Jeff
Little is a remarkable musician, steeped in the
tradition of his native Blue Ridge, yet also a
virtuosic and eclectic innovator. Little’s
involvement with fiddle tunes, old time country, and
rockabilly dates to his growing up in Boone, North
Carolina, where his father, owned a music shop. The
shop was a regular gathering place for musicians who
would just stop by to pick a few tunes. Beginning
around the age of six Jeff would regularly sit in
with many of the musicians from the region,
including the musician who set the national standard
for picking fiddle tunes on the guitar: Doc Watson.
These influences helped shape Jeff’s approach to the
piano which is based on these deep musical
traditions. But there is also an echo of more
contemporary mountain tradition in Jeff’s
performances.
Little’s virtuosity stems
from having started playing at the age of five and
having played professionally since the age of
fourteen. His lead solos much influenced by the
flat-pick guitar tradition, are breathtaking in
their speed, precision, and clarity. An astounding
performer, with a mouth-rack harmonica and vocals he
can also be a one man show. From fiddle tunes to
rockabilly Jeff has taken his these traditional
roots to tour around the world including
performances in Sri Lanka, Oman, France, and
Tanzania. Other performances include The
Smithsonian Institute, National Public Radio, Folk
Masters, and The National Council for Traditional
Arts “American Piano Masters.”
Performances:
National Public Radio “ Folk Masters Program”
Recorded by Radio Smithsonian from The Barns of Wolf
Trap
National Public Radio / “An American Roots Fourth of
July”
The Mall, Washington, DC
Smithsonian Institution Baird Auditorium
Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC
United States Information Agency / Arts America
The Jeff Little Tour of Asia, The Middle East, and
Africa.
Concerts in: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman, and
Tanzania.
American Folk Festival / American Piano Masters
National Council for Traditional Arts
Bangor ME
Smithsonian Folk Life Festival
Washington, DC
In addition many Performing Art Centers, Colleges
and Festivals throughout the US and Overseas.
Recordings / Releases:
“Live From The Barns Of Wolf Trap”
Recorded by Radio Smithsonian
“Piano Man From The Blue Ridge”
Produced by Jeff Little
"Route 88"
Produced by Jeff Little
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