Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and mandolin player Judy Insley has a voice that is comfortable, instinctive, and uniquely emotive; her skillful guitar and mandolin playing provide a strong foundation for heartfelt lyrics and flowing melodies.  Her easy style and connection to the world around her touches audiences during live performances.

Quotes:

“Judy Insley is deceptive because she has a crystal pure voice over a volcanic passion. The result is spectacular!” – Tom Saunders, Host – Ann Arbor Alive (A3) Radio’s “Folk It!” Show [www.A3radio.com]

“She is not only a great folk singer she is a sweet-spirited woman with lots of amazing energy and insight.” – Stacy Jo Schiller, Farmfest Host/Organizer

Judy Insley and Floyd Raeon (pronounced "rayon") are two veteran Michigan musicians who have combined their musical talents in a unique blend of original music and songs by other select writers. The duo provides a listening experience of pure acoustic music enriched by the variety of stringed instruments they employ. Intricately woven guitar arrangements, fun banjo/guitar romps, and melodic guitar/mandolin textures are the fabrics of their sound. They share lead and harmony vocal responsibilities and perform contemporary acoustic music with an occasional twinge of bluegrass.

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and mandolin player Judy Insley spent years of performing "cover" tunes and occasional originals in various folk/rock ensembles. In 2000, she decided to concentrate on her songwriting and step out as a solo artist.

A chance meeting with bassist Martin Kramer in 2008 developed into a trio dubbed "Almost Perfect" and included Floyd Raeon. The group was very well-received and garnered accolades for their wide aural instrumental spectrum and tight 3-part vocal harmonies until Kramer was forced by the state's steep economic downturn to take a job in Tennessee.

Originally from Western New York, Floyd has been playing music most of his life. He began playing guitar in a rock band at the age of 13 and played the saxophone in high school, performing in both the concert and marching bands. After college, Floyd toured with various bands through New York State, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New England, and western Canada. From 1979 to 1982, he performed regularly in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida and also recorded a few radio jingles on guitar and banjo. From 1984 through 1986, Floyd performed with a four-piece group around the Atlanta area. He is a consummate guitarist and fluid banjo player with a straight-forward, natural vocal style.

Quote:

"You’ll feel an insurgence of warmth from the first song that will cover you like a familiar blanket.” – Craig Carrick, Music Director – Noreast’r Folk Festival [www.noreastr.net]



Here's a video of one of our recent duo performances: