Common Chord

Common Chord is a collaborative acoustic ensemble spearheaded by artistic directors Michael Bryant and Tracy Jane Comer, both of whom are singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. The repertoire includes originals plus unique covers from the likes of Tom Waits, the Beatles, Robert Johnson, Cheryl Wheeler, and more, with flavors of folk, blues, swing, country, pop, and jazz.

Group leaders Michael and Tracy were members of the former Madison-area trio Sticky Fingers from the early to mid-2000s, and they have worked as a duo on occasion during the years since. Michael is a singer/songwriter and composer and plays guitar, bass, and mandolin. Tracy is a also a singer/songwriter and composer/arranger who plays guitar, piano, bass, viola, cello, and hammered dulcimer.

Usual Common Chord participants include Bruce Buttel (songwriter, guitar and vocals), Delores Jenison (backing vocals), and Faye Bruggink (clarinet and bass). Alan Maslowski (percussion) joins on occasion.

At a Common Chord show you'll hear lots of harmonies and a few or more of these: guitars, bass, viola, mandolin, cello, keys, clarinet, hammered dulcimer and percussion.