Magpie
simply, absolutely, unequivocally wonderful…they’ll thrill you to boots, melt your heart…The controlled beauty of Terry’s singing is what hits you first, but she also plays a mean harp, and Greg’s relaxed accompaniment compliments her perfectly. And when they yodel in harmony… well you can wave ta-ta to your heart.
Colin Irwin, Melody Maker, London, England (from the Norwich Folk Festival, Norwich, England)
- Terry Leonino – vocals, harmonica, mandolin, fretted dulcimer, rhythm guitar
- Greg Artzner — vocals, guitar
With two strong voices in harmony and superb instrumental arrangements, their sound is powerful and moving. Award-winning recording artists, singers, songwriters, musical historians, playwrights, actors and social activists, Terry and Greg are proud to be, as Pete Seeger said of them, “…more links in the chain”, dedicating their lives and music to leaving this world a better place.
Terry and Greg started out in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973. They moved to Washington, DC. the following year, After being regular stalwarts of the folk music scene there for 34 years, they moved to upstate New York where they live now.
Terry Leonino
Terry grew up listening to the music in her family, both the Italian music played by her paternal grandfather, and the country and jazz sung by her mother, and her aunts and cousins on her mother’s side of the family. Her voice is a beautiful and impressive instrument, not only because of its natural power, but also because of her versatility. She is a gifted singer of jazz and blues, but is equally comfortable with the subtle beauty of traditional folk and contemporary songs. As if this weren’t enough, Terry is also an excellent player of the harmonica, mandolin, fretted dulcimer, and rhythm guitar.
Greg Artzner
Greg came up listening to folk on record, and singing along all the while. The popular folk music of the revival in the 50s and 60s caught his ear and imagination. At an early age, he was hooked and took to the guitar, listening and learning not only the music, but going back to explore its roots. More than 50 years later, Greg is an outstanding guitarist, whose finger-style approach owes a lot to a wide range of influences, and is the solid basis of Magpie’s sound. His high baritone voice has equal range and his captivating interpretation gives power and beauty to the full spectrum, from growling blues, to a Chilean lament, to a sweet croon.
Magpie
With a career that has spanned more than forty years, Magpie has traveled the globe, bringing its unique sound and breathtaking versatility to audiences everywhere. From traditional songs to vintage blues, swing and country to folk classics to contemporary and stirring original compositions, they cover a lot of musical ground. With their powerful voices and harmonies and their excellent instrumental arrangements on guitars, mandolin, harmonica, dulcimer, and concertina, their sound is much bigger than just two people. Award-winning recording artists, songwriters, musical historians, and social activists, Terry and Greg always promise a presentation that is highly entertaining as well as provocative and deeply moving.
How lucky I am to have lived to see and hear more links in the chain.
Pete Seeger, Sing Out! (People’s Music Network, Brooklyn,NY)