FEATURING MUSIC BY

performed by MERKLES

The Merkles (a colloquial term for morel mushrooms) are a loosely-knit group of friends that play folk and roots music together. Primary members are John Hallberg (dulcimer, voice, sundry), Manabu Nagase (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, among others), Bill Abernathy (guitar, bass) and Billy Tiekelmann (guitar, profundities). The group performs two songs by the legendary Fairport Convention in the film, along with a 'take' on a third.

LARRY KEEL & DANNY KNICELY

Larry Keel and Danny Knicely are considered two of the finest players in the 'newgrass' tradition. They are two of the four original members of the notorious McGraw Gap, which also featured Will Lee and John Flowers, winners of the Telluride Bluegrass Festival's "best band" award in the 90's. Today, Larry heads up Larry Keel and Natural Bridge. Danny plays with Tara Lindhardt and others, frequently headlining at Watermelon Park Festival, as well as special yearly McGraw Gap reunion parties.

On the soundtrack for The Man They Couldn't Hang, Larry and Danny play Prison Waltz, and Larry solos on Devil's Dream.

ISSY EMENEY

Issy Emeney, a folk singer and songwriter from the UK, wrote a beautiful song about Mr. Lee and his predicament. Many songs have been written about John Lee, especially at the time of the case-songs being sung in the streets to the illiterate. Issy, Fairport Convention, and many others have joined in this long tradition.

MANABU NAGASE

Manabu Nagase has become a respected player and teacher since migrating here from Japan over a decade ago. He has jammed onstage with the likes of Larry Keel, Leftover Salmon, the OK's and many, many others. His agile playing and composing are evident in his emotional main score piece, as well as in the Fairport music performed in the film.