Biography

“Some of the most interesting and haunting traditional music we’ve heard... impossibly talented… One thing that I really loved about both your albums is that both your banjo technique and your vocals are amazing. You seem to be mining these old songs with emotions far beyond your years.” –Jason Verlinde, Fretboard Journal, September, 2021 Nora was first introduced to old-time traditional music when she was six years old from her teacher, Shlomo Pescoe, a traditional music fanatic: he was as much of a historian as a musician. Each week she'd go into his home, replete with old-time memorabilia, and sit down for her lesson in the center of a circle of instruments. Though starting on the ukulele, with Shlomo's instruction, Nora began to learn a number of traditional instruments including the fiddle, mandolin and finally the banjo. This introduction to traditional music led to a deep love of the music and an appreciation for the history that comes along with it. Continuing to learn music, Nora has spent time in Appalachia, specifically Eastern KY, visiting masters of the banjo like the late Lee sexton and George Gibson. Her experiences visiting, learning from, and listening to the stories of older banjo players like Lee Sexton have created a deeper connection between Nora and her music. She has a particular interest in music from this region, focusing her banjo playing and repertoire from this area. She has absorbed much of this music, forming her own unique style.