About Us
Some 20 years ago, Norm and Bob met at a quiet lakeside in Analomink, Pennsylvania while attending a neighborhood Bible study picnic. The conversation got around to music and Norm replied, “I’ll play with anyone, anywhere, anytime.” The rest is not quite history, but it sure has been fun. Playing and recording with the Christian band Pure Water Supply and other assorted collections of fiddlers and banjo players, the two formed a friendship rooted in a common faith and heard in the music. Wayfarers and Company is an extension of that good music and friendship. Joining Bob and Norm are John James, Amanda Parker and Carol Lehrman. Together, Wayfarers and Company invites you into the music and friendship that we have so wonderfully enjoyed.
Biographies
- Norm Williams
- Norm is an original Wayfarer from New England. Norm has been singing since age 12 and his smooth baritone-tenor voice laced with his intricate guitar rhythms draw audiences of all ages to the group. Norm’s distinctive harmonies add dimension to the repertoire of gospel, folk and traditional music that he loves. Norm is an outstanding flat-picking guitarist and plays the mountain dulcimer, and banjo. Norm teaches at Mountain Dulcimer festivals including the Pocono Winter Dulcimerfest, Cranberry Dulcimer Festival, Music by the Bay, and August Heritage Center in West Virginia.
- Bob Mallalieu
- Bob sings and plays claw-hammer banjo, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, guitar and autoharp. His sharp wit and true-life stories are always audience pleasers. Along with Norm Williams, he founded the Pocono Dulcimer Club, teaches at Dulcimer Festivals, and released three previous recordings with the popular Christian folk-band, Pure Water Supply.
- Amanda Parker
- Amanda Parker is the lead female vocalist in WF & Co., and has been singing gospel music since her first Gaither solo at age 3. She gives voice lessons, sings at weddings and with her church’s worship team. Amanda also plays flute, looks great when she is carrying Bob’s banjo, and brings the average age of the band down considerably.
- John James
- John plays fiddle, mandolin and guitar. He is also an accomplished artist, art teacher, and has won numerous awards for his watercolors. John specializes in local historical art and has a story for just about everything!
- Carol Walker
- Carol is a retired choral director and was the recipient of the 2003 Governor’s Teacher of the Year Award. She sings, plays the piano, harp, mountain dulcimer, upright bass and melodica. Carol is an active member of the Pocono Dulcimer Club and a popular teacher and performer at festivals. Carol also travels with her musician – husband, Toby Walker, and joins him in concert on occasion.