"A perennial dark-horse contender for the title of greatest living rock guitarist." - Rolling Stone
COUNSELOR BIOS 2013
Richard Thompson
London-born Richard Thompson has established a reputation as a prolific songwriter, virtuoso guitarist, and a uniquely gifted musical adventurer.
Thompson's career began as a teenager, when he left school to co-found the pioneering British folk-rock band Fairport Convention. After departing the band he recorded five records with his ex wife, Linda Thompson, followed by a highly successful solo career that has resulted in more than 40 records, numerous film and television scores, and over 400 songs. Selections from his critically acclaimed catalog have been recorded by Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, Los Lobos, REM, Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, and countless others, earning him both the British Ivor Novello Award for Songwriting as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at the 2012 Americana Awards in Nashville.
As a guitar player, Thompson is a musician's musician. Wildly innovative on both electric or acoustic guitars, his distinctive style incorporates a wide range of influences, from traditional British and Celtic feels to jazz, rockabilly, and more. He has been recognized with the Orville H Gibson Best Acoustic Guitarist Award, the MOJO Les Paul Award, and a spot on Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 20 Guitarists of All Time list.
In 2010 Thompson served as curator of London's Meltdown Festival at the South Bank Centre. In 2011 he was honored by the Queen of England as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his Service to Music, and by the University of Aberdeen with a Doctorate Honoris Causa.
Full Biography at Beesweb - Richard Thompson's Official Website
Richard Thompson - RT on Facebook
Richard Thompson RT on MySpace
Frets and Refrains on Facebook
Shawn Colvin
We are honored to welcome the newest member to our Frets and Refrains faculty, singer, songwriter, guitarist, Shawn Colvin, who will be teaching Songwriting.
Shawn's songs are indeed works of craft and catharsis. As a storyteller Colvin is both keen and warm-hearted leavening even the toughest tales with tenderness, empathy and a searing sense of humor. In the 23 years since the release of her debut album Colvin has won three Grammys, released ten albums, appeared on countless television and radio programs, had her songs featured in major motion pictures and created a remarkable cannon of work. Add to this her recently published memoir, Diamond In The Rough, and you have an incredibly prolific and versatile artist.
Colvin continues to tour nonstop. Over the years she has shared the stage with such legendary artists as Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Don Henley, Richard Thompson and Lyle Lovett. She appears regularly in a group called Three Girls and their Buddy a "singer-songwriter supergroup" comprised of Shawn, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller. Shawn has been a resident of Austin, Texas since 1994.
Martin Simpson
There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is, right now, better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving.
There is no-one who has more successfully combined the diverse elements of British, Afro-American and old-timey music than Simpson. His 15 years living in the US were well spent. In addition his own songwriting has produced some real gems, from the truck-stop epic, “Love Never Dies” to the profoundly moving “Never Any Good” and "One Day".
His career includes collaborations on stage and record with June Tabor, Kelly Joe Phelps, Jackson Browne, Danny Thompson, Danu, Martin Carthy, Cara Dillon, David Lindley, Roy Bailey, Martin Taylor, David Hidalgo, Steve Miller, Dick Gaughan and many more.
Martin has been nominated an astounding 23 times in the eleven years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - more than any other performer - with 9 consecutive years as nominee for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice. 2008 saw an incredible 5 nominations for "Prodigal Son' and 2 wins, whilst in 2010 he had an unprecedented 6 nominations for his CD, "True Stories" and a win for Best Traditional Track, "Sir Patrick Spens".
Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.
Teddy Thompson
The only son of British folk-rock legends Richard & Linda Thompson, Teddy Thompson was born in 1976 outside of London. He made his musical debut in 1996, when he turned up on his Father's "you?me?us?" album as a backup vocalist. Teddy eventually opened for Richard on a number of solo dates following the record's release, as well as adding guitar and supporting vocals on 1999's "Mock Tudor". A mail-order-only live disc of Richard's 1998 acoustic shows featured Teddy's contributions on a handful of tunes, including Richard & Linda's classic "A Heart Needs a Home", the Left Banke's "She May Call You Up Tonight", and a wonderful version of "Persuasion", co-written by Richard and Tim Finn.
In the summer of 2000, Teddy kicked off his solo career by releasing his self-titled debut for Virgin Records. The album was a collection of self-penned folk-pop tunes produced by singer/songwriter Joe Henry and featuring Richard's guitar on several tracks. "Separate Ways" arrived on the Verve Forecast label in February 2006, followed by 2007's country covers album "Upfront & Down Low". "Piece of What You Need", a slightly more upbeat set of Thompson originals, appeared in 2008 and debuted at number ten on the U.K. charts. Thompson decamped to New York City to record his fifth studio effort, "Bella", which was released halfway through his U.K. winter tour in February 2011. ~ Brett Hartenbach, Rovi
Happy Traum
Happy Traum's decades-long involvement in traditional and contemporary folk music has brought him recognition as a performer, writer, editor, teacher, recording artist and first-rate fingerstyle guitarist. He was a student of blues guitar legend Brownie McGhee, who was a major influence on his guitar style. An active participant in the legendary Greenwich Village folk scene, Happy made his recording debut in 1963 with Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger, Gil Turner and others, and later recorded three duets with Dylan on his Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 album. He has since played in concerts, clubs and festivals throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan, both solo and with his late brother, Artie Traum. He has released numerous CDs and has performed and/or recorded with Dylan, Levon Helm, John Sebastian, Larry Campbell, Chris Smither, Maria Muldaur, Eric Andersen, Rory Block, Allen Ginsberg and many other major figures in the folk music world.
As one of America's best-known guitar instructors, Happy has taught at major guitar camps, clinics and workshops throughout the country. He is the author of more than a dozen best-selling guitar instruction books and has written numerous articles for leading music publications. As the co-owner (with Jane Traum) of Homespun Tapes, Happy has produced more than 500 music lessons on DVDs, books and CDs with some of the world's top artists.
Sloan Wainwright
Sloan Wainwright is a singer and a songwriter of rare power and subtlety, serving up doses of the real and the mysterious in a soaring, soulful contralto. Singing with the extended McGarrigle-Wainwright family, Sloan has rocked the house from Carnegie Hall to London's Royal Albert Hall, and has released seven memorable records since her self-titled debut in 1994. She brings the same energy to her work as a solo artist, melding the best of pop, folk, jazz, and blues to create a unique, soulful hybrid. Sloan has been playing clubs, concerts and festivals coast to coast for two decades, triggering tears, hoots and hollers with deeply personal lyrics that connect life's mysterious dots.
A born storyteller and poet, Sloan started writing songs when she was 10. "Sitting at the piano and making up songs was my playground - a very safe place, magical and mystical. I surprised myself with what was in my head and how it all fit together." For the last 16 years, she has been sharing that process with students, spreading the gospel of personal expression and lyrical reinvention. Sloan's open hearted approach to singing, songwriting and letting loose has made her a treasured presence at a host of prestigious workshops, including The Swannanoa, Summersongs, Wintersongs, Moab Folk Camp and last year's Frets and Refrains Guitar & Songwriting Camp. She is thrilled to be returning to Frets and Refrains again this summer, to share her love of song and story.
Simon Tassano
Simon Tassano has worked with Richard Thompson for over 30 years as his tour manager and audio engineer.
He co-produced Richard's last 3 label releases and has worked on many projects (both recorded and live) with him over the years.
Simon lives in Austin, TX where he mixes and produces for a variety of creative and commercial clients.
Clients & projects include Shawn Colvin, Carly Simon, John Hiatt, Los Lobos, Stephen Kent, Clint Black, Rob Lear. He also composes, records, produces and releases his own material.
www.rumiville.com
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SimonTassano
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SKRITCH
Photo courtesy of www.stagerightphoto.com
Bobby Eichorn
Bobby Eichorn is a producer, studio engineer, songwriter and, most importantly, musician. As Jack of all trades he has been involved with Richard Thompson's various projects (RT Band, 1000 Years, Cabaret of Souls) for the past 15 years as Stage Manager, Instrument Tech as well as additional guitar or bass player when needed.
Aside from Richard, Bobby has worked with many other musicians including Carly Simon, Bon Jovi, Ian Hunter, Ben Taylor and Hall & Oats just to name a few.
Bobby also composes and produces his own music available at:
CD Baby http://cdbaby.com/cd/bobbyicon
iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/alias-nation/id563518199
Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson is the Frets & Refrains resident bassist on both acoustic and electric bass. He is a junior at Humboldt State University majoring in history and art history. Before attending HSU Jack was in the innovative band Mangrass which played various clubs in Los Angeles. Jack has worked on the concert and store staff at McCabe's Guitar Shop since 2008. He is also a keen naturalist and outdoorsman. Jack is your "go to" man if you need help with identifying any of the wildlife at camp - as well as help finding classes, answering questions about the camp, your instrument or if you need a good bass line for your new songs or at the Open Mic - so feel free to ask him!
Along with Bobby Eichorn, Jack will be setting up the Frets and Refrains camp and hosting the evening Open Mic sessions in the Roadhouse.
Photo courtesy of www.stagerightphoto.com
Zak Hobbs
Musician / guitar player, Zak Hobbs, soon graduating from Bedales School in Hampshire, England, is about to start his professional music career with his uncle, Teddy Thompson, as well as pursing music with other bands. Zak is the grandson of Richard Thompson, and is an advanced student of Richard's Hybrid picking technique. He has played on recordings by Linda Thompson and Teddy Thompson.
Nancy Covey
Nancy Covey (aka Camp Mom) is used to helping musicians away from home! Prior to camp, she helps organize the Frets & Refrains Camp along with setting class schedules and making sure campers have enough free/fun time too! During camp Nancy will be your welcoming emcee and will be on hand to help with any questions that you might have so you can enjoy your week in the mountains.
Nancy was Concert Director at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica where she met and worked with many of the Frets and Refrains instructors. She also produces major concerts and music festivals.
Nancy runs her own company, Festival Tours International, which she founded in 1982. Her "un tours" (not for tourists!) specialize in the traditional music of the countries they visit. Last August was her England & Scotland Music & Castle Tour which included Fairport's Reunion festival. Her annual Louisiana tour to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is April 25 - May 2, 2013 and will feature a special midweek trip to the Cajun Country where trip members are invited into the homes of many of Louisiana's top musicians. Some of the many highlights are a private crawfish boil at Marc & Ann Savoy's family farm, a BBQ at Zydeco great, Geno Delafose's ranch, plus plenty of time to jam with local musicians giving tour members a real insider's experience of the music, people and culture of Louisiana's Cajun country.
www.festtours.net
Photo courtesy of www.stagerightphoto.com
Annaliese Moyer
Annaliese Moyer is a professional photographer specializing in capturing the performing arts. She will again be documenting all of Frets and Refrains in 2013. All images will be available for participants to view and/or purchase following the camp.
Richard Thompson fans will have seen her work on the covers of the Live at Celtic Connections DVD, Richard's 2012 Record Store Day single, on the pages of Dream Attic's packaging, and on numerous leads for No Depression. Her work has also been seen in Rolling Stone and Billboard, and her fine art work has received awards from Photomedia Center, Creative Quarterly, Ex Arte Equinus, and Spectrum.
www.stagerightphoto.com
Her other great love and professional specialty is the horse: www.equigraphic.com
Megan Leigh
& Peter Wallace
Megan Leigh founded Chichester Yoga Studio in New York before moving to it's current location in the Catskills. Megan combines her 20 years of experience and training as an actress with her love of yoga to provide innovative trainings and retreats to people of various backgrounds. Megan has trained yoga teachers, performers, and business leaders to speak, work and live from an authentic place. Her passion is helping people to ignite the fuel that makes it possible for them to live inspired, bright, and meaningful lives.
Joining Megan at Frets & Refrains is Peter Wallace who is known for intuitive deep-tissue massage and bodywork. His focus is on helping facilitate the integration of the whole person, opening the self which can move blocks that have gotten in the way of creativity and transformation. Peter is also a sculptor, and was for many years a theater director in New York City and around the country. He has an intimate understanding of the artist's journey and the performer's process that informs the work he does with clients.
Megan Leigh and Peter Wallace will join forces at Frets and Refrains to offer comprehensive work on the body and the creative spirit.
Amy Carpenter
& Fletcher Kelley
Fletcher Kelley (Guest Relations Manager / Music Masters Camps) and Amy Carpenter (Music Event Manager / Music Masters Camps) share a passion for music and are at Frets & Refrains for all of your creature comfort camp needs! They will be there to greet you at check in and answer any questions you may have. So don't be shy!
Amy is a music lover who grew up in the Catskills and Maryland with post college stints in NYC, Washington DC and England before moving to back to the Catskills to be full time at Full Moon. She has been instrumental in helping us organize Frets & Refrains camp!
Music moves Fletcher! Literally. As a singer and guitarist, he lives to perform. Growing up in Kansas, Fletcher has always been eager to "see what's out there." Having lived in Florida, Colorado, Maui, and the last six-plus years in the Caribbean, Fletcher has now called Big Indian, NY home (until the snow comes!).
Amy and Fletcher's goal at Full Moon is to ensure that each camper has the most enjoyable experience possible - whether you need directions, have questions about your room, the class schedule, the outdoor trails or simply want to chat. From the moment you arrive at Frets and Refrains to the final farewell, Amy and Fletcher are happy to help!
Full Moon Resort Music Masters Camps
Email or Phone (845) 254-8009 for additional information.