ARTIST HISTORY
The Band
Formed in 2006, Songs for Ceilidh combine Irish, Scottish and Canadian Maritime Celtic influences with American heartland roots and acoustic pop/rock. Their original music includes traditionally inspired Celtic melodies and modern narratives, with an emphasis on high energy, upbeat rhythms. Their name says it all: Ceilidh [Káy-Lee], a foot stomping, high energy party. In other words, a rip-roaring good time!
“You are never quite sure what they are going to throw in,” says a fan. “One minute they are playing Whiskey in the Jar and the next the fiddle is belting out the solo from Stairway to Heaven. It makes for a very interesting show!”
The four band members each bring their own specific influence. Hailing from Canada, Scott sings and plays the acoustic guitar, bodhran, tin whistle and harmonica. Bryan sings backup and plays fiddle with a blend of American and Celtic styles. He also plays guitar and the occasional mandolin. Chuck keeps the music moving with his steady twelve-string and banjo strumming while Jay ties it all together with percussion on congas, bongos, dijembe and whatever else he breaks out! The four unite to bring a truly unique sound to the music.
The Philosophy
Songs for Ceilidh was not formed to be a “cover band”. Their interpretation of traditional Celtic classics owes more to Cape Breton influences then it does to traditional Irish. While respecting the original music, their arrangements reflect a modern sensibility and desire to ‘keep it moving’! Their growing body of original works reflects this same balance of tradition and innovation.
While they bring a solid repertoire of traditional Celtic classics, don’t expect to hear Danny Boy or Irish Eyes! Lively and fun is their emphasis. Upbeat classics and originals provide a sound that appeals to all, from families in the park on a summer evening to rowdy, late night bar patrons. “We’re looking for people to enjoy themselves and their surroundings. That’s what it’s all about”.
Check out samples from their new album “Beneath The Waves” at http://www.songsforceilidh.com/songs_for_ceilidh_music.htm, or purchase the album on ITunes . You can also visit their Web site www.SongsForCeilidh.com or their myspace page at www.myspace.com/songsforceilidh1 for more information and other music/video samples!!
Band Bios
Scott was first exposed to Celtic music in the pubs of Montreal as bands from Nova Scotia passed through to Ontario. Immediately, he fell in love with the music. Upon moving to Massachusetts and finding no bands in the Boston area that played this brand of Celtic music, he thought there needed to be one. “I never intended to form a band and yet here I am.” As a self taught musician his grounding in eclectic folk guitar and 80’s Glam Rock (Yeah, he wishes!) drives his creativity leading the band into interesting combinations, directions, and influences. If he is not playing music you can find him on the curling rink where he has competed at the national level.
Bryan Christensen was raised in Fremont, Nebraska. His father made his spending money in college by playing fiddle in square dance halls and Bryan, who started studying classical violin at the age of four, picked up the bluegrass influence. In his teens he learned to play guitar and spent time in a couple rock bands. “I’ve spent 20 years looking for a band that could play ‘Devil went down to Georgia’ with me, and now I’ve found so much more!” Bryan’s stylistic contributions, Blues, Country, Bluegrass and more help to round out the sound of Songs for Ceilidh.
Charles Hallett- “I’ve been playing guitar in bands for 40 years and this is the first one that made it past the high school gym.” A native of Sherborn Massachusetts, Chuck came to music via his schools trumpet program. His musical influences include Bob Dylan, Pete Segar, Steven Stills and Joan Baez. Chuck remembers his great grandfather playing accordion and telling tall tales. “He would tell me about the mermaids, sea monsters and the storms that were larger than life. Then he’d play songs like “Paullina” and “Drunken Sailor” on the squeeze box. Now I get to play them for myself.” When not performing Chuck enjoys relaxing and boating at his lake house in New Hampshire.
Jon was born and raised in Merrillville, Indiana and has enjoyed music from an early age. Throughout high school he played in several ensembles, including concert band, marching band, percussion ensemble, and winter drumline. Jon attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and earned a Physics Education degree while continuing to cultivate his passion for music. Purdue Bands afforded Jon several unique musical opportunities, including performances at Carnegie Hall with the Purdue Symphonic Band, and at the Great Wall of China as Drumline Section Leader of Purdue's All American Marching Band. In addition, Jon has performed with other ensembles in the Lafayette community such as Lafayette Citizens Band and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. Jon combines his passions for music and education as a percussion instructor for high school drumlines and individual students. Living in Medway, Jon continues his percussive endeavors as a polish guy playing African drums in a Celtic band.
Formed in 2006, Songs for Ceilidh combine Irish, Scottish and Canadian Maritime Celtic influences with American heartland roots and acoustic pop/rock. Their original music includes traditionally inspired Celtic melodies and modern narratives, with an emphasis on high energy, upbeat rhythms. Their name says it all: Ceilidh [Káy-Lee], a foot stomping, high energy party. In other words, a rip-roaring good time!
“You are never quite sure what they are going to throw in,” says a fan. “One minute they are playing Whiskey in the Jar and the next the fiddle is belting out the solo from Stairway to Heaven. It makes for a very interesting show!”
The four band members each bring their own specific influence. Hailing from Canada, Scott sings and plays the acoustic guitar, bodhran, tin whistle and harmonica. Bryan sings backup and plays fiddle with a blend of American and Celtic styles. He also plays guitar and the occasional mandolin. Chuck keeps the music moving with his steady twelve-string and banjo strumming while Jay ties it all together with percussion on congas, bongos, dijembe and whatever else he breaks out! The four unite to bring a truly unique sound to the music.
The Philosophy
Songs for Ceilidh was not formed to be a “cover band”. Their interpretation of traditional Celtic classics owes more to Cape Breton influences then it does to traditional Irish. While respecting the original music, their arrangements reflect a modern sensibility and desire to ‘keep it moving’! Their growing body of original works reflects this same balance of tradition and innovation.
While they bring a solid repertoire of traditional Celtic classics, don’t expect to hear Danny Boy or Irish Eyes! Lively and fun is their emphasis. Upbeat classics and originals provide a sound that appeals to all, from families in the park on a summer evening to rowdy, late night bar patrons. “We’re looking for people to enjoy themselves and their surroundings. That’s what it’s all about”.
Check out samples from their new album “Beneath The Waves” at http://www.songsforceilidh.com/songs_for_ceilidh_music.htm, or purchase the album on ITunes . You can also visit their Web site www.SongsForCeilidh.com or their myspace page at www.myspace.com/songsforceilidh1 for more information and other music/video samples!!
Band Bios
Scott was first exposed to Celtic music in the pubs of Montreal as bands from Nova Scotia passed through to Ontario. Immediately, he fell in love with the music. Upon moving to Massachusetts and finding no bands in the Boston area that played this brand of Celtic music, he thought there needed to be one. “I never intended to form a band and yet here I am.” As a self taught musician his grounding in eclectic folk guitar and 80’s Glam Rock (Yeah, he wishes!) drives his creativity leading the band into interesting combinations, directions, and influences. If he is not playing music you can find him on the curling rink where he has competed at the national level.
Bryan Christensen was raised in Fremont, Nebraska. His father made his spending money in college by playing fiddle in square dance halls and Bryan, who started studying classical violin at the age of four, picked up the bluegrass influence. In his teens he learned to play guitar and spent time in a couple rock bands. “I’ve spent 20 years looking for a band that could play ‘Devil went down to Georgia’ with me, and now I’ve found so much more!” Bryan’s stylistic contributions, Blues, Country, Bluegrass and more help to round out the sound of Songs for Ceilidh.
Charles Hallett- “I’ve been playing guitar in bands for 40 years and this is the first one that made it past the high school gym.” A native of Sherborn Massachusetts, Chuck came to music via his schools trumpet program. His musical influences include Bob Dylan, Pete Segar, Steven Stills and Joan Baez. Chuck remembers his great grandfather playing accordion and telling tall tales. “He would tell me about the mermaids, sea monsters and the storms that were larger than life. Then he’d play songs like “Paullina” and “Drunken Sailor” on the squeeze box. Now I get to play them for myself.” When not performing Chuck enjoys relaxing and boating at his lake house in New Hampshire.
Jon was born and raised in Merrillville, Indiana and has enjoyed music from an early age. Throughout high school he played in several ensembles, including concert band, marching band, percussion ensemble, and winter drumline. Jon attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and earned a Physics Education degree while continuing to cultivate his passion for music. Purdue Bands afforded Jon several unique musical opportunities, including performances at Carnegie Hall with the Purdue Symphonic Band, and at the Great Wall of China as Drumline Section Leader of Purdue's All American Marching Band. In addition, Jon has performed with other ensembles in the Lafayette community such as Lafayette Citizens Band and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. Jon combines his passions for music and education as a percussion instructor for high school drumlines and individual students. Living in Medway, Jon continues his percussive endeavors as a polish guy playing African drums in a Celtic band.
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