JMI: Artist Roster

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Artist Roster To view an artist's short bio:
	ALPHA YAYA DIALLO (GUINEA) Guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo is one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, Canada, he has earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows - whether performing solo or with his band Bafing. Diallo's dexterous acoustic and electric guitar-playing, with its fluid melodic lines and compelling grooves, places him in the front ranks of African axemen. As well as being a uniquely gifted multi-instrumentalist, Diallo writes his own compositions, and sings with a supple and beautifully modulated voice. [top]
	BELLOWHEAD (UK) In two years, eleven piece folk-big-band Bellowhead have literally exploded onto the festival scene and fast became one of the most talked about bands on the contemporary folk circuit. To describe Bellowhead’s music is a very difficult thing indeed - the material is steeped in the English folk traditions of song and dance, but the feel is exciting, intoxicating, slightly sinister and deeply funky. [top]
	BLACK UMFOLOSI (ZIMBABWE) Black Umfolosi much loved around the world, offer their sweet sounds of acapella with their marvelous harmonies and gospel singing as well as their captivating dancing including the gumboot dancing of South Africa. Black Umfolosi deliver their performance with fun and joyful enthusiasm. This bare-torsoed, hard-hatted group, never fail to captivate their audience and encourage them on to the stage to join in the performance. Equally at home on the concert stage and leading workshops for all age groups.[top]
	RAY BONNEVILLE (QUÉBEC) Juno Award-winner Ray Bonneville is a superb singer-songwriter who currently calls Montreal home, but has lived from Alaska to Memphis, to Paris, France. Bonneville's smooth blues styling features impeccable guitar and harmonica, whether he is working solo or with a full band. Ray's *Gust of Wind* was produced by Juno Award winning guitarist Colin Linden, and which took the Juno Award for Blues Recording in 2000. Ray's 2001 mainstage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival with Colin Linden and a full band was one of the highlights of the festival. "A guitar style of exacting persuasive nuances, gut-felt harmonica lines and a voice soaked in whiskey and road-weary sentiment." Planet Jazz. [top]
	ALISON BROWN QUARTET (USA) Jensen Music international is very pleased to have negotiated an exclusive signing for Canada with the Alison Brown Quartet, a jazz-inspired bluegrass group from Nashville who won the Grammy in 2001. Alison got her start playing with artists like Michelle Shocked and Allison Kraus, before taking the music in her own unique direction with the Quartet, and along the way she has performed at The Grand Ole Opry, Carnegie Hall and concert and festival stages all over the world. With banjo, drums, bass and piano, the ABQ is hardly a traditional bluegrass group. Alison is an innovator in the tradition of the finest artists we have worked with, and the musicians ship in the quartet is dazzling. ABQ are unique in that they are equally suitable for folk, country and jazz audiences. [top]
	CALADH NUA (IRELAND) Caladh Nua (meaning 'new harbour' or 'new shelter place') are a five-piece ensemble who have very quickly established a name for themselves as 'the band to watch'. Founded in 2009, Caladh Nua balances innovation and tradition in a repertoire which includes iconic works alongside more recently composed pieces. Their energy is captivating, guaranteed to enthral audiences of every nationality and generation. "Solid traditional music with plenty of flair and lots of musical imagination" (Irish Music Magazine) [top]
	CHIRGILCHIN (TUVA) The three members are all grand prix winners in the biggest international throat singing competitions, and sing in a wide variety of styles, playing on traditional Mongolian instruments, in traditional costume. Igor Koshkendey is one of the finest throat singers from Tuva. His singing of six styles of throat singing includes unique Oidupaa style, which is used by only two singers - Oidupaa and Koshkendey. Igor is the Winner of Grand Prix of International Competition of Throat Singing in 1998, Winner of Grand Prix of International Competition in Llangollen (England) in 2000. [top]
	CHUCK & ALBERT (PEI) Canadian Comedy Award and East Coast Music Award nominees, Chuck & Albert are no strangers to the art of total entertainment. Multi-instrumentalists, great physical comics, and fluently bilingual, this Acadian duo has played to standing ovations both at home, across Canada and overseas. Their performances bring to life an energetic blend of visual humor and quick wit combined with the upbeat foot-stomping music and dance of their indigenous PEI Acadian roots. [top]
	DANÚ (IRELAND) "Best Overall Traditional Band" 1999 Irish Music Awards. Want to know what the future of Celtic in music in Ireland will sound like? Check out Think Before You Think (Shanachie) and see what all the buzz is about. Ireland's Danú have been turning heads all over the world with their exciting blend of traditional music, played on accordion, Uilleann pipes, flute, whistles, bouzouki, fiddle and Mandola. And vocals! Give a listen to the fluent Gaelic singing of Ciaran o' Gealbhain and see why the Chieftains invited him to perform on their latest recording. Danú has completely sold out theatres in the Maritimes, Manitoba, Alberta and B.C. and will tour all regions of Canada in 2001/02. [top]
	ARCHIE FISHER (SCOTLAND) Archie Fisher is a singer-songwriter of legendary status in the world of folk music. From the early 1960s, Archie has been the leading proponent of Scottish traditional music, and he has taken his songs and those of Scotland to stages around the world, influencing a couple of generations of musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. Archie has performed many times in Canada, both solo and on several tours with Garnett Rogers. Garnett and Archie recorded two albums in Canada; Off the Map - Live and the beautiful Sunsets I've Galloped Into. Two of Archie's songs (Dark Eyed Molly and The Witch of Westmoreland) were covered by the late Stan Rogers. Archie has also toured and recorded with Ireland's Tommy Makem & Liam Clancy. [top]
	JOHN FULLBRIGHT (USA) Although just 21 years old, Okemah, Oklahoma (home town of Woody Guthrie) native John Fullbright sings like he has been around for years. Firmly rooted in many American musical styles including folk, country, blues, bluegrass and jazz, John is just now beginning his musicial journey that is sure to delight listeners from coast to coast. Equally skilled on guitar, harmonica, piano and accordion, John understands best that “it’s called playing music for a reason.” That is why you can find him at the music festival campgrounds late at night pickin’ out songs from such mentors as Townes Van Zandt, Hoyt Axton and Leonard Cohen, along with his own unique songs that belie his young age. [top]
	JAIPUR KAWA BRASS BAND (INDIA) For over ten years, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band has firmly established itself on the international music scene, winning the hearts of audiences in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Morroco, USA, Sweden, and the list goes on. Virtuoso solos and dazzling improvisations, combine with a Gypsy Kalbelia danseuse and a fakir with his astonishing acts to deliver an unexpected and rousing musical extravaganza. [top]
	KAWA CIRCUS (INDIA) This special creation celebrates the street performers of India, arguably the bearers of one of the most ancient mystical and magical circuses for centuries. Featured artists include a delightful dancer, Supki, three vibrant street performers, an acrobat, Viram, an acrobat and pole-vaulter, Raju, an acrobat and funambulist, Jagpal, and a musician. This rich collaboration of Italian, French and Indian artists takes the ancestral Indian circus to a new level with amazing acts of poetry, humour, colour and freshness. [top]
	JAMES KEELAGHAN (ALBERTA) Juno Award winning singer-songwriter James Keelaghan is one of Canada's most successful and respected musicians, and one of the brightest stars on the world folk scene today. James spent 300 days on the road last year. His touring seldom stops, taking him across North America, Europe, the UK and Australia on a regular basis. James Keelaghan has an uncanny knack for finding incredible stories and turning them into finely crafted songs. A commanding performer, he develops an intimate rapport with audiences through his stories and sense of humour, and then leaves them spellbound with passionate renditions of songs that touch on universal emotions and relate historical events to the present. [top]
	THE MACKENZIE PROJECT (CANADA, IRELAND) The MacKenzie Project is simply one of the most exciting new ensembles in Celtic music today. The supergroup features some of the hottest young performers from both sides of the Atlantic, led by dynamic 19 year-old fiddler Rosie MacKenzie. She is joined by a group of true Celtic all-stars: Pauline Scanlon – formerly of the Sharon Shannon band – whose vocals have been described as “singing [that] seeps into and ultimately unmasks the secrets of the soul” (Irish Echo, 2006); guitarist Donogh Hennessy, formerly of the groundbreaking Irish band Lúnasa; and, on keyboards, a rotating cast of some of Cape Breton’s great talents, including Rankin Family veteran, Howie MacDonald. [top]
	JUAN MARTÍN (SPAIN) Originally from Spain, and now based out of London, Juan Martin was voted one of the top three guitarists in the world by the prestigious "Guitar Player Magazine." This is authentic Flamenco, but it is also contemporary and accessible. One of the world's greatest Flamenco artists, Juan has played The Royal Albert Hall and the Montreux Jazz Festival, and has collaborated with the likes of Paco de Lucia, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Juan has performed the great concert halls of the world in Russia, Europe, America, Turkey, Hong Kong, Beijing, etc. Truly a giant of the genre. [top]
	MEMEZA AFRICA (SOUTH AFRICA / CANADA) Memeza Africa is a brilliant example of what can happen when two worlds come together in harmony. This masterful fusion of traditional African music and dance combined with spellbinding original Canadian compositions, delivers a performance so packed with energy and emotion, audiences are left profoundly moved and sincerely hooked. Memeza Africa powers through the boundaries of nationality, language and culture to strike at the heart and soul of the listener, resulting in an emotional and unforgettable journey through the universal language of joy and humility.[top]
	MUSAFIR (INDIA) Musafir represents a cohesion of the divergent styles and backgrounds of traditional Indian music from all corners of the Rajasthan - renowned wandering poets singing ancient songs from Thar Desert and playing the sarangi (Indian violin), kartals (castanets), the murchang (Jew's harp)… the musicians of the Court of Maharajas singing, playing the harmonium, the dholak (two headed drum)…, classical musicians interpreting elaborate and sacred songs and performing on tablas… Hameed Khan “Kawa” has gathered them all together for a complete expression of Gypsy, Hindu, Persian and Moghol cultures, an ethnic and spiritual music with intricate rhythms.. [top]
	OYSTERBAND (UK) Oysterband occupies an unusual position in the world of music, combining folk sensibility and acoustic instruments with rock dynamics and sharp, engaged songwriting. The passion and energy of their live performances has become legendary. Starting as an amateur ceilidh band, their career has grown exponentially to include festivals and tours in 35 countries across Europe, Asia and North America; 12 studio albums, including one with June Tabor; and a collaborative project called The Big Session, which is also the name of the festival they host each year in UK. A new studio CD will be released in 2007. [top]
	KARINE POLWART (SCOTLAND) Scottish songwriter Karine Polwart combines the economy and universality of the folk storytelling tradition with a probing intellect and compassionate lyricism. Four times winner at the UK-wide BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including twice for “Best Original Song”, the former philosophy tutor and children’s rights activist has collaborated with Canadians James Keelaghan and Dave Gunning, the intellectual maverick of English folk song Chris Wood, UK alt-folk favourite King Creosote, trad groups Battlefield Band and Malinky, and even the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. [top]
	QUARTETTE (CANADA) Since their first appearance at Toronto's Harbourfront venue in the summer of 1993, Quartette has quickly become one of the most electrifying collaborations on the Canadian music scene. The four women, Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick and Sylvia Tysoncombine formidable individual talents into an astonishing whole. The soaring harmonies and unique arrangements create a musical mosaic with flavours of folk, country, swing and bluegrass all solidly rooted in traditional music.[top]
	RANKIN CHURCH & CROWE (CANADA) Friends and colleagues Raylene Rankin, Cindy Church, and Susan Crowe, all award winning recording artists, bring their varied musical signatures to the stage in a mix of elegance and accessibility. Folk, country, jazz, contemporary singer-songwriter are blended with a confident ease that makes for richly textured harmonies and a welcoming rapport that invites audiences in, and makes them want to stay. [top]
	RATTLE THE BOARDS (IRELAND) Rattle the Boards are a group of fine musicians based in Waterford and South Tipperary in Ireland. They met in 1992 and have played to thousands of music lovers since. In 1995 Benny member McCarthy founded the band Danú, which garnered international renown and was a favourite on the JMI roster. Rattle the Boards have performed many concerts and Fleadh Ceoils in Ireland over the years and also to audiences in The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. They also performed at the 2006 Regional finals for Ireland's celebrated festival “The Rose Of Tralee.” Beside all their achievements to date their priority remains to enjoy playing music... and it shows. [top]
	KATE RUSBY (ENGLAND) is regarded as England's preeminent traditional folk singer. The Guardian described her as "a superstar of the British acoustic scene." The BBC described her as "The first lady of young folkies" and has handed her four BBC 2 Folk Music Awards. She is also one of the few folk artists to be nominated for the prestigous Mercury Music Prize. [top]
	SHOOGLENIFTY (SCOTLAND) Scottish supergroup Shooglenifty, or The Shoogs as they are affectionately known to their fans, are a six piece Celtic band who perform instrumental music at the speed of light. Their style is a hybrid of traditional and contemporary influences that caused one audience at the Opera House in Sydney, Australia to leave their seats and join the band on stage. Festival Records' top-selling import, they are a major draw on the North American circuit and have performed in Europe, Australia, South America, Japan, the UK and Malaysia. Shooglenifty has performed at dozens of major Canadian Festivals, headlining outdoor dates from Nova Scotia to Yellowknife. [top]
	THE SPINNEY BROTHERS (NOVA SCOTIA) From the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Spinney Brothers debuted their band in 1992, showcasing a tight brother duet vocal style that was immediately recognized for it's energetic and distinctive sound. The cornerstone of the Spinney Brothers musical identity is the sound of traditional, southern-flavoured bluegrass music. The first generation bluegrass legends have been an important musical influence, yet their music is equally shaped by their personal lives and local heritage. By incorporating original material, which draws from various sources, the Spinney Brothers effortlessly intertwine the past with the present. [top]
	THE STRAWBS (UK) The Strawbs have enjoyed major success on both sides of the Atlantic. In the early 1970s, as well as the hit albums, their hit singles "Part of the Union" and "Lay Down" topped the charts. From the mid-1970s they spent more time in the States and Canada where their albums charted for five years as they toured with Santana, Peter Frampton, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Blue Oyster Cult, King Crimson, and Frank Zappa. The Strawbs also headlined major Canadian venues, such as Maple Leaf Gardens and The Montreal Forum. Rick Wakeman played with the Strawbs for two years before he achieved world-wide success with Yes, and as a solo artist, and the much loved Sandy Denny made an album with the Strawbs before she joined Fairport Convention. [top]
	HANS THEESSINK (NETHERLANDS) Hans Theessink is a legend, widely considered Europe's greatest acoustic bluesman. In a career spanning 35 years and 20 albums, he has performed around the world, sharing the stage and recording studios with people like Arlo Guthrie and Townes Van Zandt, and performing at Edmonton Folk Festival, Tønder Festival, Kerrville and New Orleans Jazz Festival, to name just a few. He currently performs 200 shows each year. "Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. He is one of the world's pre-eminent country pickers and his warm baritone expresses blues." Blues Revue. [top]
	SYLVIA TYSON (ONTARIO) Sylvia Tyson is no less than an icon in Canadian country and folk music. From her collaboration with Ian Tyson (Ian & Sylvia) on stage, studio and television in the sixties and seventies to seven solo albums, her career has earned her a place in the Canadian Music, Country Music and Songwriter's Halls of Fame, not to mention receiving Canada's highest civiian award, the Order of Canada. Sylvia is also currently a vital part of Quartette, along with Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford and Gwen Swick. [top]
	JERRY JEFF WALKER (USA) Jerry Jeff Walker is a true legend, and one of the greatest singer-songwriters America has ever produced. While he is best known for penning *Mr. Bojangles, which has been covered by a wide variety of major artists, Jerry Jeff is a prolific artist who has turned in many fine records, and who is as busy as ever, recording and touring. Jerry Jeff has worked with some of America's most respected singer-songwriters, including Willie Nelson* and Jimmy Buffet, with whom he penned *Railroad Lady*. He is no stranger to Canadian audiences, and we look forward to bringing him back to the True North. [top]
	GABRIEL YACOUB (FRANCE) France's legendary Gabriel Yacoub first came to the fore as teenage back-up guitarist and singer with Brittany's pioneering Celtic harpist, Alan Stivell. In the early 1970s Stivell's blend of rock and the Old World inspired Yacoub to form Malicorne, a French contemporary of Fairport Convention. While Yacoub's time with Malicorne focused on traditional French material with his trademark harmonies and Old World instruments such as the smallpipes and hurdy gurdy, he is a also a brilliant songwriter, with a dozen solo recordings to his credit. [top]