Sometimes I just give a sigh of happiness at the joy some people have in making music. This is not only well played but it is composed by the piano player. What a wonderful discovery on youtube.
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Sometimes I just give a sigh of happiness at the joy some people have in making music. This is not only well played but it is composed by the piano player. What a wonderful discovery on youtube.
Yes, yes, yes!
Billy Packard is the real thing, a vastly under-appreciated gem of the northern California ballo liscio mandolin scene. I may have some of this wrong, but my understanding is that he studied with Riccardo Tunzi, and then was Tony Flores' regular guitarist at Jardines de San Juan in San Juan Bautista until Tony's death, at which time he became the mandolinist, with the late great luthier Paul Hostetter, and later Michael Schwartz, backing him on guitar. After moving to Grass Valley a few years ago, he began collaborating with the lovely composer and classical pianist Alexis Alrich--some of the fruits of which you see on this clip.
Although Duo Lynx performs mostly in the Grass Valley area, they do make occasional forays outside. I know that they're playing on Friday, Sept 20 at Stanford Medical Center's noon concert (admission free). I have to work that day, but couldn't resist putting in a plug for them--besides being a great mandolinist, Billy is one of the warmest and most gracious musicians you'll ever meet.
Wow, I had no idea this guy was so 'well known' in California. You have a real treasure there. And I'm very impressed with Alexis's score, she understands what a mandolin can do, with Billy's help I'm sure. Thanks for the 'Bio.'
Thanks for the kind words Doug. How did you find our YouTube video? Did you see the other three?
Aw shucks Matt, you are a bro and friend for life.
(ps, Paul Hostetter and I never played together.)
These ones? I’m listening while eating my breakfast, both nice :)
https://youtu.be/9o0IBlcdeD8
I marvel at the quality of their arrangements. It reminds me a little of Contra Band arranging like Contratopia and others right here in Minneapolis; piano led arrangements of rhythm and melody shared with others in the band. So I wonder if Alexis & Billy have experience in that world?
BTW I often 'surf' youtube for music and I'm an Irish fiddler. So their videos were in with some Irish stuff.
Contratopia:
Erik Sessions (fiddle), Patrice Pakiz (piano, oboe, percussion), Pat O'Loughlin (english concertina and banjo) and John Goodin (mandolin and guitar)