Two of a Kind

Story by: Celtic Colours International Festival

There’s nothing better than watching two musicians who just love playing music together. When they make that connection it seems they’re just playing for each other—trading licks and looks, hitting the harmonies, and fitting all the right notes in. Each member of these duos is a well-established artist, but watch the magic when they pair up.

Jig to Reel: Kelly Peck’s (Mairi Rankin) / Cregg’s Pipes (Traditional)

Cape Breton fiddler and dancer Mairi Rankin—well-known on her own and with groups like Beòlach and The Outside Track—joined forces with cellist Eric Wright of the Juno Award-winning group The Fretless for Celtic Colours in 2018. This performance of “Jig to Reel”, from their Canadian Folk Music Award-winning album The Cabin Sessions, was recorded during Òrain: The Connecting Thread at Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou (10/10/18).

Featuring: Mairi Rankin and Eric Wright

Canadian and American Old Time Medley: Back Up and Push (Ward Allen) / Carleton County Breakdown (Earl Mitton) / John Brown’s Dream (Traditional) / Angus Campbell (Traditional)

April Verch and Joe Newberry are masters of their traditions. Coming from distinct traditions and parts of the world—April from the Ottawa Valley and Joe from the Missouri Ozarks—the duo is fuelled by a kindred passion for bringing people together to celebrate traditional music. This performance during Celtic Cabaret at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (10/16/16) has it all—singing, dancing, and some tasteful tunes on fiddle and banjo

Featuring: Newberry and Verch

Kate O’ The Gowrie (Traditional, arranged by Dave Gunning, J.P. Cormier)

More than 20 years after Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier’s first musical meeting, they finally got around to releasing an album together in 2017 which went on to win an ECMA for Folk Recording of the Year. As much family as they are friends, this Gunning and Cormier arrangement of the traditional song “Kate O’ The Gowrie” was fittingly recorded during the Friends and Family concert at Inverness Education Centre/Academy (10/12/18).

Featuring: J.P. Cormier and Dave Gunning

Celtic Colours International Festival

For nine days each October, Cape Breton Island comes alive with music and dance as the Celtic Colours International Festival celebrates the Island’s rich cultural legacy.

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