Artists

CELTIC FORCE’S PORTFOLIO OF ARTISTS Celtic \| Pop \| Rock
ALBANNACHis Scots-Gaelic for “Scottish” or “Scotsman”. Albannach are all born and bred in Scotland, with lives dedicated to sharing their intriguing culture, history and heritage by means of their music. Albannach are not just another Scottish ‘Pipes & Drums’ band, bringing a new and exciting form of music to audiences everywhere. A championship piper, an extremely talented main drummer, bass drummers and bodhran musicians bring a brand new approach to percussion and Celtic music. The music is power, passion and primal and promises to leave you begging for more. Albannach’s style has been described as “Celtic battle music. It’s a ferocious, primal thing of beauty, the sound of ancient ancestors being summoned up from rich earth to tell tales of battles and victories and celebrations around fires so big the darkness of a Scottish night was pushed back beyond the nearby hills.”-Steve Wildsmith, The Daily Times. Click Here for the Albannach Homecoming Tour
DAVID R ROSSis a patriotic Scot who loves his country and its people. He is passionate about the rich tapestry of Scottish history. David is a writer and historian who has specialised in the great Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. He released his first book in 1999 called On the Trail of William Wallace followed in turn by 6 more publications on topics including Robert the Bruce, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and his latest on The Black Douglas. Ross manages to write about Scotland and her historical past with a poignancy and touch of humour. As a result of his unique style, the reader not only learns history but travels to the sites in which all transpired. David tours the United States extensively appearing at Highland Games and Celtic festivals as well as lecturing at academic institutions and historical societies.
BARLEYJUICEThe first thing that attracts you to BARLEYJUICE is their uncanny ability to pen songs that sound like they could be straight from a classic Pogues or Flogging Molly album. The second thing that hits you is their wit and prowess in performing them. This is why they’re making waves in the Celtic community and beyond. A brilliant pan-Celtic trad & original rock band with endless personality & musical prowess. Humble, as the day is long, too. The kind of blokes you’d introduce to your distant cousin’s adopted niece at Christmas time to keep them from eating all the pie. Of course, you want to make sure the hard spirits are locked up.
THE BLESSED BLEND…..composes and performs music, blending Native American and Celtic sounds creating a harmony of tribal music from these two ancient and still thriving indigenous cultures. Through music, they share a deep love for the drum, flutes, dance, language, culture and stories passed down from ancient times. When the Scots and Irish immigrated into these Appalachian mountain lands they found a kindred people. During the 17th century the Scots coined the term “Blessed Blend” to describe the marriage union between a Celt and a Native. The same term was applied to the children who were born of these unions; carrying in their bloodlines the beauty of both. Experience something special that touches on a little known part of history.
CLANDESTINEwas well known and well loved from 1996 to 2003 for their particular brand of Texas Celtic music. The band toured the US extensively and had successful stints in Canada and France before breaking up in February 2003. Now Clandestine has re-formed. The four member band features three of the original members, percussionist and singer Emily Dugas, fiddler Gregory McQueen and piper EJ Jones. The newest member is Al Cofrin on cittern, pipes and vocals. Most of the group’s blasting tune sets remain the same, complemented by some new ones in similar style. You will not forget an evening spent with these talented musicians.
COYOTE RUN… “the thinking person’s Celtic Rock band.” Originally formed in 1999, Coyote Run has changed significantly from its Celtic Folk roots, evolving into one of the hottest bands on the Celtic Rock circuit today. Blending traditional tunes with rich, literate lyrics, compelling melodies and rock, jazz and flamenco instrumental hooks, this band weaves a tapestry unlike any other out there. Their lyrics and music take the audience on a journey that is at once heart stopping and foot stomping. Tears, laughter, clapping and spontaneous dancing are regular features of a Coyote Run concert. “Imagine Jethro Tull on Broadway and you start to get the picture.” -Sam McDonald, Daily Press, Virginia
HENRI’S NOTIONS….From soft finger picked ballads to hard-driving jigs and reels, the Notions creates a musical mix of traditional Celtic and American music as well as their own compositions that have a rhythm and voice reflective of their Southern heritage, which lends a pleasing familiarity to the music. They draw from a broad palette of melodious sounds that envelop you like a well-worn jacket. The group has worked countless festivals and concerts and has appeared as the opening act for such folk icons as Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, The Kingston Trio, David Grisman Quintet and top celtic acts such as The Tannahill Weavers, Patrick Street, Paddy O’Brian and others.
JIM MALCOLMis, without any doubt, one of the best singers and most gifted songwriters to be found today on the Scottish folk scene. Jim is best known in North America from his performances of many years as the lead singer of the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs. With his ability to match words with melodies and make the results sound steadfastly authentic, and his strong voice and steady hand on guitar, he is a compelling storyteller. Jim was named the 2004 Songwriter of the Year and nominated the 2008 Singer of the Year by the Scots Trad Music Awards in Scotland. “Quietly, unforcefully and undeniably stunning” Mojo
ED MILLERhas been hailed as “one of the finest singers to come out of the Scottish Folksong Revival” and as ”one of Scotland’s best singing exports.” Originally from Edinburgh, he has for many years been based in Austin, TX where he gained graduate degrees in Folklore and Geography at the University of Texas. Ed is available for concerts, clubs, house concerts, festivals, Hig hland Games and Burns Suppers, as well as for lectures and workshops and has recorded 7 CD’s of Scottish songs. As a solo performer or with a collection of “friends”, Ed’s shows always leave you with a longing for the Highlan ds.
THE KILLDAREShave come to be known as one of the hottest, cutting edge bands in music today-Celtic or otherwise. World-class musicians from all over the U.S., they have come together in Texas to create and perform a brand new version of hard-driving, alternative Celtic rock music. Blending traditional Celtic playing skills, power-pop accessibility, and straight up rock n’ roll hooks, The Killdares have created a fresh new sound that’s blended with enough commercial edge to be instantly recognizable, always engaging, and appealing to fans of all ages.
MOTHER GROVEblends original rock music with traditional and not-so traditional Celtic instruments to create a sound that is unique, fresh yet timeless. Mother Grove has enjoyed great success and critical acclaim with their self-proclaimed “Kilt Rock” sounds. With unstoppable grooves and multi-layered rhythms, the music dares you stand still. The band has professionalism indicative of their many collective years as musicians. They interact with the crowd to such an extent, by the end of the evening you feel as if you are a part of the band. Lyrically, Mother Grove draws from many sources; historical, traditional, spiritual and personal. The words are then entwined with memorable melodies and beautiful harmonies. The band stops short of calling themselves a “Celtic Rock” band, for they are much, much more.
RATHKELTAIR (pronounce rath-KELT-ur) Taking top honors for Best Celtic Rock Band of 2006 in the annual Celtic MP3s Music Magazine Peoples’ Choice Awards, RATHKELTAÍR offers one of the most exciting, audience-friendly shows you will see anywhere. Appealing to all ages, RATHKELTAÍR can tailor its show to any venue, and is equally at home in small rooms or stadiums. Compelling original material, coupled with a jam-band mentality and the combination of three formidable multi-instrumentalists who play together with incredible intensity and dynamics make RATHKELTAÍR a must-see. These musicians have been setting a standard for many years that has become hard to duplicate.
TERIBUSis a bagpipe and drum trio playing Celtic and Tribal music influenced by musical traditions from around the world. Led by Kevin Hartnell, Richard Kean, and EJ Jones the TERIBUS lineup has many years of experience playing pipes and drums at outdoor festivals. Their love of performance in a variety of settings is evident from the high energy and spirit of fun they bring to every show. Although their classical training and desire to please the musical academics in the crowd is always in the back of their minds, TERIBUS is equally likely to engage in antics never before seen in concert halls, creating the perfect combination for any festive event.