BILL BLACK

     
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427 Sippewissett Road
Falmouth MA 02540
tel: 508.274.0854
fax: 508.540.8226
email: zouki@aol.com
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When/where:
Born 10 January 1944, New York City. 

     
Schools:
K - 8: Saint Patrick's, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn NY
high school: Xaverian HS, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn NY
college: Saint Francis College, Brooklyn NY; BA in French 1965 (cum 
laude, honor society)

     
Service:
U.S. Naval Reserve 1961-1967 including two years active duty in Pacific 
Fleet (one year with Naval Advisory Group, Danang, Vietnam). Last ship
USS Topeka (CLG-8). Honorably discharged. 

     
Career:
In deep-sea shipping business all my working life. Did my "apprenticeship" 
from 1968 to 1973, then on my own from 1973 to 2000. Formed corporation 
in 1975 that went on to become one of the most respected of its kind in 
the industry. Retied & presently consulting in same field.

     
Personal:
Married 33 years, two grown sons, one 5-year old Malamute.

     
Health:
Excellent.

     
Travel:
Extensive, both recreationally and for business purposes. Particularly 
familiar with Ireland because of family connections.


Zero problems with travel as part of future employment.

     
Languages:
As result of language concentration in high school/college and career in 
deep-sea shipping business for 30+ years, I can read most languages of 
Europe (including Irish and Greek). Fluency in speaking is limited but 
would improve with practice. I also have a few words of Arabic, mostly 
related to food.

     
Musical career:
Started playing guitar (classical) at age 15. Self-taught (with help 
from musical parents). Mandolin, banjo, and bouzouki added in years since; 
equally comfortable with melody or backup. Also capable of singing in 
English or Irish.
    

Interest in Irish music began with Clancy Bros./Dubliners in late 60's, 
moved in early 70's to more traditional modes via activities of the 
Irish Arts Center in New York. Involved in NY session scene in 70's; was 
one of the founders of the well-known Eagle Tavern sessions that lasted 
until mid 80's. 

Have had opportunity to play with "the greats" in New York and Boston (Joe 
Burke, Andy McGann, Brian Conway, Mike Rafferty, Joanie Madden, John Whelan, 
Jerry O'Sullivan, Seamus Connolly, etc. etc.). Presently banjo player with 
the Boston Ceili Band and active in southeastern New England session scene. 
Founder of local traditional group "Celtic Tide", active in Cape Cod 
area for past three years. Recently (Oct.2002) designated backup guy at
Skip Healy's "Wind by the Bay" flute workshop, handling guitar and bouzouki
backup behind Skip and John Skelton.

  
Composer of songs and tunes (e.g., "Granny Quinn's Reel" recorded by Solas, 
"Hugh Smith's Farewell" recorded by Tony Smith, "Camel's Hump" recorded by 
Skip Healey). Collection of dance tunes (own and from other sources) 
published in 1995. Presently maintain a webpage containing more than 1200 
dance tunes in "abc" format.
  
  
Elected (Nov.2002) with other members of the Boston Ceili Band to the 
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) "Hall of Fame" in recogniztion of work
done for traditional music.
   
  
Also involved in choral composition/arranging and have recently completed 
a string quartet (Opus 34). Have also published a book of arrangements of 
harp tunes for classical guitar.
  

Also author of some poems and short stories.