Band Bio: The BorderCollies are a contemporary Celtic band, featuring a unique blend of traditional Celtic and folk influences in their music. Their signature sound incorporates tight instrumentation with three and four part vocal harmonies. Their latest CD, "Sticks and Stones", showcases the band's original compositions and their ability to interpret and arrange traditional material. Based out of Duluth, Georgia, the band performs regionally around the southeast at concerts, festivals, pubs and clubs.
"Balancing their own compositions with traditional tunes as well as covers by the likes of Dougie MacLean, the Collies effortlessly inhabit the world between tradition and innovation." - Carl McColman, New Age Voice.
"A promising blast form the Deep South." -John O’Regan, fRoots (UK)
"traditional Celtic music quintet from Atlanta spins the usual assortment of high-steppin' jigs and reels with finesse, class, style and a refreshingly self-depreciating wit." - Creative Loafing.
"Atlanta's own BorderCollies playing traditional Celtic music with a polished ferocity and excellent, stop-on-a-dime instrumentation." - Ear Candy Magazine
History
Founding members Michael Robbins and Caeri Tomson first met while attending Swannanoa Celtic Week in July of 1999. Both were taking a contemporary Celtic composition course taught by Susan McKeown. Their first performance was given at the student showcase, and was attended by their instructors, Robin Bullock and Susan McKeown. The song was an adaptation of Cloghinne Winds by Briege Murphy, a haunting piece that the Collies recorded and put on their "road from Swannanoa" CD. Soon after returning to Atlanta, songs were written, material devoped and the band started performing as a duo.
Howard Williams was first to come on board to play mandolin, harmonica and sing. A veteran (and vegetarian) of the Atlanta music scene, Howard and Michael have played together for more than 20 years. A classically trained cello player, he plays mandolin & guitar in various bands in Atlanta such as SwamiGoneBananas and The Steve Williams Band. These days, Howard also performs on tenor banjo and bodhran.
Back from Brazil is fiddler Reva Paget , originally from Denver, Colorado. Reva has a Masters in Performance from ASU, and while in grad school was recruited by Yamaha and Zeta to demonstrate their electric fiddles at trade shows and workshops around the country. She's studied with Mark O'Connor and Darol Anger and is presently teaching fiddle and violin at http://www.mariettaviolinstudio.com/. We are delighted to have her back!
Also just joining us in 2004 is Anna Huthmaker on upright bass and cello. Anna is an amazing musician! Both Anna and Reva grew up in musical households. Anna's mother taught orchestra for many years while her father, Roland Huthmaker, is a fine violin maker. They run Huthmaker Violins in Duluth, which is truly a wonderful shop for all stringed instruments. Anna has a BM in Cello from Louisiana State Universityand an MM in Bass from Arizona State University and plays for the symphony when she's not running around with us!
Lastly, we like to mention that Zac Leger will be continuing to perform with us when he's not on tour. Latest rumour is that Zac may be touring with Eileen Ivers in the near future. Zac is prominently featured on the new CD, "Sticks and Stones" and has played Uilleann pipes, high and low whistles and flute on "The Road From Swannanoa". He also wrote, co-wrote and performed on our still unreleased "Laird of the Rings" CD.
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