for each class (in a new tab).

Here they are in the order I’ll be teaching them:

Soothing & Magical Chord Loops

(Level 3 INT) FRIDAY, October 2nd – Session 5: 3-4PM

In this workshop, you’ll learn some soothing and magical chord progressions that are easy to play and fun. These progressions only have four chords and they are mesmerizing and addictive! We’ll also explore a few arpeggio patterns and melodies that go with each loop. You already know most of these chords, so the challenge will be to keep them flowing along smoothly.

Getting Started With Two-Handed Tapping

(Level 5 ADV) SATURDAY, October 8th – Session 1: 9-10AM

Experience the exciting world of tapping on your mountain dulcimer! Using a tried-and-true method I’ve developed over three decades, you’ll learn to hammer-on and pull-off with your right forefinger, while your left hand holds down familiar chord positions in the first few frets. With a little practice, you will be getting your groove on in no time! This technique is easier than it sounds and it is FUN!!

Peaceful Irish Airs and Lullabies

(Level 3 INT) SATURDAY Session 2: 10:15-11:15AM

Get totally enchanted with these slow, meditative airs from Ireland. “Irish Lullaby No. 1” is an original lullaby that we’ll be doing in a simple, chord-melody arrangement. “Eibhlí Gheal Chiúin Ní Chearbhaill” (“The Fair and Charming Eileen O’Carroll”) is much more mesmerizing and circular.

A Relaxing, Meditative Journey With “Skip’s Heavenly Round”

(Level 4 UpperINT) SATURDAY Session 6: 4:14-5:15PM

You’ll learn one of my original rounds in this session. We’ll be playing this as a solo “Jam-A-Round” here, rather than as a traditional round. This just means that we have the harmony parts and jazzy chords all baked right in. Although the tempo is slow, there is a lot going on in this arrangement. You’ll be able to see my left hand for help with fingering.

Learning Chords in DAD Tuning (Part 3)

In Part 2 we covered some ways of moving through the D-G-D-A7-D progression that were mostly ascending chord forms. This time we will descend with the chord forms:

And since we also suggested applying these same chord forms to the “Cabbage Chords,” Here you go with the first four measures of the above TAB applied to the Cabbage Chord progression:

Just in case you were wondering, the 4th measure A is really A7, and the A in measure 7 is really an A7sus4.

Thanks for giving these a try!! Let me know what you think.

Magical, Peaceful Instrumentals Playlist

This is one of my favorite playlists of the ones I curate myself on Spotify. It has a wide variety of instruments and genres, but the common theme is a simple, folk-oriented approach to melody and harmony. You’ll hear some minimal pieces on piano by some of my favorite players, some great accordion work by the amazing Maria Kalaniemi, or some mesmerizing modal compositions by Whalebone (UK-based ensemble).

Introductory Dulcimer Playlist

At Spotify, I made a 14-tune introductory playlist for my catalog of electric and acoustic dulcimer music. This spans three full-length albums, with a shorter album, due 9/15, arriving shortly.

This is great music for relaxing, reading, studying, doing yoga, meditation, and even winding down into a deep sleep.

https://open.spotify.com/user/122820830/playlist/6m5omBqEX7RkVCGF1F5qHc?si=nn45tiyGTwCaCkisArEPOg

New EP Release Coming in September!

My last album, The Singing Messenger, was released November 15th, 2016. Since then I’ve been busy with a Winter-themed album (which is still in process), and this brand-new EP entitled Starlight Variations.

This new EP will be available in all the major streaming platforms and at Bandcamp on September 15, 2018. Until then, you can hear some of the tracks right here:

Starlight Variations EP

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…………