Instrumentation:

Vocals, acoustic guitar, cello, bass, and wattatumbus. Solo live performances are guitar and vocal.

Bio:

Joni Mitchell in a coonskin cap? (with a gap-tooth grin?) The Appalachian story-telling tradition is alive and vibrant in the hands of this accomplished guitarist. Wit and whimsy merge to form a rewarding lyrical and musical journey. This “New Appalachian” music pours forth naturally with the essential simplicity of the rural mountains while drawing on a diverse vocabulary of styles.

With the strains of live old-time music in his ears at an early age, Dan often listened in wonder to the only recordings at hand: one 45 rpm single each of Eddie Arnold and Fats Domino, and the 78's of Dinah Shore and Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony. The imprint on an impressionable young mind was profound, and you might say he never recovered.

In the intervening years Dan performed/recorded with Phil Keaggy (Grammy nominee and Dove award winner), Robin Kessinger (1985 National Flatpicking Champion), Nedra Talley Ross (Ronettes), Phil Madeira (Nashville songwriter, recording artist) and others. Dan’s first solo CD, INTO THE FLOW, received glowing reviews and was a “Viewer’s Choice” award winner on Kweevak.com. His second CD, I THINK OF HOME, built on this musical vision, expanding the range of expression for Appalachian music. The songs received recognition in several songwriting competitions.

Dan's current release, WAYFARING STRANGER (2006), is a showcase for his songwriting abilities. Traditional storytelling is mixed with a measured touch of contemporary sounds and yet retains the rich acoustic texture.

The Dominion Post has described Dan's playing as "guitar genius" and by Ben Ohmart of Music Dish as "luscious."

“The guitar is outstanding! I’m talking great technique, great emotion and inventive playing.”

www.southofmainstream.com

"Dan Cunningham plays his guitar the way a man loves a woman---with heart and caring and affection." -Richard Fuller

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