Artist description The Terrys create a soulful blend of finger-style guitar and violin with folk, Celtic, bluegrass, country and classical texturing. Beautiful and emotional music coming from the heart of a Napa Valley family.

Musical Influences Classical, Bluegrass, Celtic, Folk, Country

Similar Artists Nickel Creek, Ed Gerhard

Artist History It began with a tiny violin presented to his oldest son, then 3 1/2 years old, a gift from father to son. This was the beginning of the dream the father had, the dream that his children would grow to love music as he had. The little 3 1/2 year old boy began taking Suzuki violin lessons with very wonderful teachers. His brothers, ages 2 and newborn, went to his lessons, listened to the music on the tapes and eventually became old enough to inherit that first tiny violin. Their playing infused their brains and became part of them as if they were learning another language. Then the father began playing his guitar for the sons, teaching them words to popular songs and having them sing. Their favorite song was "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" by Louden Wainright III. They sang that song on the stage of the UC Alumni Camp, Lair of the Bear, and played a violin part together that echoed the chorus. It was quite a hit and they became known as "The Dead Skunks". So, with the friendly atmosphere of 300 campers cheering them on and the encouragement from numerous relatives, they continued to expand their repertoire and learned to play other stringed instruments. It wasn't all easy though. There were years when the boys' voices were changing and they could not sing together. Their classical violin training became a larger part of their lives and they flourished in the local community college symphony. Again, the encouragement of the conductor and other orchestra members kept them expanding their interest in all kinds of music. During the later teenage years, the guitar became more important with the boys playing popular music for friends. The influence from the father continued to surface as he exposed them to some of the great music of the 60's and 70's. Through it All, through the process of years of practice, struggling and growing, the father and sons have begun now to create their own music reflecting and blending all of their musical influences.

Group Members Jim Terry - Guitar & Banjo; James Terry - Violin, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin & Bass; Clark Terry - Violin, Guitar, Mandolin, Bass; Graham Terry - Violin, Guitar; Debbie Terry - Manager

Instruments Guitar, Banjo, Violin, Mandolin, Bass

Albums Through It All

Press Reviews The Terry's new CD, THROUGH IT ALL, is a joyful expression of the influence of music on one family. Father Jim, on guitar and banjo and sons James, Clark and Graham, on violin, guitar and other stringed instruments, deliver up original tunes that both surprise, calm and provoke. The compositions speak of growing up and finding your way and of coming back to family as a source of inspiration and comfort. From the gentle LE CIEL to the outrageously infectious OPEN ROAD--where instruments crescendo unexpectedly, the banjo zipping along, the violins a beautiful counterpoint--to the masterful EPILOGUE, the Terrys have created a CD that should become mandatory buying for everyone on the planet. Okay, that might sound a bit hyperbolic, but hopefully it communicates how much I love and listen to this CD. This reviewer gives it two thumbs up (hey I'm allowed to cause I got two thumbs!) And p.s., back in elementary school, when they tried to convince you that only geeks played the violins, they were dead wrong. Spread the word.

Location Napa, CA - USA

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