Martin Grosswendt, roots musician extraordinaire, has teamed up with Honky Tonk Masquerade bandmate Susanne Salem-Schatz to survey the landscape of American vernacular music, branching into blues, jazz, early country, old-time jug band and who knows what else. Both are powerful singers and great instrumentalists. Together they are truly compelling.
Martin Grosswendt, once described by U. Utah Phillips as "a rumor in his own time," has been exploring the roots and branches of American music for more than forty years. A multi-instrumentalist and singer long known for his skill as an interpreter of 1920s and '30s blues, he is equally at home playing the old-time country music of the Southern Appalachians or the Cajun and Creole music of Southwest Louisiana. A musician's musician and a powerful singer, he is proficient on guitar, five-string banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, Cajun accordion, and dobro. His bottleneck guitar playing is especially highly regarded.
Martin began his career as a session musician at Vermont's Philo Records. After touring as an accompanist with various artists, he established a solo career playing at festivals and coffeehouses across the country and opening for musicians including Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee, Dave van Ronk, Taj Mahal, and David Bromberg. He recorded a solo album for Philo and has was released two critically acclaimed CDs in recent years.
Susanne Salem-Schatz, a life-long musician has brought her strong sense of harmony to a number of roots/Americana bands in the Boston area, beginning with the country swing and bluegrass band, Western Union, in the 1980s. Her vocal duets with Martin in Honky Tonk Masquerade have earned them duo rave reviews in the greater Northeast.
For reservations and directions, contact Andy or Sondra Wallace at 301-324-7311, or e-mail Andy & Sondra .
Suggested donation is $15.00.
