Rodney Miller, Denis Liddy, Night Watch (with Naomi Morse and Owen Morrison)
Influences
Eric Stumacher, Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Chopin, Karen Tweed, Rodney Miller, Timo Alakotila, Swap, Denis Liddy, Ian Lowthian, traveling and playing tunes with lovely people all over northern Europe
Elvie has been playing music since she was very young, and over the years she has shifted from classical piano to folk accordion and piano. She grew up going to contra dances in New England and now she performs at contra and English country dances all over the U.S. In 2005 she graduated from Oberlin College and travelled through Ireland, England, Scotland, Finland, Sweden, France and Cape Breton as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, studying accordion and traditional music and performing internationally alongside Karen Tweed, Timo Alakotila and Maria Kalaniemi, among others. She currently tours with Rodney Miller, with Denis Liddy and with Night Watch.
In 2003, Elvie released a critically acclaimed CD “Grapevine” with Naomi Morse on fiddle. She recorded a beautiful CD “Spyglass” in 2007 with her Dad, Rodney Miller on fiddle. Night Watch is due to release their first CD in 2008 with Elvie on piano and piano accordion, Naomi Morse on fiddle, and Owen Morrison on guitar and mandolin. Elvie has many beautiful compositions to her credit.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Why hello Ms Elvie! How's life treating you? Have you moved to Ireland!! That'd be very exciting. It'd be great to see you if you're ever in the north of England... if you need a bed in Newcastle at any point I've a spare! Hope you're well*
hey Elvie!! summer is getting closer, I was passing dalarna, the place of many great spelmansstämmor, last weekend. you..re not passing sweden this summer by accident? would be soo great to see you again! Just had a small Fosen reunion few weeks ago. It was great. And Marie, who shared room with me at Fosen has moved to sweden. big hugs Fiolina
Thanks for the add. I can't tell you how much I love your tune and recording of Spyglass. Inspired chord pairing. B minor to G. Unstable and ethereal. What a great collaboration!
Two years ago, while visiting a friend in Beirut, Lebanon, I heard of your name for the first time and I listened to a part of your "Grapevine" with Naomi Morse on the fiddle. I usually keep the names of excellent players and your name is one of the names which I cannot forget. It's a pleasure to be your friend Elvie.
Hello Elvie, Just wanted to let you know we've been listening to your Grapevine cd and have been enjoying it very much! Spyglass is also a very beautiful CD. We've been playing the tune Spyglass here in Kansas a lot.
It was really great to see you and your Pa, it was fun being on stage together and hanging out after hours, we look forward to the next time. Thanks a million again for having us over at your place.
I saw on a web site today that you will be in Alcester England in March, my old stomping grounds! I went to college in Stratford Upon Avon.
