You’ve probably seen it – maybe even several times (as I have). Back on August 24th, Hammered Dulcimer National Champion Ted Yoder went into his backyard orchard in Goshen, Indiana to hammer out (feeling punny today) a cover of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” Broadcast on Facebook Live for his Songs From The Orchard web series, the song went viral – garnering over 80 million plays, almost double the count for the original Tears For Fears video. Now comes word that Ted is prepping for his next album, Songs From the Orchard: Volume 1.
Ted is funding the new record via IndieGoGo, and although it’s already exceeded its goal, listeners can pre-order the record through the campaign, and get some cool perks along the way.
From the Official Announcement: The album will be Ted’s sixth album and is slated for a Spring 2017 release. It will feature his stunning rendition of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” along with other originals and covers done with his distinctive blend of sublime melodicism and jaw-dropping instrumental prowess. The album will be produced by Grammy-nominated songwriter Mark “Gersh” Gersmehl (White Heart, Ricky Skaggs, Phil Keaggy). In addition to Ted’s lush solo performances, the album will also feature dynamic band interplay courtesy of bassist Mark Hill (Keith Urban, Reba McEntire), drummer Steve Brewster (Joey + Rory, Trace Adkins, Kenny Rogers), and Grammy Award-winning songwriter and guitarist Gordon Kennedy (Peter Frampton, Ricky Skaggs, Kenny Logins) who co-wrote Eric Clapton’s hit “Change The World.” For fans that met Ted in his orchard, here’s a chance to bring his award-winning musicality home.
In less than a decade, Ted has gone from tinkering on the hammered dulcimer to releasing five studio albums, authoring a groundbreaking instructional book, teaching Skype lessons to students around the nation, and becoming an in-demand performer at community theaters, churches, and festivals. The National Hammer Dulcimer Champion has been profiled in the Kearney Hub and on NPR’s esteemed NPR All Things Considered show, among many other features, profiles, and reviews in regional and national tastemaking outlets. The story of this family man, and father of seven’s rise to prominence is as inspiring as his spiritually uplifting musicality.
In conclusion, Ted says: “Early this year I took a part time job to supplement our music income for the first time in 6 years. My whole family was fighting with me to keep the dream alive-the dream that a man could be a great musician and provide for his family at the same time. That August broadcast was the biggest truckload of hope and success we have ever seen. We’re so excited to share this recorded cover of ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World,’ along with some choice other selections. This is truly a dream come true for me and my family.”
