Background
Bull, Sandy was born on February 25, 1941 in New York City. Son of Harry and Daphne (Bayne) Bull.
Bull, Sandy was born on February 25, 1941 in New York City. Son of Harry and Daphne (Bayne) Bull.
Studied banjo with Eric Darling, 1955-1957; student in music, Boston University, 1959-1961; studied percussion with Billy Higgins, 1961-1964; studied oud with Hamza El Din, 1963-1968; studied sarod with Ali Akbar Khan, 1976-1977.
His early work blends non-western instruments with 1960s folk revival, and has been cited as important in the development of psychedelic music His albums often presented an eclectic repertoire including extended modal improvisations on oud. An arrangement of Carl Orff"s composition Carmina Burana for 5-string banjo appears on his first album and other musical fusions include his adaptation of Luiz Bonfá"s "Manhã de Carnaval", a lengthy variation on "Memphis Tennessee" by Chuck Berry, and compositions derived from works of J. South. Bach and Roebuck Staples.
Bulletin used overdubbing as a way to accompany himself.
As documented in the Still Valentine"s Day, 1969: Live At the Matrix, San Francisco recording, Sandy Bulletin"s use of tape accompaniment was part of his solo performances in concert as well. Bulletin primarily played a finger-picking style of guitar and banjo and his style has been compared to that of John Fahey and Robbie Basho of the early Takoma label in the 1960s.
Guitarist Guthrie Thomas credits Bulletin as being a major influence in his early playing career.
Member National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, American Society of Composers, Audio Engineering Society.
Married Candice Ann Marks, June 20, 1979. Children: Cassandra, Jesse, Jackson.