Mance Grady

SEEKING

Band to Join, Vocalist, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Tenor, Vocalist - Soprano, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Other Percussion, Violin, Trumpet, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Background Singer, Harmonica, Flute, Other, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dobro, Vocalist - Alto, Trombone, Bagpipes, Steel guitar, Upright bass, Cello, Accordion, Ukulele.

ABOUT

I've been playing mostly Celtic music - from straight trad to more rocked out. I was on the cutting edge of the trad fusion scene in the late 70s bringing congas, bongos, djembe, etc. into Celtic music and also bringing the bodhrán, for which I'm best known for, into other musical genres. My experience is diverse, having started studying classical snare, moving onto drum set and eventually to hand percussion. My interests in classical, rock, blues, big band, folk music has helped make me a versatile player with a great deal of strength in improvisation. Rhythmically, I'm spot on, but am able to invoke a lot of passion and groove into my playing. Great music must feel good.

Screen name:: Mance Grady
Member since:: Jul 23 2007; Active within 1 week
Level of commitment:: Very Committed
Years playing music:: 50
Gigs played:: Over 100
Tend to practice:: More than 3 times per week
Available to gig:: 4-5 nights a week

Influences

I've always admired the ones who came before. With the bodhrán whose use has had a rebirth since the 1950s, I've always had a great deal of respect for the playing of Kevin Conniff of the Chieftains and also Johnny Ringo McDonough. I've tried to pay homage to all those players, mentioned and not mentioned, but I've developed a distinct style of my own, taking full advantage of the tonal changes I get from the bodhrán and I use it to compliment the melody line as much as possible, so that the bodhrán goes far beyond a purely rhythmic instrument.

EQUIPMENT

Main instruments:
Bodhráns (diameters from 12-20" and varying depths - I make my own bodhráns),
LP Congas & Bongos,
Djembe,
Tama Starclassic Drum Set,
Long list of other percussion for texturing.