Michael Cooney

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performer," says Dave Siglin, who with his wife, Linda, has managed the Ark since 1969. Note that word, "performer." Siglin did not call Cooney a folksinger, and neither does Michael, who says, "I'm an entertainer who sings a few folk songs."

That's true enough, although in a repertoire of well over 500 tunes, there have got to be more than a "few" folk songs. Besides folk, Cooney also entertains with blues and ragtime tunes, popular and obscure songs from every period of American history, sea chanteys, work songs, cowboy songs, novelty songs, children's songs, and English, Scottish, Irish, and Australian ballads. And he seems to know the history and origins of every one. He also tells hilarious stories, old recitations, and bits of Maine humor, and accompanies himself on six- and twelve-string guitars, banjo, fretless banjo, concertina, and a suitcase of odd music makers that includes the harmonica, pennywhistle, and jaw harp.

Despite being accomplished at all of these instruments, there is no Michael Cooney style of guitar or banjo playing. Unlike Leo Kottke or Mississippi John Hurt — where as soon as you catch a few notes you know who you are hearing — Cooney makes each piece sound distinct and true to its origins. He lovingly crafts the right accompaniment to every song or story. Although you hear frequent flashes of virtuosity, his playing never draws so much attention to itself that it overwhelms the song.