"Sometimes it seems like Irish fiddling is played with the wrist, and Scottish fiddling with the shoulder. The bow drives across the strings, thick and throaty, creating a pulsing sound that feels more of muscle than tendon. The McKassons, a vibrant young Scottish band from Seattle, play like that. On their new CD, "Tripping Maggie," they thunder through jigs'n'reels one moment; then dazzle with a compositional sophistication that is cinematic, transporting, and tantalizingly modern. Brooke McKasson sings with a breathy, in-your-ear mezzo. Cali McKasson's keyboards are dynamically percussive and evocative; and her brother Ryan has fiddled with everyone from Beck to Bjork."
~ The Boston Globe
Fiddles that pulse with electric energy; violas that hum like the plaintive croon of cicadas; banjos that sing like springtime incarnate: Seattle-based McKassons arent your average fiddle band. One of the genres fastest rising talents, the McKassons create evocative soundtracks for adventures in distant lands and stories yet untold, and their latest album, Tripping Maggie, is yet another enchanted effort. From the theatrical sweep of the title track, to the reflective piano of The Gates, to Brooke McKassons bittersweet vocals on If I Should Fall Behind, The McKassons bring a distinctly American sensibility to traditional Scottish folk, composing songs that have the feel of Celtic music blended with the spirit of folk rock and bluegrass.
United by their affection for Celtic folk, the McKassons are playing to packed houses and festival crowds all over the nation. Featuring Ryan McKasson (fiddle, viola), his sister Cali McKasson (piano), his brother-in-law Matt Jerrell (drums, percussion), and his wife Brooke McKasson (vocals), the McKassons are a family with impressive individual achievements. Ryan claimed the National Scottish Junior Fiddle Championship in 1995 and went on to become the youngest National Scottish Fiddle Open Champion in 1996. He has shared the stage with artists Elvis Costello, Beck, Bjork, Gavin Friday, and composer Phillip Glass, among others. Cali has performed with fiddle greats Alasdair Fraser, Andre Brunet, Laura Risk, and Hanneke Cassel, while Matt has worked with renowned percussionist Johnny Rabb, who has drummed with Deana Carter, SheDaisy, and Tanya Tucker. With their energy, innovation and craftsmanship, as warm as a handshake and boisterous as an Irish pub, The McKassons offer something fresh and unique to both the Emerald City and the landscape of independent music.
It takes more than technical skill to create an authentic Celtic sound, and the McKassons produced these songs with fiery passion and soothing warmth. Just take a listen to Ryan McKasson's scorching fiddling on "Tripping Maggie" and "Mudrats"; they create the most exhilarating high and kick in the arse, the equivalent of downing several bottles of hard ale simultaneously. The group rocks without sounding rock. You have to think that, back in the day, Celtic folk musicians shook the shacks with as much two-fisted punch as the McKassons do. Throughout the album the fragile piano playing of Cali McKasson (yes, they are a family unit) lovingly calms the thunderous attack of her bandmates, especially on "The Grapevine," "Bonnie George Campbell," and "Tripping Maggie." The group's chemistry leaves me in awe; each functions as an intergral part of the band, providing rich colours...
Oh man, I am in Seattle thursday night, but I can't make your show. I'm going to the opera on Friday. Maybe I'll try to see you at the Cafe on Saturday. Depends on what my opera buddy wants to do. Miss you..hope to see you soon.
How you doing? Have you played Muriel's "Connected Spirits" yet? It's so awesome. How ARE you? Enjoying marriage? My oldest got married two weeks ago. She is really happy. Had a chance to meet Seamus Egan and Mick McAuley this last Tuesday. A couple of VERY nice guys, and Seamus even went back to get Winifred's autograph for me. Have you heard her song "My Dream of You"? Natalie does cello on the song too and it's gorgeous. Miss you guys. ASC has been really busy. We landed a feature spot on National Public Radio in June. Very cool. I hope all is well! Miss you.
Hi guys! It was great to see you at Folklife and meet the newest family members. You sounded terrific as always! Oh my goodness, what a treasure y'all are! Let me know if you liked the CD! Not as rambuncious as the McKassons, but that's probably just because we're older. LOL!
Thanks for the add. It is really appreciated. Nice to have you in my circle of friends here in cyberspace. :-) Hoping you are having a great weekend. Thanks again.
Northwest Folklife is proud to announce that the McKassons have an exclusive live track on our new CD: Live from the 2007 Northwest Folklife Festival. You can download "The Grapevine/Piper's Jig" from iTunes or pretty much anywhere else and you can buy it online at www. nwfolklife. org. Check it out!
We’re really excited to have you performing at the 2008 Northwest Folklife Festival! You’re scheduled on 5/25/08 on the Northwest Court Stage at 9:25 PM. For more details, check out www. nwfolklife. org. See You Soon!
Thanks for the add. I can't get enough of your tunes. I always teach some of them to my students. Keep writing them. Thanks for the tunes. Hope to see you back here in Boston. Sam
Hey there - We're having our CD Release show for “Marveling the While,” this Saturday, 4/5 at The Tractor. We’d love it if you could come. Please note it’s an early show starting at 6pm. Hope to see you there...Joy and The Starlings
i miss you all!!! i can't believe it's been a year since i've seen you all... wow. i wish i hadn't've-can that really be a word with that many contractions? well, i just made it one (: - been working/i could've come to tacoma! oh well, next year..... :) i know it was amaaaaaaaazing.
