Anayis (A.J.) Wright

Anayis (AH-nah-ees) “A.J.” Wright is a distinctive voice in the traditional folk genre who captivates audiences and scholars alike with their connection to maritime music, English folk, shape note, and early music. Steeped in the musical arts from childhood, A.J. grew up teaching shape note singing schools with their family and graduated with a BA in cello performance from Clark University. A.J. has been playing English concertina for twenty years, cello for even longer, and has seamlessly incorporated ukelele, mountain dulcimer, whistle, and more into the rotation over the years.

A.J.’s apprenticeship on the square-rigged vessel U.S. Brig Niagara allowed them to fuse their lifelong passion for maritime history with hands-on sailing experience, resulting in the intimate familiarity with shipboard work that grounded their career as working chanteyman and chantey foreman at Mystic Seaport Museum.

Classical training and a deep rooted foundation in various musical traditions blend seamlessly in A.J.’s solo performances, as well as their work in the duo Twa Corbies and the trio Skylark.  Their refreshing instrumental arrangements, no-holds-barred powerhouse vocals, and the deep knowledge gained from their lifelong dedicated exploration of source material has enthralled audiences from New England to the Great Lakes. Let A.J. catapult you through the centuries, leaving your feet firmly planted on history’s well-worn path and the music of ages past soaring around you.