In San Francisco


In San Francisco, back in the 1960s, McClatchy was being paid for playing in ceilidh and old-time string bands. Going solo, she became a full-time, professional touring musician, first going to Britain and Europe in 1968. During 1999 she made her 25th visit to Britain.	Debby McClatchy- tutoring students at FOAOTMAD
Debby McClatchy is an expert entertainer with wit and imagination. While she plays a variety of acoustic instruments, when touring she just totes her 1907 Bacon 'FF Professional' banjo and maybe a fiddle. She is recognized as one of the finest frailed-banjo players in the accompanying style and is much valued for her banjo and singing workshops. Her combination of goodtime, old-time banjo, glorious singing- with occasional outbreaks of mountain fiddling and freestyle Appalachian stepping - has made her a favorite in clubs and at festivals.
BUT YOU don't need to take our word for it. Read these reviews of Debby's most recent album, "'til the good times come," to hear what the experts think. 'til the Good Times Come Trails End CD 098 Rock 'n' Reel (UK) Issue 32, Spring 1999 This album's stashed full of authentic down-home intimacy and warmth, honesty and simplicity; heartwarming and profoundly nostalgic, yet never emptily or falsely sentimental, and invigorating as a breath of fresh, pure Appalachian mountain air. Absolutely addictive too! Folk Roots (UK) No. 193, July 1999 Yet another fine set of songs for voice, frailed banjo and friends ... as ever, the choice of material is impeccable ... treated with respect but not reverence ... old-timey and vaudeville music as it should be played ... ! The Washington Post (USA) October 16, 1998 McClatchy has no difficulty turning back the clock and turning on the charm of old-timey music. The Old Time Herald (USA) Vol. 6 No. 7 € Spring 1999 Debby McClatchy certainly knows how to sing old-time music. Her rich, expressive voice envelops each selection on this CD, making even familiar songs distinctly her own. She is one of the best old-time banjo players around; something that people who admire her singing often overlook. Sing Out! (USA) Fall 1998 € Vol.43 #2 Debby McClatchy has shown herself to be one of our most indefatigable collectors and flawless interpreters of American traditional music. There's a way McClatchy wraps her resonant alto voice around a song that brings a real warmth and presence to this material. She's a treasure.
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