Marjorie Paterson (cello); Dave Cowan (vocals and guitar).
Influences
Marjorie's early musical influences were Canadian singer / songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot and, later, Jean Redpath's singing, accompanied by cellist Abbey Newton. Also influenced by the Byrds, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and, more recently, the playing of cellist Natalie Haas.
Dave's early influences were The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, The Islanders and The Corries as well as the pop music of the 1960's.
Sounds Like
We think that we've created our own sound;
voice,guitar and cello get along fine together!
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"FYRISH performed sensationally at Doncaster Folk Festival this year.
The amazingly dextrous voice of Dave Cowan is complimented by Marjorie Paterson's mellifluous cello. Their repertoire is intelligently selected and a set by them is a sheer delight to experience." John Wheeler, Chairman, Doncaster Folk Festival, 2007. ******************************************************************
"..I am always pleased to hear Dave's selection of songs and Marj's lovely cello at Barnsley Folk Club...they are well received and getting more popular by the minute." Ray Padgett, Chairman, Barnsley Folk Club.
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"David Cowan is a compelling singer with real honesty in his (very fine) voice. You find yourself being drawn to his music in quite magical way - and that's even without the allure of the oh-so-subtle cello accompaniments provided by Marjorie Paterson. David sings songs of rare power: his rendition of 'When the Boys are on Parade', for instance, challenges all of us to think about our attitude to soldiering and war. So go and listen to him and Marjorie, there's a treat in store for you..." Steve McGrail
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FYRISH is a folk duo of Marjorie Paterson (cello) and Dave Cowan (vocals and guitar).
Marjorie is a cello player, originally from the Black Isle, who grew up in a musical family and who has a natural gift for music and harmony and loves to play a wide range of styles. She has been interested in music - listening and playing - for as long as she can remember. There was always music in her house, whether her mother singing Gaelic songs or her father's fiddle tunes. Marjorie says: "My father used to stand outside my bedroom door, playing to send me to sleep, the tune fading as he walked further away. If I didn't go to sleep quickly, I learned that I got more tunes!"
Dave Cowan is a singer and guitar player from Glasgow who has been singing traditional and contemporary folk songs for over 40 years. He has a relaxed, easy style and mellow voice. In primary school at age 10 he won the school singing prize - not because he had the best voice, but because he was the only one prepared to stand up and sing in front of the class. He has been performing ever since, initially at Scout campfires and the school folk club. He has, in the past, won TMSA singing competitions for unaccompanied song, but is better known around the clubs and festivals as a singer / guitarist performing both traditional and contemporary songs.
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
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Many thanks for adding me as a friend. Fine music ,great songs and a wonderful voice. I really like the combination of guitar and cello. Respect and best wishes David
Hi Dave and Marjorie, Good to see you doing so well. We're not gigging as much as we used to, but we played the Dylan night at Otley last week, and Steve offered us a slot at this year's festival. Are you going to be there? Would be nice to meet up again some time, Cheers, Richard
Hi Dave It was so nice to see how you guys are doing...very well & popular...Fantastic.If your ever in EK, you both would be very welcome at the club.Aw Ra Best,Anne
Thanks for your kind message Majorie - I can assure you that the appreciation is mutual my friend - I have been discovering some marvellous music through exploring Karen Tweed's friends and yours is no exception - 'Easy and Slow' is particularly fine. May I wish you both every success for the future.
Looking forward to listening to more of your lovely interweaving harmonys in a club or festival in 2008. Thanks for adding us as friends, Linda and Geoff
