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The Blair Band
Celtic / Acoustic / Folk Rock

"The OFFICIAL MySpace of THE BLAIR BAND"

NASHVILLE, Tennessee
United States

Profile Views:  47342




Last Login:  7/25/2008
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   Contacting The Blair Band

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/theblairband  

   The Blair Band: General Info
Member Since5/14/2006
Band WebsiteBlairBand.com
Band Members RIC BLAIR
(Lead Vocals/Guitar/Keys/Bodhran)

Lead singer/songwriter Ric Blair has an illustrious resume. Ric has served as a personal guitar instructor for Sheryl Crow, has composed film scores for Morgan Freeman and Danny Glover, and was the lead guitarist and a roommate with Rich Mullins in the early years. Ric played on Rich's first CD which they recorded in Amy Grant's basement studio. During that same year Ric wrote a song entitled "Never for Nothing" which became a number one hit for Grammy nominee Margaret Becker.

In 1995, Ric founded The Blair Band to return to his Irish/Scottish and acoustic folk rock roots. Ric plays acoustic and electric guitar, bodhran, piano/keyboards, and bass (not all at the same time though!) and sings lead vocals. Ric also writes and produces most of the Blair Band's recordings.

Ric is the son of an Irish mother and a Scottish father. Ric has traced his Scottish roots back to John Blair who was the personal Chaplin to Scottish hero William Wallace. Other Blair ancestors also fought along side with Wallace. Blair means battlefield in Gaelic.

Yun Kim Blair
(Pennywhistle/Vocals/Keys/Irish Dance/Choreography)
Yun is a multi-faceted performer, singer, dancer and choreographer. Yun's pennywhistle work is featured on countless CDs that are distributed throughout the world. She is a trained classical pianist, and is an accomplished Irish dancer. She also choreographs world champion Irish dance troups that perform with the Blair Band. Yun was born in Seoul, Korea, and is often introduced as being from "Far Eastern Ireland". You won't want to miss Yun's passionate whistle playing and Irish dancing during the next Blair Band performance.

Patrick D'Arcy
(Uilleann Pipes/Low Whistle)
Patrick is originally from Dublin, Ireland, and is a graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Patrick currently lives in Los Angeles where he is often hired to play on TV and film music scores. Patrick is also a multi-instrumentalist and plays uilleann pipes, pennywhistle, low whistle, bodhran, mandolin, and guitar. Patrick has played for Quincy Jones and is often hired by U2's Bono to perform for different occasions. Patrick also conducts Irish music workshops around the country. Not only is Patrick one of the most respected and gifted pipers in the country, he is also one of the funniest, quick-witted, and pleasant people that you could ever meet.

Jeff Durham
(Djembe/Percussion)
Jeff is the longest living original member of The Blair Band and has toured the world with Ric since 1995. They have many great road stories to tell as they have traveled together from Scotland to Hawaii playing music. Jeff plays a unique hybrid djembe/perc kit that he invented himself. Many other pro-percussionists have since tried to borrow Jeff's self-assembled, acoustic groove machine. Jeff is not only a musician but a comedian, actor, and published film script writer as well. Jeff is a powerfully passionate percussionist, and it is an incredible treat to watch him perform during The Blair Band shows. Jeff will also keep you in stitches as he shares his natural yet unpredictable sense of humor in concert.

Celtic Fiddle
Deb Shebish
Melanie Parobek
Kim Barnes


Influences The Beatles
The Chieftains
Dougie MacLean
The Bothy Band
Lunasa
Jackson Browne
Neil Finn
Record LabelCeltic Isle Records
Type of LabelIndie





   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Oct 1 2008 7:00P
Ireland/UK Concert Tour (October 2008) Dublin, Listowel, etc., Cork
Nov 29 2008 7:00P
First UMC Midland, Michigan
Nov 30 2008 7:00P
The Blair Band Celtic Christmas Tour 11/30-12/25 Coming to Your Town!

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   About The Blair Band

The Blair Band Bio

The Blair Band is a Celtic, acoustic, folk rock group on Celtic Isle Records, distributed by Koch Distribution and by STL Distribution in the UK and Europe. On tour in the UK and across the United States, The Blair Band has been impacting audiences everywhere with their positive uplifting brand of Celtic music.

The Blair Band is a passionate, high energy force with an innovative organic sound. The Band performs a combination of rock and folk-rock influenced, stirring original songs along with fiery Scottish/Irish traditional instrumentals. They have also been referred to as David Gray meets The Chieftains. When you see The Blair Band in concert you will not only be moved by their infectious energy and passion, but you will be impressed by the incredible musicianship of each band member. A typical concert involves not only uplifting inspired music, but also spirited Irish dancing by Yun Blair and world-reknowned Irish dance troups.

The Blair Band is comprised of an eclectic family including a Dubliner, a Korean-American, and the rest of Scottish/Irish and European heritage. The resulting by-product of this uncanny musical club has yielded the most magical and electrifying combination of traditional Celtic music and acoustic rock that you will ever hear! A quite sensational and unique sound to say the least!

The Blair Band is comprised of: Ric Blair on vocals/guitar/keys/bodhran, Yun Blair on pennywhistle/vocals/keys/Irish dancing, Patrick D'Arcy from Dublin, Ireland on uilleann pipes/low whistle, Jeff Durham on djembe/percussion, and Kim Haller Barnes on Celtic fiddle. Occasional guest artists with the Blair Band include world-reknowned Celtic fiddler Cait Reed, fiddler J'Anna Jacoby from the Rod Stewart Band, uilleann piper Eric Rigler of Braveheart/Rob Roy/Titanic fame, and pipers Ivan Goff and Tommy Martin from Riverdance. Isaac Alderson and Tyler Duncan who are All-Ireland champions on pipes/whistle/flute and bodhran have also performed with the Blair Band.








DISCOGRAPHY

CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST RELEASE!



CELTIC CHRISTMAS

The Blair Band's new release “Celtic Christmas” is an exciting blend of ancient Irish and Scottish Christmas songs that few have heard before now, celebratory traditional celtic instrumentals, and classic Christmas carols performed with celtic instrumentation. It is a perfect blend of the old and the new but with a very earthy warm fireside feel. You will hear the haunting Scottish carol “Balulalow” which tells the story of the angel proclaiming to Mary the birth of Christ the Lord, God’s son and heir. You will also hear the chilling classic “O’Holy Night” and Ric’s moving original song “The Greatest Gift”. Celtic fiddle, uilleann pipes, Irish whistles, bodhran, acoustic guitar, piano, strings and ric’s stirring vocals all come together to make this a spine-tingling, heart warming, unprecedented Christmas celebration. The Blair Band's “Celtic Christmas” will provide the perfect background to celebrate Christmas with your family this year and for years to come.





CELTIC SESSIONS

This CD contains 13 tracks of some of our favorite and most often played traditional instrumentals including the CM Radio No.1 hit "Crosses of Annagh".




FIELDS OF FREEDOM

The Blair Band's 3rd release entitled Fields of Freedom is a meditative collection of traditional hymns and instrumentals. This CD features special guests Phil Keaggy and Sheila Walsh. Guitar legend Phil Keaggy produced Ric's original song "Alleluia" and sang goose bump provoking background vocals on "Be Thou My Vision". Sheila (who is originally from a town near Glasgow, Scotland) contributed truly heartfelt voice-overs for the Scripture meditations.



BREAK THE WALLS

This is The Blair Band's 2nd release and features Eric Rigler on uilleann pipes and Cait Reed on Celtic Fiddle. This CD is an eclectic blend of original songs penned by Ric Blair infused with traditional instrumentals. This CD is a favorite of all ages as it is a collection of upbeat Beatle-esque rock songs along with thoughtful, soul-stirring ballads, and toe-tapping instrumentals.



ALWAYS BY MY SIDE

This is The Blair Band's first CD recording. It is a timeless masterpiece of haunting melodies and deep, powerful lyrics. You will never tire of listening to Ric's heartfelt and thought-provoking songs. This is a CD that will stir even the toughest of men to tears!

ORDER NOW!

CD TITLE PRICE Quantity
CELTIC CHRISTMAS $15.00
CELTIC SESSIONS $15.00
FIELDS OF FREEDOM $15.00
BREAK THE WALLS $15.00
ALWAYS BY MY SIDE $15.00
Choose how many, and click
Orders sent by CD Baby - the fastest, safest, and easiest place to buy CDs online. You can also call 1-800-BUY-MY-CD to order by phone.

Visit our Official Website at: WWW.BLAIRBAND.COM


   The Blair Band's Friend Space (Top 23)
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The Blair Band's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 169 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Celtic Passion





Jul 15 2008 7:58 PM

Hope you're having a great summer!
ron moore





Jun 21 2008 11:48 PM

Hey Ric,

Great to catch up with you.
Our Asheville people (in July) will eat you and your Celtic music up like truffles!!

oxoxox
ron
Roos





Jun 10 2008 8:52 PM

Thank you for the friendship, the wonderful music and the great playing.
Cheers, Roos
Frank Lynn





Jun 9 2008 1:44 PM

Great to See you guys are still out there serving...GREAT MUSIC!!!
I Know I Can Stop The Pain if I Will it All Away





Mar 17 2008 5:21 PM

Happy St. Pattys day!!
I enjoyed the show on the 16th!! It was great seeing you all again, and we loved dancing with you!!!
SPEEDRACER





Mar 14 2008 10:52 PM

Ric,

Hope all is well with you and the band, you will be pleased to know when you come back to Shell Point TVC we will have all new sound, lights and video/TV systems in place !! looking forward to having you back !

Jason
VirgInIa<3





Mar 14 2008 12:24 PM

ARTIST OF THE DAY



AMAZING!!!!!!
and the Artist of the Day is...





Mar 12 2008 4:10 AM

Congratulations from GJK Promotions on becoming "Artist of the Day" on March 12, 2008

Keep up the awesome work :)

Cheers and Inspire :)

P.S. Don't forget to check us out on Blogger at http://artistofthedaybands.blogspot.com
ducentre





Mar 6 2008 12:43 AM

Hi from the Netherlands,
Thanks for the add.
Love your beautyful music and site.
Greets Jannie
Dust of the Rabbi غبار الحاخام





Mar 4 2008 6:10 PM

A Hebrew Blessing to you
أ العبرية بمباركه لكم

Numbers 6:25 - 26
ارقام 6:25 -- 26
25 The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;
26 The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.
25 الرب الادلاء تألق على وجه اليكم ، وتكون كريمة لانك ؛
26 الرب انتشال له على طلعة لكم ، واعطيكم السلام.

the dust of the rabbi
غبار الحاخام
In Search Of A Rose





Feb 17 2008 9:06 AM

Thanks for your add. Best wishes, In Search of a Rose (Germany)
SCARMAN, aka Ward Foley (AUTHOR)





Feb 13 2008 10:05 AM

Thanks! Love the music. God bless ya, Scarman
Tom N Tierney





Feb 13 2008 6:24 AM

Arghhh! How'd you know Tierney was Irish? Thanks -- I'll see what I can do! -T
and the Artist of the Day is...





Feb 11 2008 11:23 AM

Just peeking to see what your up too :)

Cheers :)
Rebecca





Jan 10 2008 7:29 PM

Happy New Year, guys! I pray 2008 will be an even better year for you all (and 2007 wasn't too shabby). God bless. :)
Matt McNeely





Dec 29 2007 11:25 AM

Happy New Years guys!! Matty
Celtic Passion - Celtic Christmas





Dec 12 2007 12:08 PM

Merry Christmas!
Matt McNeely





Dec 4 2007 10:22 AM

Hey guys....I had so much fun playing up in the frozen North with yas. The Sunday night concert was especially great, sublime performances from all + everything just clicked. Can't wait to meet up again and do it all over! Much Love...
Dawn





Dec 4 2007 8:17 AM

Rock rock rock!!! you guys rock! I love your amazing fantastical music! Inspiring!
a zillion blessings your way!
Dawn
www.mpkband.com
Rick "the rock" Starr





Dec 3 2007 10:17 AM

Hey Ric! Rick Starr from Dallas here. Congrats on the Christmas CD. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas. Let me know if you're ever in the Dallas area again. I might be in Nashville in April. I'll let you know. God Bless!
’TIS...





Nov 30 2007 4:36 PM

Great music you guys are making! Love the sounds. Our best wishes to ye from 'Downunder' - 'TIS...
AthenasGrove .com - Fabric Trims for YOU!





Nov 20 2007 2:47 PM

May Your Holiday Be Blessed,
Complete With ALL The "Trimmings"
Dog Food Secrets





Nov 17 2007 2:51 PM

Thanks for the add!
Obadiah1.com





Nov 17 2007 6:22 AM

Hey there!

Thanks for adding us! Love your music and your ministry!

God Bless!

Jeff & John

www.obadiah1.com
Gary





Nov 15 2007 10:34 AM

Hi there...
SPEEDRACER





Nov 12 2007 4:45 AM

Rick, had a great time with you and the band last night, hope you guys make it back to SW Florida again soon !!

Jason TVC
Wheeler Street





Oct 27 2007 1:20 AM

Thanks For the add. Welcome to the wonderful world of Wheeler Street.
Tehilim | Celtic Rock





Oct 25 2007 6:17 PM

Thanks, guys.

Nice to know about your friends tha moved to Sao Paulo. Maybe, I can find them.

Blesses for you!


Cesar Ricky - Tehilim
Tehilim | Celtic Rock





Oct 22 2007 5:30 PM

Wonderful sound, guys!

Cheers


Cesar Ricky - Tehilim