Recordings by
Joe Collins
and Mike McGee
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For
the Fun of It! (2003) A collection funny and "feel good" songs
that will bring a smile to all kinds of audiences. Most of the songs are
written by Joe, but a few are old folksongs and hand-me-downs from younger
days. One is written by a good friend, Dan Williams. Dulcimer and
guitar are the primary instruments in this zany collection, and there are a
couple of instrumentals, including Joe's arrangement of the "William Tell
Overture." However, most of the CD includes singing and crazy lyrics!
Click on the picture to view the contents and gain access to some sample MP3
files.
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Hymns for the Hearth (1994) is over 50 minutes of totally
instrumental music featuring Joe on the mountain dulcimer and Mike on guitar and
bass. It includes traditional hymns with unique folk arrangements by Joe
and Mike. These are songs that hold a lot of significance for both Joe and
Mike in their Christian walk. Songs include Morning Has Broken; Grace Medley; Kum Ba Yah;
There Is a Fountain; Sweet Hour of Prayer; Be Thou My Vision; Simple Gifts;
Holy, Holy, Holy; and others. (CD - $15, cassette - $10)
The Dancing of Time (1999) is a 55 minute mixture of
original pieces, Celtic tunes, and traditional hymns. Joe plays several
dulcimers on this tape, including his five-string dulcimer. Mike plays
guitar on all songs, and three songs feature the following friends: Paige
Timer - flute, Carol Barry - violin, and Brink Isaacs - guitar. Songs
include A Mighty Fortress; Nearer My God to Thee; Si Bahg, Si Mor; Merrily
Kissed the Quaker; The River Wide; Shortnin' Bread; Pam's Song; Aldia's Waltz; and
8 others. (CD - $15, cassette - $10)
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Erin's
Wish (2001) The title of this all-Christmas recording is named after my daughter, and
apple of my eye, Erin Collins. Every
year at Christmas, she’s the one who starts getting excited first and starts
making wishes. We all join her
after she prods us to get into the season. All
arrangements are by Mike and/or myself except for Silent Night, which is
arranged by our good friend David Putnam. I’m excited that my son, Sean, joined us on a couple
songs with his drums. He adds a lot
to “Personet Hodie” and “Erin’s Wish.”
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Great Players of
the Mountain Dulcimer!
A
sampler of great players from all over the country including Joe Collins, Mike
Anderson, Mike Clemmer, Linda Brockington, Larry Conger, Jim Curley, Steve
Eulberg, Lorinda Jones, Hollis Landrum, Anne Lough, Lee Rowe, Stephen Seifert,
Maureen Sellers, Michael Shull, Bob Thomason, and Mark Tindle. It was
really a privilege to be a part of this recording endeavor. Produced by
Michael Shull, this collection gives the listener exposure to a number of styles
and voices of the mountain dulcimer. (CD - $15)
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Recording
Partners
Joe Collins and Mike
McGee began playing together in 1988. Serving together on the same church staff for over eleven
years as the Minister of Education and Minister of Music respectively, they had plenty of time to develop a unique folk sound with dulcimer
and guitar. They play a variety of
music which includes their interpretations of well-known and lesser known
Celtic tunes, modern folk arrangements of traditional hymns, fun fiddle tunes,
and a host of original pieces they have written over the years. Their friendship
and their music are two strong bonds that now bind their rock & roll sons,
Sean Collins (drummer) & Matthew McGee (guitarist).
Pictured above are Mike, Sean, and Joe.
Joe and Mike
have played in a number of venues. They
have given community concerts and performed on street corners.
They have offered a wide variety of programs to church groups, civic
organizations, and care facilities both as a duo and as soloists.
They also have played in restaurants and for weddings extensively.
Their love of music and their God are evident in their performances
wherever they go.
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to Catalog to place an order)
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