New England Homeland

A husband and wife duo, Sharon & Brian have been performing music together since they first became an item back in 1982. They both play acoustic guitar and sing, with Sharon taking lead vocals. Their repertoire consists of an eclectic blend of acoustic music ranging from traditional and Celtic tunes to blues and jazz standards. Original songs are also featured, as are well-crafted solo guitar arrangements. Sharon's sweet voice makes easy transitions between heart felt ballads and snappy swing tunes. Her influences range from early blues and jazz singers such as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday to folk icons Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris. Sharon plays several guitars: a Martin 000-28H, a Santa Cruz F cutaway (open D Tuning) and the newest member of the family, a Gibson Blues King. Brian is an accomplished guitarist whose influences range from ragtime and blues to flatpicking and swing. A local CT flatpicking champ and contributor to Acoustic Guitar magazine, he also plays mandolin in the style of Norman Blake. Brian plays a Santa Cruz OMPW Brazillian guitar and a Gibson A-9 mandolin.