Teilhard Frost

Teilhard Frost is a multi-instrumentalist, specializing in traditional fiddle tunes, with a particular interest in the Appalachian Mountains. He has spent the last twelve years touring with critically acclaimed band Sheesham, Lotus and ‘Son, and is currently touring his new solo album, As the Crow Flies. Living on Wolfe Island, he makes banjos, supper, and his bed.

"An accomplished singer and multi-instrumentalist, Teilhard captures the spirit of the old-time music better than anyone I know. He is a natural born entertainer who's stage presence is a joyful experience!"
- Rick Ceballos, Artistic Director, Champlain Valley Folk Festival, Vermont, USA

About Teilhard Frost

A multi-instrumentalist and instrument maker, Teilhard Frost specializes in traditional Appalachian old time music. He was raised on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, spending time with the elder fiddlers in the area. At the age of three he was given a jaw harp and harmonica by his father, and his mother gave him a fiddle and a record of Kentucky fiddle tunes. He has continued to play them all ever since.

As a teenager, he moved to Southern Ontario, where he took up the more ‘urban’ Saxophone, leaving the fiddle in the case for over ten years.

Coupled with a keen interest in drumming, he pursued a career as a percussionist, co-founding the acclaimed Cuban Folkloric ensemble, Klave Y Kongo. In the ten years with Klave Y Kongo, the band hosted many Cuban artists including Eliados Ochoa and Quartetto Patria of Buena Vista Social Club fame. Yet after a while he felt a responsibility to take his Great-Grandfathers fiddle out of the closet and get re-acquainted with the tunes.

Handmade Banjos

Teilhard has been making gourd and early era banjos for the last 16 years. Inspired by Mike Seeger’s work, coupled with the excellent Rounder Records release, “Minstrel Banjo Style”, Teilhard set to making first a gourd fiddle and then on to the banjo. With gut strings, extra long scale length, mellow tones of wood and skin, these banjos make their way into the heart of everyone, even the most steadfast objector!

The tackhead banjos are based on the neck design of W.E. Boucher ca. 1850. An extra large pot gives an enormous and rich tone.

The gourd banjos design of the West African Kora, with a neck design of Teilhard’s own, with either a flat headstock or a “fiddle” style peg box inspired by the Afgani Rubab and Japanese Shamisen.