The sound of the Vineyard  goes back generations to the music of the Native American Wampanoag’s and the sea chanteys and hymns of early English settlers.   

In the 1950’s coffeehouses, like the Mooncusser Cafe in Oak Bluffs popped up as venues for popular folksingers.   According to the pamphlet accompanying the Vineyard Sound CD, produced by Peter Simon:

“Around 1960 the Mooncusser became an adjunct to the commercial folk scenes of Boston and New York, drawing young stylists like Judy Collins.  These new stars influenced the Vineyard kids who flocked to see them during summer vacations.  James Taylor was one of them, along with his many musical siblings.   Two girls from New York, Carly Simon and Lucy Simon, formed the Simon Sisters and honed their act at the Mooncusser and elsewhere on the Island.  But they were just the ones who went on to become stars.  In every Island town there were (and are) musicians who play only for love and friendship, writing new songs and dreaming of hearing them on the radio some day.”

Included on this two-CD set are many of the talented artists making music on the Vineyard.  Carly Simon and her son Ben Taylor and her daughter Sally Taylor, whose father is James Taylor.  Kate Taylor, sister of James Taylor.  Entrain.  Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish.  Tom Rush.  Maynard Silva.  Jemima James.  Judy Collins with the mother daughter duo of Lucy and Julie Simon.   These are just a few of the many talented artists on the CD.

This CD is an eclectic mix of folk music, raggae and some soft rock… it perfectly  captures the diversity of the singers and songwriters of Martha’s Vineyard.

Update:  Jan 27 .. I was just informed that the CD, Best of The Vineyard Sound is currently out of stock but will be re-issued in April in a slightly altered form.