Can you play a 30's standard followed by a traditional tune from the 1800's and then launch into a song written just last week? Pamela Temple and Spencer Funk of the Cincinnati-based duo wild carrot think so. They do jazz, blues, traditional folk songs, not-so-traditional folk songs, show tunes and originals, delivered with sparkling and occasionally eclectic arrangements with guitar, mandolin, concertina, bowed psaltery and various other fun things.

With over 10 years of classical vocal training, Pamela's superb vocals are always a highlight. Spencer is an adept fingerstyle guitarist versed in many musical idioms and instruments. They have shared the stage with such internationally known acts as Fairport Convention, Stanley Jordan, Robin and Linda Williams, David Massengill, Bill Staines and Bill Morrissey. Wild carrot's entertaining, honest and talent-laden performances have something for everyone and their growing reputation for high musicianship, professionalism and fun is making them a favorite on the national folk circuit.

Recently chosen as cultural ambassadors to Chile by the US Embassy in Santiago, they were finalists for the prestigious Kerrville New Folk contest, winners of the Walnut Valley New Songs Showcase for Folk, and were named Best Folk Act by the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. Wild carrot spend much of their home time as part of the Muse Machine program, performing and giving songwriting workshops to elementary and middle school classes in 60 schools in the Dayton OH area. They are on the Ohio Arts Council's Artists on Tour Fee Support Roster and are endorsing artists for John Pearse Strings.

Both from Cincinnati, Pamela and Spencer are rooted in traditional folk music but branch in diverse directions. With over 10 years of classical vocal training, Pamela has performed in many venues from coffeehouses to opera houses. Her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica helped her develop an honest and intelligent song-writing style. Spencer has always been drawn to fingerstyle guitar but has studied and performed many styles including jazz, blues, and classical for over 20 years. He has been in demand as a sideman over the years and teaches guitar, mandolin and bass.

Pamela and Spencer met back in 1991 at the 30+-year-old Leo Coffeehouse when he was managing the place and she was singing at an open mic. After a few years they decided to join forces and as their musical relationship took root, so did their personal relationship and they're still growing. With any luck both will continue long after people stop asking, "Is the name wild carrot a reference to her hair?"

"one of the top folk groups around today!"
- Nancy Johnson-Barker, Kentucky Music Weekend

"There's the inevitable comparisons to other folk duos like Small Potatoes but Wild Carrot has a sound all their own, anchored in Pamela Temple's well-crafted songs, gorgeous soprano voice and Spencer Funk's amazing mastery of guitar and mandolin"
- Sing Out!

"an omnipresent eye toward strong songwriting and rich harmonic balance. Stitched out of gentle acoustic guitar play and a nicely checked vocal fabric... their songs are impressive"
- Creative Loafing

wild carrot have long been known for their eclectic blending and bending of musical genres, included swing standards and traditional jazz tunes. Their latest exploration, collaborating with pianist Hank Ross and with some of the tradition's best players, resulted in this fine collection of standards recorded in New York, aptly titled I've Heard That Song Before. Joining the trio are clarinetist Pete Martinez (Vince Giordano's big band The Nighthawks; Jimmy Noon's The Apex Project), trumpet great Simon Wettenhall (The National Underground; Woody Allen's traditional jazz band) and bassist David Dreiwitz (New York City's School of Rock). With its unique and playful arrangements, from the title cut to "There Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" and venerable classics like "Oh Lady Be Good", tempered with wild carrot's fresh synthesis of folk and jazz, this trove of musical treasures from a storied era of American music evokes both a timelessness and nostalgia that are sure to bring a smile to the listener.

Recorded with dulcimer great Bob Belamy and singer/songwriter/producer Chris Rosser, Hope features 10 original songs including "These Songs" (winner of the 2000 Walnut Valley Festival's New Songs Contest) and the touching title track (two Emily Dickinson poems stitched together with some original lines) as well as three well-chosen covers. Guests include Don Porterfield on fretless bass (heard on Andrew McKnight's Turning Pages) and Brandt Smith (dobro and banjo).

wild carrot's debut recording is the duo's response to consistent and enthusiastic audience demand. Recorded live with no overdubs, Defined features Pamela's well-crafted songs nestled among delightful renditions of traditional folk blues, show tunes ("Over the Rainbow") and the duo's trademark rendition of the Jean Ritchie classic, "L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore".