An unofficial fan page...until more is available on the net. Comments, contributions, corrections, and suggestions all appreciated.

Nancy Rumbel was coaxed into playing oboe by her band director after a bad experience with the clarinet. "It kept squeaking!" recalls Rumbel. Pursuing a classical career, she attended Northwestern University to study with Ray Still of the Chicago Symphony. "But a funny thing happend on the way to Orchestra Hall," she laughs. While working at the music library, she became intrigued by the records she played for an ethnomusicology class and began to explore nontraditional uses for her instrument. Through a serendipitous series of chance meetings, work as a dance accompanist, and cross country moves, she won a coveted spot as a member of the legendary Paul Winter Consort. After touring and recording with the group for four years, she left to start a family. In 1984, while attending a music festival in Oregon, she met guitarist Eric Tingstad. She moved to Seattle a year later and they began performing and recording together. Since signing with Narada in 1985, Tingstad and Rumbel have been among the top selling duos in contemporary instrumental music. Nancy regards this album, her first solo composing / recording project, as one of her most ambitious and rewarding musical endeavors. It provides a wonderful showcase for her adventurous artistic spirit which has sparked a life-long pursuit of new avenues of expressiveness for her chosen instruments.

Sometimes I have to wonder if famous people actually visit these pages, but I never really expected it until Nancy Rumbel saw the Narada Artists page. I received a very nice phone call and a copy of her first solo release, Notes from the Tree of Life, along with this note. Needless to say, I was completely amazed... And so this page is dedicated to a wonderful person, talented and versatile musician, and fellow web-surfer. Her new album ranges from pensively reflective compositions to festive ones reminiscent of reggae. Four instruments and a variety of styles. It warms my heart to listen.

On Tour

For more information:
Nancy Rumbel
Suite 854, 15100 SE 38th Street
Bellevue, WA 98006

TREE OF LIFE
One of the most beautiful images describing our relationship to the universe is The Tree of Life. It symbolizes a way of living rooted in the earth and based on a interrelationship with nature. Its spreading branches reach out to all peoples and cultures, its soaring top aspires to lasting values, its seeds contain the potential for change and growth, and its trunk the center of our heart and soul. Using the tree as a metaphor, my music celebrates the diversity and interconnections that sustain and enrich our lives.
Nancy Rumbel: oboe, keyboards
Dana Dysart: piano
Doug Miller: acoustic bass
Mark Ivestor: percussion

LULLABY
My first memory is of lying in my crib hearing the Brahm's Lullaby. When I was growing up in San Antonio, my mom, trained as a classical pianist, would often play music after my sisters and I were put to bed. Whenever I hear a Chopin Nocturne, I still remember that peaceful feeling of falling asleep to music.
Nancy Rumbel: English horn
Alison Austin: harp
Joe Crnko: string sequencing

NIGHT TRIBE
When I visit and perform in National Parks, I often walk late at night to absorb their magic. It seems that for many musicians and artists, the stillness of night sets the stage for some of their most creative insights. Some are night people by choice, others by necessity, finding it the only quiet time they have after a hectic day. I am a member of this tribe and treasure these precious and undisturbed hours.
Nancy Rumbel: ocarina, keyboards
Mark Ivester: percussion
Dave Dysart: sound design

ANANSI
My children, Aaron and Elana, enjoy reading a wonderful book about the West-African legend of Anansi, the spider. Like the coyote-trickster of Native American stories, he is always getting into trouble! This playful piece, with its African tonal colors, is his theme song.
Nancy Rumbel: ocarina, keyboards
Ed Hartman: marimbas
John Morton: electric guitar
Mark Ivester: congas
Mark Yeend: shakers

PASSING FANCY
This tune started with a two-bar rhythm running through my head -- truly a passing fancy -- that blossomed into an Afro-Caribbean piece.
Nancy Rumbel: ocarina, keyboards
John Morton: guitar
Garey Shelton: electric bass
Ben Smith: drums / timbales
Mark Ivester: cowbell

SONG OF HOPE
By the time this piece was finished, the passionate colors of Spain and Brazil seemed to have merged. This is for Claudia who mentioned one day that she was looking for her hope.
Nancy Rumbel: oboe
Frank Seeberger: acoustic guitar
Tom Kellock: keyboards
Doug Barnett: electric bass
Steve Jones: percussion
Mark Yeend: percussion

DONA NOBIS PACEM (GRANT UNTO US PEACE)
One Christmas, some young friends of the family were singing music from Eastern Europe. Their voices inspired me to write this piece, and I was pleased to include them in this lovely choir. This song is dedicated to all children forced to endure violence, suffering and hardhship.
Nancy Rumbel: oboe, keyboards
Choir: Elisa Vick; Taran Collis, Anya Matanovic, Katya Matanovic, Amanda Carr, Jennifer Lind, Elizabeth Torrance
Conductor: Nathaniel Papadakis
Doug Miller: bass
Alexander Eppler: cimbalon
Mark Ivester: cymbals

COYOTE DANCE
Many of my friends are members of the coyote clan -- fun loving, mischievous, tricksters -- you can tell by the twinkle in their eyes.
Nancy Rumbel: ocarina, keyboards
John Morton: nylon & steel string guitars
Doug Miller: acoustic bass
Ben Smith: percussion

DELICATE BALANCE
Inspired by mentor, cellist and dear friend David Darling, this pizzicato accompaniment came to me one day while improvising on the keyboard.
Nancy Rumbel: English horn
David Darling: cello

SATIE
After I wrote this piece, I realized it reminded me of Eric Satie's solo piano piece Trés Gymnopedies which I have always loved, so I named it in his honor.
Nancy Rumbel: oboe
Meade Crane: piano
Joe Crnko: string sequencing