About Jeff Furman

Jeff is a multi-instrumentalist (mountain dulcimer, clawhammer banjo, guitar, autoharp, and string bass) who has been playing old-time music since 1980. Primarily a banjo player for many years, Jeff developed a rhythmic and melodic style of playing which has heavily influenced his dulcimer playing. He has an extensive repertoire of old-time fiddle music which crosses over to a strong interest in Celtic music. Jeff has performed individually, along with his wife, Janet, and with several old-time string bands at numerous fiddle festivals, public and private concerts, public schools, and dances throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, and Ohio. He has played on multiple recordings including music from Ireland, Scotland, the Appalachian Mountains, and American folk tunes.

Jeff has been the Champion Mountain Dulcimer player at the Fiddler’s Grove Festival in Union Grove, NC numerous times and has also won awards on the mountain dulcimer at the prestigious Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, Virginia. Jeff’s playing has been described as fluid and expressive, and, in his hands the mountain dulcimer becomes an instrument capable of creating a wide array of moods, emotions, and feelings.

Known as a gentle, entertaining, and effective teacher, Jeff’s versatility has enabled him to teach dulcimer workshops from beginner to advanced levels.

Jeff’s first self-produced CD, entitled “Jory’s Ladder,” is a collection of Traditional fiddle tunes and songs, beautiful Irish airs, and two original compositions for the mountain dulcimer. His second recording, “Prettiest Girl in the County,” was released in November 2004. On this recording Jeff is again joined by the other three members of the music group Well Strung Wood. They combine mountain dulcimer, fiddle, cello, old-time banjo, and guitar to create a variety of musical moods and energy. “Prettiest Girl in the County” is a collection of traditional American, Old-Time, and Celtic fiddle tunes, waltzes, airs, and ballads dedicated to the spirit of women.

Other recordings on which Jeff can be heard include “Dulcimer Jubilee” (by Lois Hornbostel…Jeff plays mountain dulcimer and old-time banjo), “Dulcimer Enchantment” (by Lois Hornbostel…Jeff plays guitar on several selections), and “Grand Picnic” (by the group, Sweet August Hams…this is a collection of old-time tunes and Jeff plays clawhammer banjo and guitar).

The greatest influences on Jeff’s dulcimer playing come from three “giants” of the dulcimer world. Lois Hornbostel introduced Jeff to the mountain dulcimer and through the years has provided musical inspiration and opportunity and friendship. Neal Hellman helped nurture a style and flair in his playing and arranging. And Mike Casey’s technical prowess, ornamentation, and Celtic interpretations helped in the cross-over between Old-time and Celtic music.

An additional influence that deserves mentioning is Ken Bloom from Pilot Mountain, NC. Jeff has been performing with Janet Furman (Jeff’s wife) and Ken the past few years in a variety of concert venues. Aside from an exposure to music from all over the world and all time periods, Ken has provided an understanding of the mechanics of music and instruments, and a spirit of stretching oneself musically. He has also provided several custom-designed dulcimers and a banjo!

When he is not making music, Jeff is a family physician in private practice in Chapel Hill, NC.