David Zinn: Music


	Sticksongs I thought I had run dry. After so many years of writing and playing songs on the guitar, it no longer seemed fresh. I had gotten more interested in meditation and had come to feel that silence is so perfect, why would anyone bother to make music? Then I happened upon this little three-stringed instrument called a strumstick, and it changed everything.
The Strumstick (check links below) is something like a cross between a mountain dulcimer and a guitar-- that is, it's a simple folk instrument with a small body and a limited scale. At first I tried to play it with a pick like a guitar, and it sounded horrible. The more I tried to make it sound full and resonant, the more it sounded tiny and pathetic. I had to throw away my ideas of how I wanted it to sound, and let it show me how it wanted to be played.
As I continued to work with the strumstick it started to open up, and I began to hear a quiet music coming out of it that seemed like something I had been waiting my whole life to hear. Something simple and welcoming, exotic and familiar at the same time-- like new American ragas. After a while it was playing me, and I could no longer resist. Surrender was my only option.


Nest These are quiet, acoustic songs about the mysticism of everyday life-- love, presence, silence, stillness. They explore the possibility of deep happiness and freedom that arises when we let ourselves be as we are, without limit.
I did all of the music and vocals on Nest. The melodies are from the strumstick to which I add a vocal track or two, electric bass, and found percussion (clay pot, waste basket, suitcase, etc.). It all comes from a desire to go beyond. Beyond what? Beyond the little me, where real life always is. Beyond even the idea of going beyond. Why else would anyone bother to make music?
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		unreasonable presence lovers breathing now beyond wishing happiness otherside
(Note: if you have trouble hearing the music samples, click this text...)

If you would like to download the CD directly from Apple iTunes:
	I am happy to report that Nest can now be downloaded directly from the Apple iTunes Music Store. If you don't have the iTunes software installed (Mac or PC) click the apple on the left . If you do have iTunes already on your computer, just put my name into the iTunes search box and you're there! Or (even easier) simply click this link: David Zinn

If you would like to be mailed the CD:

Strumsticks and Firesticks

I very recently came upon the best description of the Strumstick from an article about the songwriter Jennifer Kimball, who refers to her three-stringed Strumstick as "the love child of some illicit affair between the dulcimer and the broom."

Not that many people know what a strumstick is-- so here are a couple of links if you are interested in finding out more about this fantastic little instrument:

Strumstick Homepage
http://www.strumstick.com/

This is the site of Rob McNally, who builds all kinds of beautiful Strumsticks and provides a ton of information about why everyone on earth should own one. The music on Nest was produced on a McNally Grand Strumstick-- really a fine instrument and great site.

Smokey Mountain Dulcimer
http://www.smokeymountaindulcimer.com/

This is the site of Blaine Horlocker, who hand makes all kinds of variations on the Strumstick including a Strumstick Banjo and an electric version called the Firestick! Truly an innovator in the field of mountain instruments.
Check it out!

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