Leo Kretzner: Guestbook
Nina Zanetti
June 4, 2010
Leo, cool article on singing and strokes. (Sorry, just now got around to checking it out).
be well
Nina
Thanks, Nina. And for those wondering what she's refering to, here is a link:
http://www.groundreport.com/Health_and_Science/Stroke-Patients-Sing-Their-Way-Back-to-Speach_3/2918268
Bruce Gootner
March 28, 2010
Hi Bruce,
I'm sure if we met we could both recall one or more connections we had back then!
But I need clarification on exactly what you’re talking about. Eg, if his wife arranged for a TV feature... isn't thAT the person you're asking about? (and end of story?)
Leaving confusion over details aside, if you're asking do I know who made those dulcimers, not immediately. I remember those ram's head ones, though. It is somewhat possible I have a picture(s) of one in my old slide collection, which is from my earliest active period, late 70’s on, of traveling around and photo’ing as many as I could for a while. IF I have a photo it might say who made it – but understand, no guarantees on either of those. Would you like me to look? I do know where they are. (Yea me)
Also, can I assume you’ve talked to people around Lansing and Ann Arbor about who you’re looking for?
As to cancer, I’m sorry to hear and I sympathize. I'm walking around with some in my prostate that is being actively monitored for psa. But so far spared medical treatment beyond saw palmetto, vit D, lycopene – and flomax, a pre-existing treatment for benign prostate well-endowededness (as it were).
Anyway, please clarify, and if I can help by looking at those slides, etc, let me know!
All the best,
Leo
Leo,
I played a fingerpicking dulcimer in E. Lansing circa 1974-6 at the Old World Cafe and other folk venues. A craftsman from Holt/Mason/Lansing area made me a custom dulcimer with a carved ram's head by the tuning pegs. My son now plays it and I'm trying to find this man. His wife arranged an appearance on MSU public access TV. Was hoping you would recollect something to help find him.(When you have cancer you go on strange quests!)
Thanks, Bruce
Bob Palmer
November 22, 2009
I sure like the "Extra Drops of Brandy". I internalized it off the Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer CD and figured it out in D-G-D. I was wondering what tuning you do it in. Any tab of the song I can get ahold of?
Bob Palmer---Moreno Valley
Hi Bob,
Yes, I do it in D - G - D, you got that right. I'd have to look and see if I have tab for it...
Leo
Ches Looney
October 31, 2009
I've been listening to music since the early 40's. Back then the stations in south Texas came into my bedroom in Kansas from Clint, Texas where they advertised "real, genuine, imitation diamond rings"! My tastes vary from jazz and swing to folk with an occasional detour into the classics. My wife, Ruth, and I sing tenor and bass in the church choir. "... Daddy sings bass and Mama sings tenor..." I simply want to thank you for "Flowers of the Spring". That is likely to remain my favorite piece of music forever. You've encompassed so many topics from theology to love in that wonderful song. I can't hear it without getting moist eyes. Many, many thanks!!!
Ches
Ches - Thanks very much.
Jan Hammond
October 21, 2009
Hi Leo,
I enjoyed looking around on your website...I think I could actually be the last musician without one...Lois Hornbostel just told me this week that I need to get a site going. One day, I hope I have the opportunity to meet you and experience your music first hand. I have had several people tell me that when I play, it puts them in mind of your style...I think Jerry Rockwell was one of them...regardless, you are so very much respected in the dulcimer community and I just wanted to say hello.
All the best,
Jan Hammond
Thanks, Jan. What part of the country do you live in? Leo
Nina Zanetti
April 8, 2009
Hi, Leo. I am looking forward to meeting you at Cullowhee, where I will be a tutor and teach a couple of electives. I am also planning to go to the Shenandoah festival as a participant, and am trying to chose between your advanced course or taking the traditional music course. Would you be able to tell me a bit about what you plan to cover in the advanced course? Thanks. Nina Zanetti (www.ninazanetti.com) ( my website just went public today!)
HI NINA,
I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU TOO! THE ADVANCED COURSE AT SHENANDOAH WILL BE A LOT LIKE MY COURSE AT WCU DULCIMER WEEK: LOTS OF EMPHASIS ON RHYTHMS AND ACCENTS, PLAYING OUT OF KEYS COMPATIBLE WITH D-A-D TUNING WITHOUT RETUNING, SOME FIDDLE TUNES, SOME CHORD-MELODY PIECES, AND A FEW BLUESY THINGS. IT'S ALWAYS HARD TO CHOOSE THOUGH WHEN OTHERS ARE ALSO OFFERING GREAT CLASSES, SO WHATEVER YOU DECIDE I'M SURE YOU'LL HAVE A GOOD TIME!
LEO
Rita Goebel
April 4, 2009
Hi Rita,
I think you should give it a try if you meet most of the other requirements of the level (as they define them in the booklet). Your experience with finger picking won't hurt, you'll just be taking the course to enhance your strumming skills, amongst other things. Some people may pick those up more quickly, but that's okay as long as you're not too hard on yourself about that difference! Looking forward to meeting you, Leo
Hi, Leo. I enjoyed your playing at the Cullowhee Dulcimer Week last summer--loved the energy and rhythm and finesse--and hope to take your class this summer particularly to work on strumming technique. Frankly,I'm not sure my strumming skills are up to your expected level, however, having focused almost entirely on finger picking for the past two years. Don't want to frustrate you. Any advice?
David C. Berry
March 19, 2009
Looking forward to meeting you in Cullowhee,N.C. Dulcimer week,I'm taking a couple of your courses this year
HI DAVE, LIKEWISE! ,- ) lEO
Regina Payne
March 8, 2009
Is the tablature book available for the Dulcimer Fling CD? Thanks, Regina
Regina Payne, Walker, LA
March 8, 2009
Leo, Hello, I took your afternoon class last year at Cullowhee & enjoyed the introduction to blues. I aspire to play blues, swing, and techniques you are expert at. I'm a solid intermediate player & like to take your morning course this year but do not know if beyond my skills. A question: Will your preparatory material be fairly detailed so I'll be able to recall what I actually "learned" once I get home & am on my own? I am self-taught on music theory (ei, don't know all that much). Glad you're are back to NC. Regina Payne
HI REGINA,
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST! YOU SHOULD MAINLY GO BY THE SKILLS DESCRIPTIONS IN THE CATALOG, FACTORING IN WHETHER YOU'RE COMFORTABLE BEING CHALLENGED OR WOULD RATHER FEEL SECURE. RECALLING AND REPLAYING THE MATERIAL ONCE ONE GETS HOME OFTEN TAKES A BIT OF EFFORT, COMPARED TO THE MOMENTUM ONE FEELS AT A WEEK-LONG CAMPE WITH LOTS OF OTHER PLAYERS AROUND, BUT I TRY TO MAKE THE HAND-OUTS UNDERSTANDIBLE AND OF COURSE A TAPE OR DIGITAL RECORDER ALSO HELPS. WHETHER YOU END UP IN MY CLASS OR NOT, I WILL BE DOING ANOTHER BLUES WORKSHOP AS AN AFTERNOON ELECTIVE. SO, HOPE TO SEE YOU ONE WAY OR THE OTHER!
LEO
Ghrnwwfb
February 21, 2009
Wonderful, great site
Ric hahn
November 29, 2008
Leo ~Remember Tower Rd - Lincoln Ma?
Peace & Love ~ Ric
kris campbell
September 13, 2008
Hello-
I always wonder how I got to the URL I'm reading but in this case I googled mountain dulcimer rock & roll. Your site was among the choices and when I saw Ann Arbor, one of my favorite cities, I read on. I am very new to mountain dulcimer and have a kit coming next week to build my own. Can't wait to get it started and finished, ready to play. Got the bug from a good friend and the dulcimer she let me borrow at the Midland Folk Festival. Hope to meet you sometime and all the wonderful people I've been reading about who play the dulcimer.
Pamela Veley
September 9, 2008
Just walked past your old LPs in my basement . . . but no longer have anything to play them on. I couldn't find any way to order your CD on your website. How do I go about it?
Thomas Phelps
August 4, 2008
I have been a longtime fan. My father and i went to the Dulcimer Festival in Glen Rose, Tx years ago and we bought the tape of Bold Orion. Would it be possible to get a signed CD of that album? It would be the best gift I could give him as a son to father. We have had so many joyous times listening to your music.
Dale Robin Lockman
July 16, 2008
Long time fan -- from Mariposa days. I was also influenced and enjoyed great friendship with Margaaret MacArthur. I have been asked to participate in a program at the Univ of Southern Maine, where I work at the community radio station, and I would like to use your "Bold Orion" in this program at the Southworth Planetarium there. The Planetarium director, Ed Gleason my be in touch to ask if we may use your lyrics in the booklet he is printing. I have sung this song for so many years... it's presence in my life is a gift beyond words. I wanted to thank you for it - I have wanted to do so for many years, but here was the good excuse! Best wishes, Dale Robin
doug felt
June 30, 2008
I enjoyed your class,(" I think.??")
Joyce Forhan
June 8, 2008
Have a new turntable and rediscovered "Dulcimer Faire". Marvelous, happy music. Now tell us how to get "Dulcimer Fling", please. Thank you for music.
Barb Truex
May 28, 2008
I'm having a nostalgic moment - heard from Doug Berch today for the first time in a loooong time and started to wonder how things were going with you these days! And of course wondered if you had a site - bingo! Catch me up sometime soon! I haven't quite gotten to the blog or comment thing yet on mine. One babystep at a time. This boomer brain can only absorb so much technology in one swoop.
Barb
www.barbtruex.com
Rev. Dr. Susan Lemly
May 27, 2008
Hello! I used to play the dulcimer until my MS made it impossible to play any longer. It is a wonderful instrument and I really enjoy playing as long as I could.
You are currently dating my college roommate, Laurie Losh. She is an excellent, intelligent friend and so very, very kind! When I first developed symptoms of MS, affecting my legs while on a college semester in Salzburg, Austria, Laurie was with me, holding my arm as I attempted to walk to doctors appointments. I was frightened and confused but Laurie was with me all the time. She is an wonderful person!
Katy Stone
May 9, 2008
Hi Leo!
Cool website
Roger
March 2, 2008
Leo, It was great to sit in on the bodhran session tonight and even better to hear you Old Gray Cats play some tunes. I sat next to you and had a great time.
Thanks again.
doug felt....the dead tree troll...
March 2, 2008
wondering if you ever read these and I've signed up for your class at Cull-o-wee so beware !!!!!!!!
Leslie
February 21, 2008
A wonderful site! Like Lynn Havsall, I too am trying to find the song "Bold Orion." I honestly can't remember where or when I first heard it...but it is one song that always stays in my brain. I would really love to add Bold Orion to my ipod! Also, the celtic slow session link is great!
Lynn Havsall
January 24, 2008
Hi, I'm so thrilled to have tracked you down. I've been singing your Bold Orion song (to myself) since 1985! A friend taped it off the radio up in Anchorage AK, where we worked at Chugach State Park, and I've been using it at astronomy programs ever since. I never knew who wrote it. My old tape is thoroughly worn out. Where can a buy a new copy? Thanks and I love your seasonal and deep time poetry in that song!
Lynn Havsall
Director of Programs
Dorr Museum of Natural History
College of the Atlantic
Bar Harbor, Maine
Brenda Hunter
January 2, 2008
Hi Leo,
Nice website! Enjoyed jamming and hearing your set at NYCamp. 'Twas almost enough to tempt me to take up the "other" dulcimer... Hope our paths cross again soon! Brenda Hunter
Tina Burman
September 26, 2007
Hi Leo,
I have just purchased the Walter Martin and Michael Martin properties in Roaring Spring, PA. Tonight I was out in the workshop starting to sort through things and found your cassette tape Not So Still Life. Listening to it now. I am preserving what I find here and have already been in touch with Dwain Wilder from Bear Meadow Folk Instruments.Purchased from him the 2nd Sunhearth dulcimer that Walter Martin made. I am not sure what I am going to do with this place but maybe I will invite everyone back for a folk concert. I hear they used to have them here. Did you ever visit here? Drop me a note if you have a chance. Thanks Tina.
Merle Roesler
July 7, 2007
Hey, Leo! Remember me? I mentioned your name in conversation recently -- a friend's teenage son has become enamored of the dulcimer, and I was wishing aloud that you could teach him. Fortunate for me that I had that opportunity. If you ever find yourself back in the Boston area, music parties can be arranged in your honor! Warmly, Merle
Barry
June 22, 2007
It's been a long time Leo! Lost touch completely.
Did a pubmed search on the effect of dulcimer music on mad/max expression and found your wonderful website. Drop me a line sometime to catch up. Cheers...
Mark Filler
June 19, 2007
I AM the only musician on earth without a website, but I have a pretty cool drum set, eh?
randy dunaitis
June 17, 2007
I was just playing "Bold Orion" on cassette and thought I would look you up. It is still out favorite dulcimer tape. We live in Ohio, heard you at the old Black Swamp festival. If you know of a appearance in CA, please let us know, we are in the LA area often.
Randy