Musicians Al Petteway and Amy White have their own spin on the traditional children's rhyme: first came love -- then came music -- then came marriage.
“Although, to be fair, we did meet and fall in love at a St. Patrick’s Day Concert at the National Geographic Society,” White explained. “So you could say that music came first, as it ultimately brought us together, and kept us together.”
The husband-and-wife duo have been performing and recording together since 1995, blending original, traditional, contemporary Celtic, and Appalachian-influenced music on acoustic guitars, mandolin, Celtic harp, banjo, Irish bouzouki, piano, and world percussion.
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Petteway was a guitarist and drummer for a variety of rock and folk acts in the Washington D.C. area during the 1960s. The next decade he went on to play with the Old Dominion University Madrigal Singers and the Norfolk Ballet Orchestra. Since, he has established himself as one of the country’s top guitarists.
White was a child prodigy who won her first award for piano composition from the Virginia Music Teacher’s Association at the age of 11. She has won multiple awards and is well regarded for her piano prowess.
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When they came together it was magic and they celebrate each March in what they call their “love anniversary.”
“It’s the time of year that we met, fell in love and begin forging a life of music and art together,” Petteway said. “We almost always honor this anniversary with a live concert among friends and family.”
On Sunday, that celebration will take place For those venturing out the couple promise to perform both new and old material with their usual Celtic- and Appalachian-Groove.
The concert will be focused on music from their new release, ‘High in the Blue Ridge, White said. In addition to guitar, mandolin and Celtic harp, the duo will be performing new selections on old-time banjo, mountain dulcimer and piano.
Over the years, the couple has won 50 WAMMIE Awards from the Washington Area Music Association. The secret to working and living together lies in their philosophy about music and love.
“Thankfully, our talents, skills and artistic preferences dovetail beautifully,” White said. “That blend makes for a great foundation. Since we’re best friends, as well, we really thrive in this shared environment. As artists, we often play varying roles for each other—from inspiration, to gad-fly, to the consoling shoulder.”
The duo moved away from the DC area to the mountains of North Carolina a few years ago, and they are always happy to come home.
“We remember the wonderful reaction the first time we returned to DC after moving to Asheville. It was at a Jammin’ Java concert, actually. The audience was so enthusiastic, we couldn’t help joking that we should move away more often,” White said. “We do love getting the chance to reconnect with friends and family, face to face. The DC Metropolitan area is so vibrant, it’s a great boost for us after months of quiet mountain-top reflection.”
Due to high demand, the duo is currently planning a DVD of nature photography and original music as a companion to their popular multi-media shows.
“We’re all naturally multi-faceted creatures,” White said. “The digital age has highlighted this tendency of ours towards the ‘enhanced experience.’ We do love music for music’s sake, but we can’t deny how its power is multiplied when paired with visual art or dialogue. Otherwise, we all wouldn’t be so fond of the movies.”
But for now, they're looking forward to coming "home."
“This is our first official duo release in five years,” Petteway said. “We’re so excited to be creating together again."
Al Petteway and Amy White's CD release show is at 7 p.m. Sunday at Jammin' Java. Tickets are $20.
