Cathy Clasper-Torch, Phil Edmonds, Otis Read, Pete Breen, Ron Schmitt
Influences
World Music: Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian, Eastern European, North American, Latin American folk-influences, intermingled with world-beat and dance rhythms.
Sounds Like
The Gnomes have a very original sound, in part because much of their music IS original (in particular that of Phil Edmonds and Otis Read). They also play alot of traditional music in not so traditional ways. There's a variety of influences such as folk, rock, Latin and jazz, with plenty of room for improvisation. Check out the two cuts from their first CD, "To the Dance Floor"!
The Gnomes each bring an enormous wealth of musical knowledge, musicianship, creativity, and fun to their performances. Their live shows are upbeat and never fail to get folks on their feet, moving and grooving! They'll go from a traditional tune into a tango, or a piece of music that makes you feel like you just stepped off a dirt road in Ireland to a sidewalk cafe in France. The Gnomes concerts also have plenty of songs interspersed with their instrumental music. Pete Breen wails on everything from Reggae to Gospel while playing his bass; Otis Read, a gifted singer-songwriter plays rhythm and lead guitar; Cathy Clasper-Torch is a fiddler, pianist and Harmony Queen; Phil Edmonds, a master Irish whistle-player and button accordion, also writes much of The Gnomes' original music; while Ron Schmitt is a a phenomenal World Beat and dance percussionist.
I'm proud to be the first person to comment on your Myspace! I had such a great time last Friday at peeptoad, you are all wonderful muscian's and I look forward to hearing more! Slainte! ( I was the guy in the kilt!)
