Andrew studied music for 9 years at the Ontario Conservatory of Music and privately with John Gowan of the Toronto Symphony. He is a 2 time winner of the Ontario League Accordion Championships, (a well guarded secret) and is a 5 time nominee for "Bassist of the Year" by the Canadian Country Music Association. His many tours abroad include, "The Human Rights World Conference" in Vienna, Austria, "The Melbourne Music Festival" in Australia, and "The Davi Suuva Festival" in Karesuando, Sweden. Andrew has backed many international artists. Among these are: Susan Aglukark, George Fox, Bob Newhart and the Arrogant Worms. Andrew is one of the most sought after bassists in Canada for recording and live performance work. Not only for his professionalism, but for his famous and relentless dry wit!
BURKE CARROLL
(Pedal Steel, Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Vocals)
Burke (alias: "Bunkysteel") studied music at the University of Toronto earning himself a Bachelor of Music Degree, which makes him the most "legit" member of the band. Like Andrew, he too has toured the globe extensively backing such artists as: George Fox, The Good Brothers, Shania Twain and The Wilkinsons. A record producer in his own right, Burke brings a level of excellence and knowledge of music and arranging, that makes him an invaluable asset to any project. His credits exceed the amount of space available and his humility would limit the credit he is due. We are honored and blessed to have him as a fellow member of the band.
JERRY "Dirt" CLANCY
(Drums, Percussion, Vocals)
After an extensive career in Toronto backing artists such as Charlie Ekstein, Long John Baldry, etc., Jerry moved to Kingston where he studied music at Queen’s University. His current performance credits include, among others, Juno Nominee Georgette Fry and is without question the most casual member of the band (which as a drummer makes him an oddity), and his reluctance to "blow his own horn" made getting a comprehensive bio liken to "pulling teeth"! However, it is widely known that Jerry’s ability to "lock" in to a click track while maintaining fluidity, has put him in good stead for recording session work. Apart from his dexterity on anything that one might "hit" Jerry brings another lead vocal to the band equation and his wide vocal range is an invaluable complement to any vocal arrangement.
ANDY THOMPSON
(Keyboards, Accordion, Autoharp, Vocals, Musical Director)
Andy attended St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto for 10 years where he studied piano, music theory and harmony, choral arranging and conducting. His early introduction into electronic music lead to a career in film scoring and to date has composed the scores for more than 300 Canadian Film Productions. His live performance activities include backing artists such as: Susan Aglukark, George Fox, the late Colleen Peterson and the Arrogant Worms, for whom he wears the Producer’s hat. Andy loves to tinker with stage effects and has recently increased his life insurance policy as he is looking into designing a pyrotechnics display to be used in the finale of Kelli’s show.
I also play with GORDON STOBBE and GREG SIMM quite regularly.
Gordon Stobbe is best known, to Maritime audiences, as the co-creator, host and musical director of the long running TV variety show, "Up Home Tonight". His appearances include radio, television, theatre and live venues across Canada. His fiddle compositions are being recorded by players across Canada and he is constant demand as a fiddle workshop leader.
Greg Simm is a long time mainstay in the Nova Scotia music community. As a much sought after guitarist and bassist, Greg is recognized in both musical and theatrical circles. He and Gordon Stobbe have collaborated on a number of projects over the past 15 years.
"Kelli Trottier, Gordon Stobbe, and Greg Simm
The evocative, lyrical, energetic and authentic music spun by these three masters of their craft will lift spirit and body like the spray blown up from the sea. Original fiddle tunes inspired by places and people and times, renditions of classic Canadiana, some you will know in a heartbeat, others gorgeously crafted tributes to unsung folk heroes. Shimmering vocal renditions of songs that simply need to be heard by all of us, full on, inspired entertainment that sticks with you for months after witnessing a live performance. Always with Humour and Love of the art, Always with respect for the origins of the genre and you, the audience, Always Entertaining, Always with humble virtuosity,
Trottier, Stobbe and Simm will inspire the dance in your soul."
Influences
Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, The Statler Brothers, The Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Michael Bublé, Shelby Lynne and Alison Krauss.
Growing up and in my early days of performing with bands, my favourite music was country. There has always been a Celtic influence with the fiddle as well from my Scottish home of Glengarry County. These days I listen to more jazz, easy listening and folk.
Sounds Like
The Rankin Family, The Corrs, Natalie McMaster, The Wilkinsons, Ashley Macisaac
Kelli's new album, 'FEEL IT' brings a folk/swing feel to Kelli’s music and features many original songs and instrumentals. It also includes traditionals such as Tennessee Waltz and Bye Bye Blackbird. 'FEEL IT' is available with Kelli's previous CDs through Indie Pool and will soon be available for purchase online through her official website and in fine stores in Kingston, Ontario. It's currently available at Renaissance Music. In the meantime, if you would like to buy a copy, simply email bookings@kellitrottier.com and request it.
Born and raised in the hotbed of musical tradition and innovation that is Ontario’s Ottawa Valley, Kelli Trottier discovered her passion for entertaining, learned her craft, and developed her distinctive style while still right at home.
Now, Kelli’s talent carries her to stages across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far North, making fans and friends at every venue along the way.
Kelli’s musical odyssey of dance, fiddle and song began early in life as she studied and mastered the unique and fluid style of step-dance that evolved with the loggers and woodsmen of the historic Ottawa River watershed.
The fiddle was a natural extension of the dance; you just can't have one without the other. And who better to learn from than the senior masters of Celtic and Scottish traditional music. Kelli learned well from these sources and then embraced the exuberant rhythmic fiddle and step-dance styles of the French Canadian pioneers.
Every musical family needs a singer and a songwriter and Kelli’s family was fortunate that she had an amazing ear, a beautifully clear, natural voice, and the desire to use that voice at every opportunity. Learning the songs she loved from the artists she admired, and giving them wings with her own effortlessly-developing style, soon led to the inevitable writing and performing of her own.
Developing her art from these deep and lasting roots, while allowing the influences of contemporary music to help shape her performing and recording career, has earned Kelli a dedicated and growing following and glowing accolades from promoters, organizers and fans.
“I wanted you to know how much we enjoyed your concert tonight. It was a wonderful evening and your natural style with the audience made it extra special. As we listened to you, many of us had the feeling we were witnessing a great Canadian talent about to skyrocket, and we were there to see the launching!”
No stranger to the stage, Kelli was featured as the lead female in the Toronto musical production SwingStep. She is currently touring North America with the very successful Bowfire entourage. Kelli’s soaring vocal pieces are, for many fans, a highlight of the Bowfire productions, often described as “The finest lineup of fiddle and violin virtuosi ever assembled on one stage."
Kelli has performed for Canadian soldiers in the Middle East and for the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic. She has brought twenty thousand NHL Ottawa Senators Fans to their feet many times as the featured mid-game entertainer.
In addition to her extensive performing experience, Kelli continues to be a highly sought-after instructor and judge of fiddle and step-dance events across Canada and parts of the U.S. She has been nominated three times for Fiddle Player of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association and is featured instrumentally and vocally on many studio recordings for other artists.
All of this experience is focused on Kelli’s true passion: performing and touring her music with her band. Time and again these performances earn glowing reviews, requests to return and always more fans!
“Your show was fantastic, I was thoroughly impressed, the band was unbelievably tight.”
“In reviewing the DVD of your concert, I hope you notice the audience’s overall response to your show! You and the Mushy Peas put on a fabulous performance and the club wants you to know how much they appreciated the stage presence and talents you displayed that evening. Your professionalism made the show so well received and successful.”
Promoting her six independent recordings; singing, dancing and playing her way to the top of her musical genre, Kelli Trottier is an unforgettable and enchanting artist, consistently delivering performances that raise her stature in the hearts and memories of audiences everywhere.
Kelli talks to CKWS-TV about her new CD, 'Feel It' and plays with keyboardist Geoff Horrocks. Video courtesy of Corus Entertainment.
I don't know how you found me on here but i LOVE the fiddle and i LOVE your music! Can't wait to let my orchestral violinist friend and her daughter hear you play, we all like fiddle music a whole lot :c) Happy playing! Have a great weekend.
It is with my great pleasure to answer your invitation on "MySpace". I have thoroughly enjoyed your audio & video presentations. Your recent Bowfire participation on TV-Bravo show, featuring beside energetic fiddling combined with the enthusiastic, wild step-dance styles has left many of us with an amazing impressions.
I wish you wholeheartedly the continuous success in this challenging, but simultaneously rewarding profession!
My regards to your Musical Director Lenny Solomon.
Hello KELLI, we are delighted to be in your circle of friends. If you have time, would you mind checking out our music and let us know, what you think of it. We always appreciate your time & comments. We are looking forward to hear from you; have a pleasant week full of fun and good music ! Love and peace, - Guido & Tatch :)
s... have a good halloween too
