Taconic Tonic

Taconic Tonic is a trio of musicians who love the acoustic sound of Celtic and Balkan melodies. Even though the tunes can sometimes be quite "notey" (or is it noteworthy) and rely on complicated rhythmic patterns the trio is attracted to the simplicity and purity of traditional folk music.

George Wilson, who lives in Wynantskill, New York, near Albany, has played fiddle at contra dances for over 20 years in the Northeast. His musical interests also include Cape Breton, French-Canadian and Southern styles.

Becky Ashenden and Chuck Corman both live in Shelburne, Massachusetts and either they or George must cross the Taconic Mountains to unite with the other. Becky has also been playing piano at contra dances since 1978 throughout the Northeast, and George is one of her favorite fiddle pals. Chuck, who is a relative newcomer from the West Coast, has joined them on guitar at various contra dances.

Each on of these musicians has taken to sharing favorite tunes with the others. The product of their collaboration has been to add Balkan material (e.g., Serbian, Bulgarian and Croatian) to their repertoire as well as Uncle Dave Macon. Lead Belly and even Scandanavian tunes. To maintain the integrity of Celtic and Balkan music they utilize appropriate instrumentation whenever possible (accordion, tambura and banjo just to name a few).

Regardless of the ethnic style Taconic Tonic present lively music for dancing or just downright listening pleasure.

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