KEN KOLODNER
Ken Kolodner is recognized as "one of today's most accomplished, musical hammered dulcimer artists...A hammered dulcimer player of great taste and sophistication," (Elderly). Ken is known for his improvisational and expressive style that has been described as "nothing short of astonishing" (The Connection), "outstanding" (The New York Times), "marvelous" (The Washington Post), "virtuosic" (Audio) "stunning in its musicality" (Dulcimer Player News) and "not to be missed" (USA TODAY). In more recent years, Ken has received greater recognition as an Old-Time fiddler and in 2010 completed an influential book/CD for Mel Bay on Appalachian fiddling. For over 30 years, Ken toured widely including many years of touring with the world-music trio Helicon (with Chris Norman and Robin Bullock) and with Quebec fiddler Laura Risk. In more recent years, in addition to much solo work, Ken's playing partners have included Scottish National fiddle champion Elke Baker and Ken's son, clawhammer banjo, guitarist, vocalist, and fiddler Brad Kolodner. In 2011, the father-son duo's first release Otter Creek featured primarily original and American old-time music and was the most-played instrumental recording on the national Folk Charts in 2011. Performing and recording with his son has been the most satisfying highlight of Ken's performing career. In 2013, father and son released a new CD called Skipping Rocks. Among Ken's other credits are Walking Stones which sold over 55,000 copies and hit the top of the World Music charts and Helicon's A Winter Solstice (1999) which was awarded an "Indie" for Best Seasonal Recording.