MUSIC

McGonigel's Mucky Duck presents Circa Paleo.

Embracing rhythms and melodies that breach the boundaries of region and era, Circa Paleo draws upon varied global influences to bring unlikely musical combinations to the here and now. As our interpretations meet exotic traditions, the folk music evolution continues.

The emotions, whether joyful celebration or sorrowful longing, weave a common thread among the many countries, eras and peoples represented. Experimental layering of ethnic drums and percussive rhythm create a supportive space for the expressive violin performances. Other instruments including saz, oud, ney, cittern, clarinet and charengo emerge as guest voices in these arrangements.

circa: from Latin circa “about” or “around”
paleo: prefix used in scientific combinations; from Greek palaio-, comb. form of palaios “old, ancient; also “far” (in space and time)
circa Paleo: around the world in approximate times.
Jenny and Josh hunt and gather from world-wide musical influences, while Jay provides wisdom of paleolithic proportions.

Jenny O’Connor
Violin, Fiddle, Guitar

The inspiration to learn violin first came when I was 17, as an Irish violin aire was playing on the family stereo. It was the only instrumental piece in an album of vocal folk ballads and had been played unnoticed countless times throughout my childhood, but at that moment I was totally captivated. The slow, simple melody spoke to me of the emotion of someone from the distant past, asking that I remain still and simply listen. That day I dug out our broken, dusty heirloom violin, untouched for decades, and began a journey of learning which continues to this day.

My studies ranged from classical violin to folk fiddle, and my interest in Irish and Celtic music soon spread to other cultures. I was drawn to the musical traditions of Greece and Eastern Europe, and the civilizations they defined. Being especially enchanted by the tough spicy culture of nomadic Romani people, also known as Gypsies, I was naturally led to the country of their origin, which is believed to be India. More recently I have explored the sounds and lives of Mongolia, Armenia and Persia…all strong influences in the first circa Paleo release…

In partnership with Greek bouzouki player and guitarist Mark Varelas, we founded E Muzeki and discovered the nation’s Renaissance Festivals. We were introduced to an amazing concentration of listeners with an eager ear for the exotic sounds we offered. The generous support of these listeners and fans offered us the opportunity to travel the country for seven years of joyous musical performance. This tradition of sharing continues, in a new way, with circa Paleo.

Joshua Amyx
Plethora of Percussion and Hand Drums, Saz, Guitar

The cycle of the sun, phases of the moon, the ebb and flow of the tide; these are rhythms of the world. They are joined by the drawing of our breath and the beating of our hearts; the rhythms that are life. Our paleolithic ancestors began by rhythmically beating their chests, struck sticks and stones together and chanted in unison, discovering that sound into rhythm is simply and profoundly captivating. These realizations gently guided me to lend my hands to this universal component.

My introduction to world percussion and the deep traditional rhythmic structures of world music left me no choice. I unreservedly embraced the mystery rooted in this enduring, unyielding ingredient of the universe. And then, there was caffeine. With a superfluity of tea and coffee at my side, I knew that there was only one course of action: immerse myself in this depth of sound and groove. Clutch it, to the very end, or be lost. Lost, but heavily caffeinated.

Jay Elkins
Guitar, Stick and Mallet drums, Percussion

I have a more formal and classical history than my bandmates. Come to think of it, I’m the only member of the band old enough to have a history. I survived the public school band program in Texas, I scraped by long enough at the University of Texas at Arlington to fake my way to a Bachelor of Music degree, and I spent an eternity one summer traveling and competing as a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in Madison, Wisconsin. I spent too many years as an educator, adjudicator, composer and performer in the Houston, Texas area while studying music composition, percussion performance, and instrumental conducting at the University of Houston Graduate School of Music. I’ve played, conducted and/or taught gazillions of musicals, variety shows, concerts, contests, halftime shows, private lessons, master classes, clinics, and marched in so many parades I needed therapy. No, really, ask any of my ex-wives.

Jay Trained primarily in Western music (that’s Western as in Hemisphere, not “Country and…”), the opportunity to learn and perform new styles and new instruments from other cultures around the world is very exciting for me. For years I’ve been a diehard renaissance festival patron mostly to drink beer and sing dirty songs with Iris and Rose, but also for a chance to experience the magic of artists like Owain Phyfe, E Muzeki, Wolgemut, Cantiga, Istanpitta, Wyndnwyre, and other phenomenally talented musicians who travel the renaissance festival circuit. The opportunity to be a part of Circa Paleo has made a dream of mine a reality; a five-day weekend.

And that now perhaps I, too, can be a part of the magic.