LINE UP 2017
FOGHORN STRINGBAND (USA/CANADA)
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The Foghorn Stringband is the present day gold standard for real-deal hard-hitting genuine old-time American string band music, with eight albums, thousands of shows, over 15 years of touring under their belts, and an entirely new generation of roots musicians following their lead.
American roots music is a diverse and never-ending well of inspiration, and Foghorn Stringband continually and obsessively draws from old-time, bluegrass, classic country, and Cajun music traditions in an ongoing quest to present a broad span of American historical music with an unparalleled youthful energy, joy, and virtuosity.
The Foghorn Stringband is comprised four master performers and historians: -Caleb Klauder (vocals, mandolin, fiddle) - From Orcas Island, Washington -Reeb Willms (vocals, guitar) - From rural Farmer, Washington -Nadine Landry (vocals, upright bass) - From the Gaspé Coast, Eastern Quebec -Stephen ‘Sammy’ Lind (vocals, fiddle, banjo) - From Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Each member of Foghorn Stringband exemplifies the best of the roots music traditions from their respective native cultures. Caleb Klauder’s wistful, keening vocals and rapidfire mandolin picking are as influenced by Southern roots music as much as they are by his upbringing in the sea islands of coastal Washington State. Reeb Willms hails from the wind swept Eastern farmlands of Washington. Her musical family and rural upbringing are are on display with every note she sings and every heart she breaks. Nadine Landry’s roots lie in the rural backroads of Acadian Québec, and her high lonesome vocals have delighted audiences the world over. Her earth-shaking bass playing is the rumbling backbone of the Foghorn sound. Minnesotan Stephen ‘Sammy’ Lind, simply put, is the old-time fiddler of his generation whose tone and voice are as old as the same hills that gave birth to this music. Together, these four have forged a sound like no other.
In performance, Foghorn Stringband gather around one microphone, balancing their music on the fly, and playing with an intense, fiery abandon. To the band, this music is as relevant today as it was at it’s birth a century ago. They see themselves not only as cultural revivalists, but also as historians and fans of this music. Their performances and recordings are a joyful celebration of music from a bygone era that still holds the power to delight audiences worldwide.
The band’s repertoire has expanded greatly in the past 15 years. They are as comfortable playing music at a neighborhood square dance as they are stirring a festival audience to a frenzy. Old time dance tunes rub shoulders with Cajun waltzes, vintage honky tonk country, and classic bluegrass….and it’s all rendered into a cohesive whole. Foghorn Stringband can often be found after a performance in a local pub or club continuing to play with equal energy and joy late into the night. They’re obsessed, and that obsession rings true with every note they play and every song they sing. You’ll see. There’s Foghorn…and there’s everybody else.
DAVID BOULANGER & SIMON MARION (CANADA)
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In 2017 the Quebec Fiddle Weekend will run in conjunction with the Blackwood Festival of Music and Culture. Presented by Quasitrad, the Quebec Fiddle Weekend offers the chance to learn the Quebecois fiddle style , enjoy a chance to jam together, alongside the other festival events .
David Boulanger is best-known as the fiddle player of the legendary Québécois band, La Bottine Souriante, which has been touring the world for nearly 40 years. A highly respected fiddler, foot percussionist, singer, composer and arranger from Montréal, David is the recipient of several Canadian Folk Awards and the proud tradition-bearer of Quebecois trad music.
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger, Simon Marion is an indispensable part of the Quebecois music scene, in folk, jazz and pop. With an impressive array of awards to his name, including two Félix awards for best album of the year and the Oliver Jones Spectra Prize for excellence in jazz, Simon is in constant demand either on stage with a band or hard at work in the studio as a producer. Like David, Simon is very excited to be coming to Australia for the first time. Among other things, he’s looking forward to sampling a good bottle of red!
QUEBEC FIDDLE WEEKEND FEATURING:
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MAC TRAYNHAM & SHAY GARRIOCK
(USA)
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Mac Traynham and Shay Garriock are a musical duo dedicated to carrying on the older musical traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Whether a breakdown melody played as a fiddle/banjo duet, or a lonesome song of tragedy sung and backed up with fiddle, guitar and harmonica, Mac and Shay strive to apply an appropriate level of energy and heartfelt spirit in every performance. Whether leading a group jam or playing solo for an attentive audience Mac and Shay’s love for the social and soulful aspects of American old-time music comes through. Check out their 2010 CD of native old-time music Turkey in the Mountain
Mac Traynham, a native Virginian and longtime resident, is a multi instrumentalist who learned to play primarily in a community of older musicians and flatfoot dancers in the Galax, Virginia region. He is currently active as a performer and teacher of the musical styles once commonplace before the Bluegrass music revolution. Both youth and adults have been enlightened to the joy of playing for dancers through area programs such a JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) and Floyd Country Store’s Handmade Music School (http://www.floydcountrystore.com/). Known for their old-time duet singing Mac, along with his wife Jenny, have been promoting the instrumental and vocal music of the Blue Ridge through workshops held occasionally on their small farm in Floyd County (http://www.macandjenny.com/). In addition, Mac is a banjo maker in the tradition of his home region, having made over one hundred high quality instruments (http://www.mactraynham.com/).
Shay Garriock began his path to learning old-time fiddling in mid 1980’s, traveling with Mac to learn from original mountain people who were still active and willing to share their music with those willing to learn. His fiddling today reflects many of the bowing techniques and phrasing nuances that were characteristic of his various mentors. Over the years and presently, Shay has been active in his community and beyond, sharing and teaching both privately and in group settings the secrets of old-time fiddling as learned from master old timers. Like Mac, he has served on the staff of several old-time music camps over the years including Augusta and Mars Hill. In 2010 his deep interest in the fiddle itself led him to open a violin shop in Pittsboro, NC (http://www.sgmcviolins.com/) where practices the art of violin repair and maintenance as well as building new fiddles. As of Dec 2016, Shay has completed making twenty instruments and repaired hundreds more.
Cat and Clint (Blackwood, VIC)
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Locals Cat and Clint have charmed audiences around Australia and Overseas with their take on Old Time Mountain Music. The duo have played at Festivals, Bars, Woodchops, Markets, Shindigs and have busked all over. After a recent tour in the USA, Cat and Clint have a bunch of new tunes and songs they are eager to share. Clint's original songs are featured as well as haunting ballads, traditional fiddle tunes and vintage country blues.
People too often forget that Blues, R&B and early Rock 'N' Roll was the punk rock of it's time. With a swagger, spit and wall of sound that simply cannot be messed with, Clintonium Bomb carry the flame of rebels of years gone by full steam ahead into the 21st century.
Clintonium Bomb (VIC)
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Pete Holmes and his Ramshackle Band have been hammering a few new pieces of tin on the old shed. The band sounds like the good old days of Rockin' Country with a hint of Queensland and the wind whistling down the alleyways and back lanes of Melbourne. They feature great original songs about life, love and beer.
The Ramshackle Band (vic)
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The Slipdixies formed in mid-2015 and are inspired by the early jazz and blues music of the twenties and thirties from New Orleans.
Our repertoire ranges from hot driving rhythms to laid back blues. We play old favourites as well as lesser known forgotten treasures of the bygone era.
We have an authentic acoustic sound, using banjo, sousaphone, washboard and resonator guitar to accompany the front-line horns.
This is coupled with the amazing vocals of our washboardist, Susy Hull, who is featured on our latest album release, titled "Red Hot Mama".
We create the sounds of early New Orleans music with a mild modern twist.
The Slipdixies (VIC)
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Honeyfields (VIC)
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Honeyfields may look familiar but their interpretations of old and new songs and tunes are refreshing, original, and steeped in the Australian folk music culture they grew up with. A new project from the three women formerly well-known in the folk scene as The Beenies, the trio are back performing vocal and instrumental music at its finest.
Saoirse (VIC)
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Saoirse are a Celtic/ Folk band based in Melbourne, Australia. Our aim is to bring beautiful Celtic/ Folk music to a wider audience, promoting and organising performances at festivals all over Australia as well as some of Australia’s finest music venues. A Saoirse performance will delight the audience with a little bit of everything including heartfelt ballads, lively jigs, reels, and polkas, whilst adding their creative flavour through original songs. In 2013 Saoirse released their third album, ‘Music Evermore’, which received the Australian Celtic Music awards for both album and song of the year.
Saoirse have performed at many wonderful festivals around Australia, including, Port Fairy, Brunswick Music Festival, The National Celtic Festival and many more.
The band have been invited to perform in Europe and will be touring July-August 2016. They are currently working on their 4th CD.
Fiona Ross & Ken Nicol
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An esteemed tradition bearer in her native Scotland, Fiona brings knowledge, passion & depth to her performance. Her singing style and extensive repertoire showcase the essence of the Scots song tradition. Fiona will be accompanied by outstanding UK-based guitarist Ken Nicol (ex-Steelye Span and Albion Band). Fiona recently recently launched the highly acclaimed album of Scots songs and ballads - Clyde's Water - with guitarist Tony McManus and featuring renowned fiddler John McCusker. The album is released on Scotland's influential Tradition Bearers record label.
The Exciting! McGillicuddies (VIC)
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A foot-tapping, entertaining, multi-instrument band that also delights with multi-layered harmonies – that is what has been created in THE EXCITING MCGILLICUDDIES!
Inspired by The Macgillicuddy’s Reeks, a spectacular and windswept mountain range in County Kerry, the name itself invokes the sound of the fiddle, accordion and tin whistle, performing with equal ease traditional tunes (Celtic airs and rhythmic jigs and reels), original songs and, with their fashion sense, showing a ‘truly exceptional eye-catching style’ (Il Globo Italian newspaper, May 2017).
Marry this to a band of talented, spirited, experienced musical Australians and you have the perfect combination that ensures a good time is had by all!
The band members are Mick Slocum, the charismatic former member of The Bushwhackers and The Sundowners, Australian bands of renown, supported by the master guitarist and vocalist Damian Peck and seasoned percussionist Denis Charles who is equally at home on the bones and the bodhran. These seasoned performers are turned into marvellous combination of music and song by violinist and vocalist Elly D’Arcy and the incomparable ‘Il Pirata’ Alessandro Andrew Parise, hurdy gurdy and nyckelharpa virtuoso.
And with their energetic stage show The Exciting McGillicuddies are quite comfortable on an intimate club stage, in a pub session or at an international festival.
Thanks to Denis, Elly, Alessandro, Damian and Mick the band enjoys several genres up its musical sleeve, with tunes from the isles and songs spanning a broad repertoire of Australian Folk, Celtic tunes, and a suitcase full of original songs written by the band members and former collaborators.
Do not miss this group – The Exciting McGillicuddies!
Gerry McKeague (VIC)
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Originally from Belfast and now living in Geelong, Gerry was brought up in a musical family where the sharing of music & song was highly valued. He has a unique take on the traditional songs of Ireland and has performed at the National Celtic Festival and the Blackwood Festival.
The Knott Family Band (VIC)
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The Knott Family Band bring to Blackwood their brand of bluegrass, featuring four-part harmony and original lyricism with their string-band arrangement. Hailing from Melbourne and rural Victoria, they play both original and bluegrass classics that reflect traditional and contemporary influences from Bill Munroe to The Punch Brothers.
Nigel Wearne (VIC)
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Josh Lobley (VIC)
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Tragedelic country blues from the heart of Lockwood. Josh Lobley will sing you songs of heartbreak and tears.
O’Grady Boylan Newell (VIC)
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Ciaran O’Grady (Concertina) and Aifric Boylan (fiddle) have been playing Irish music together for over 15 years and continue to explore other genres along the way. Their unique musical understanding has brought about a powerful and sensitive duet - in high demand. Their performances have a superfund of beautiful tunes, sourced from Aifric’s repertoire – a real reference section of Irish music gems - and Ciaran’s own inspired compositions - many of which have been recorded by other well-known artists such as Beoga and Tara Breen/TriTones.
Since moving to Australia in August 2014, Aifric and Ciaran have become regular members of the Melbourne house-session scene. Highly coincidental circumstances led them to meet Graeme Newell (Guitar) - a subtle and perceptive player and a key element in the alchemy of O’Grady Boylan Newell.
O’Grady Boylan Newell were a masterful find at the NFF2016. Don’t miss them.
Ultrafox (VIC)
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Since its inception in the small bars of Melbourne’s vibrant music scene, ‘Ultrafox’ has emerged to be one of the hardest swinging and hardest working classic jazz bands in Australia. Formed in 2009 by well known veteran Melbourne musician, Peter Baylor, the band has maintained a constant working, recording and touring schedule. Seeking their inspiration from the famous “ manouche swing “ of The Hot club of France featuring Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelly of pre war Paris, Ultrafox has forged its own unique sound.
Their music is characterized by the muscular hard driving swing of gypsy style acoustic guitars laced with lyrical yet fiery solos . Hot swinging jazz, tender lyrical ballads, French melodies, gypsy waltzes and plenty of original compositions make up the band's extensive repertoire. Ultrafox create an atmosphere of elegant swing and exuberant, dynamic dance tempo jazz.
William Alexander (VIC)
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William is a guitar player, banjo player and singer of old American ballads from the Appalachian area.
The Rambling Roses (VIC)
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Drawing on the spirit of camaraderie and exploration that governed the music scene in which bands such as the Grateful Dead and The Band thrived, The Ramblin Roses are committed to good time music. Comprised of a collective of genre leading musicians, The Roses rework old classics and contribute new material to that rich repertoire
Ken Nicol
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Ken Nicol is an exceptional musician. As a guitarist, he is one of the most skilled and exciting players anywhere today; as a singer he is capable of evoking wide range of emotions in his audience; and as a songwriter he demonstrates these abilities in his clever and well-crafted material. His music covers the spectrum from blues to rock, effortlessly taking in folk, jazz, ragtime, ballads and more along the way. In 1997 Ken joined The Albion Band as lead guitarist and singer, writing much of the band’s material himself and co-writing with Ashley Hutchings. In 2002, he joined forces with the legendary folk-rockers Steeleye Span on their UK ‘Reunion Tour’, and due to its great success, his collaboration with the band continued for a further seven years.
Mick Coates
and The Shallow Grave Diggers
