Ila Mae Dees Andersen created her signature style of playing the Appalachian dulcimer in the 1960s. Her style wove in harmonies and a unique method of chording and picking individual strings — using a feather — rather than just strumming the three-stringed instrument. Because she was a singer, she created her playing style to accompany her songs rather than providing melody.

She played all over the Denver area, and she performed weekends at the elegant Beaver Brook Lodge & Restaurant in Evergreen, Colorado. During that time, she recorded the album “Ila” in 1973.

We share the songs from “Ila” here so all can enjoy them. We invite you to share this with others who may enjoy Mom’s music.