As I was channel surfing KZfaq listening to hammered dulcimer players, this street musician immediately stood out with his demeanor and musical essence. As I was interested in hearing more and learning about him, I soon realized outside of a handful of passersby videos and an out of date and out of stock CD on Amazon, there was virtually nothing online to find about him. I purchased his used CD on eBay with the intention of uploading his music so the world could experience his beautiful expression.
I don't know if Arlen Olsen is still alive, all that is obvious about his life is that he played in Central Park and created a single album; but his spirit and music lives on.
Thank You, Arlen, for creating such lovely art and gracing us with a glimpse into a magical world only you could share.
Arlen Olesen: Hammered Dulcimer
Douglas Bishop: Pan Pipes
Suzy Hurd: Guitar
Anthony Santoro: Boudhren
From the Album:
In medieval times a pale was an enclosing barrier. It could surround an animal pen or fence in a settlement; it marked the edge of what was secure and familiar. So it was that beyond the pale came to mean everything else: the unknown, the unwanted, the unacceptable. But whichever side you're on, over the fence is the OTHER side. Join us Further Beyond The Pale!
1 Belemira 2:51
2 Fedora 3:05
3 O'Connel's Lamentation 5:20
4 Trip to Paris 2:31
5 Dove's Figary 1:51
6 St. Margaret's Hill 2:11
7 Hole In The Wall 2:09
8 Shetland Reels 3:00
The Hill of Finnigert
My Wife's A Drunkard
The Galley Watch
9 Mrs. Savage's Whim 3:17
10 Battle of Augrim 3:56
11 Despairing Lover 2:45
12 Epping Forrest 2:55
13 The Doge Ate My Homework 2:31
14 Morning Dew 1:50
15 My Own House Waltz 2:35
16 Irish Reels 3:52
The Moon Coin
Scotch Mary
The Merry Blacksmith
17 Kinloch 4:24
18 The Jack's Farewell 2:15
Copyright 1996 Arlen Olesen
Photo credit: CVerwaal: www.flickr.com/photos/cverwaa...
Pan Pipe player: www.panflutejedi.com/