Biography

Sid's writing reflects a deep love for the land and the people, making up what he calls "The Maine Experience." Being a farmer most of his life has given him a unique opportunity to observe the personalities of native animals, many of which will be found in his songs such as "Fly Crow Fly", "The Chosen Ones", and "Moose Blues ". A strong interest in the history of Maine helped shape the writing of songs such as "The Lost Child" recorded by the Doughty Hill Band in 1980, and "The Stream People" which will take you back to the days of the carriage roads.

For the past several years, Sid performed throughout Maine and worked in his Sangerville recording studio (whenever he wasn't tilling the soil) with his son Sunny. Performing since the age of 10, Sunny is a multi-instrumentalist, who weaves saxophone, harmonica, and piano around Sid's rich palette of song styles. The father and son duo released their first album, "Right From the Start", in 1992.

In 1995, with the help of Sunny and co-writer Ron Hall, Sid released his second album, "The View". Showcasing a cover painted by noted artist, Alan Bray, the CD embodied an overview of Maine, through nature, it's past, and it's present day problems.

Recently, Sid has finished working on his third album with the Doughy Hill Band. This album features several new songs such as "Kineo, Conversations with a Mountain", the story of the mystic mountain in Rockwood which chronicles the days from Native American habitation of the region to the years of its grand hotel. Also on the CD is "The Marriage of Dover & Foxcroft," a tale of two town's reluctant union brought about by the power of woman's suffrage.

This song and others are part of a Maine Arts Commission program to bring local history to area schools through the use of slides and music. Working with artists and the historic societies of Piscataquis county, Sid has brought together a series of images portraying the art, history, and beauty of Maine.

For more than 30 years, singer/songwriter Sid Stutzman has created a rich history deeply rooted in the music scene of Maine. Playing his first gig at the age of 15, Sid performed with several rock, country, folk and bluegrass bands, developing his unique style into an eclectic fusion of musical experiences.

In November 2005, the Doughty Hill Band suffered a severe loss when founding member Ron Hall was disabled by a terrible stroke. After performing with his band partner Sid Stutzman for over 40 years, Ron lost the use of his left arm, and Sid lost his right-hand man and a good friend in the music business. Although Sid knew Ron could never be replaced, the search for a new member began.

As luck turned out, the new member was found in Brian Smith, a member of the Doughty Hill band from 1979 to 1987. The new line up in Doughty Hill has changed the band dynamics a bit, with Brian taking on more duties as a bassist, freeing up Sunny Stutzman to spend more time on woodwinds.

Already accomplished on the Alto Sax, Sunny has recently added a 1930's vintage Buescher soprano Sax as well as a very interesting Irish flute. Add to that his use of the penny whistle and even some dobro guitar, the width of Doughty Hill repertoire has widened immensely.

Brian Smith is just at home on the acoustic guitar as he is the bass. When he switches over to the flat top the band goes into full bluegrass mode with Sid flat picking his guitar, mandolin and even a 6 string banjo to round out a unique traditional sound. Add to this the lovely and talented Tracy Michaud Stutzman on vocals and percussion and the band comes alive with the three part harmonies that have made Doughty Hill so popular.

The band is working on their 4th album and has just completed the sound track to the new movie, "Allagash, Wildness At Risk," which features some of the instrumental pieces that will appear on the album.

Number of hits: 1762

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