guitarandvoiceEuropean-American fingerstyle guitar and lush vocals at the edge of the songwriting tradition: that's the music of Michael & Keleren Millham. Drawing from a mix of philosophical and social -as well as musical influences, these two pen songs that are at once sophisticated; yet universal in their appeal.

Their debut album "Sidhe" spent years on the top ten lists for local artists in their home market (often in #1) and has received airplay on numerous college and public radio stations. Their follow up recording "Live at The Shop" has been equally well received. Both recordings are "driven by Michael's muscular fingerstyle guitar work...and unfailing rhythm behind amazing intricacy of melodic leads" (Victory Review) and Keleren Millham's "soaring...and affecting vocals" (The Inlander).

"We write nearly all of the music we perform, so the resulting sound is a tapestry of our influences" says Keleren. Though they find their roots in the modal tunings of the British Isles (as well as their classical training), this duo moves beyond 'tradition' in the common use of the word; adding touches of sufi, cuban, jazz, contemporary folk and art song textures (among others) into the mix. With compositions further enhanced by accessible song structures and hauntingly evocative lyrics, the Millham's writing style is best described as Progressive Acoustic.

Michael and Keleren Millham are currently recording, concertising, teaching and traveling throughout the Western United States and beyond, impacting audiences large and small with a singularly distinct blend of beauty, ensemble, and virtuosity.

 

ourgear

Official website

SteveLouvatpictureSteve Louvat started to play the « 5-string » Banjo at 13 and the « Finger Picking » guitar 2 years later.
Very soon he gives some local concerts in Belgium with his brother Jefferson Louvat on Mandolin & « Flat Picking » guitar.
 
He starts to build up an international career in 1993 at the age of 19 by touring over the states with his mentor, the Banjo legend Bill Keith. This gave him the opportunity to play on famous festivals, to meet most of his musician heroes and to travel a lot as well.
 
Since this time, he is been giving thousands concerts, trainings, lessons ... all over Belgium as well as in several countries over Europe (France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Irland, Deutchland, Tcheque Republic, Hungary …), Canada, United States or even in French Polynesia.
 
These wonderful life experiences have been the main source of writing his own music; they gave him the opportunity to meet and to collaborate with amazing musicians.
 
Today, Steve mainly gives concerts with 3 projects: as a Soloist, with the Duet Louvat / Masure & the Louvat Bros.trio.
 
He always enjoys collaborating on new projects and recordings.
 
The Louvat Bros. Trio received the « Liz Meyer Award 2012 » for being the most innovative Bluegrass band in Europe.
 
Solo : finger picking Guitar & 5 string Banjo.

- Last Train Home (S. Louvat) : {Youtube}
- Fly Over The Valley (S. Louvat) : {Youtube}

Duet “Louvat / Masure” : Banjo / finger picking Guitar –
Irish Guitar / Cistre & Vocal
.
 
- County Clare (B. Fleck) : {Youtube}
- Devil’s dream (trad) : {Youtube}

Trio “Louvat Bros.”: Banjo – Guitar/Mandolin & Bass.
 
- Winter Blues ( S. Louvat ) on national RTBF radio : {Youtube}
- Irish Grass ( S. Louvat) – video Emission radio festival de chiny : {Youtube}

 
www.louvatbros.com
Steve Louvat

shAcoustic "fingerstyle" guitar wizard Shaun Hopper is at first glance an unassuming presence, a true southern gentleman whose humility stands in stark contrast to the prodigious talents he unveils on stage.

An unparalleled master of the fret-board. Merging complex melodies, harmonies and bass lines along with a one-of-a-kind mix of percussive elements, he captivates everyone within earshot. Whether his listeners are guitar enthusiasts or not matters little, within a few seconds they soon realize that they are listening to a true virtuoso. Hopper's original compositions and arrangements of pop tunes are infused with all the cutting edge techniques and flavorings embraced by the new breed of You-Tube sensations, including influences like Adam Rafferty, Andy McKee and Don Ross.

Yet, it is his traditional and schooled "approach" to music which keeps him unquestionably steeped in, and inspired by, the greats. Influences include guitar legends; Chet Atkins, Andres Segovia, Tommy Emmanuel, George Benson, Michael Hedges, Martin Taylor, Buster B. Jones, Pete Huttlinger and Leo Kottke, just to name a few. The final result is a signature style which crosses over the full range of musical genres; Alternative, Folk, Classical, Celtic, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues and Percussive New Age.

 

 

Official Website   Youtube video

LBKevin Barry Moore was born on 23 May 1955 to Nancy Power and Andy Moore of Newbridge in County Kildare, Ireland.
He is the youngest member of the family and has three sisters and two brothers.

Barry was educated by the Patrician Brothers in Primary School and by the Dominican Fathers in Newbridge College. He formed a group with his brother Andy and best friend Pat Kilbride – Aes Triplex – while in Newbridge College. He went to College in Limerick where he studied Russian and European Studies. He dropped out after a couple of years in order to concentrate on his music.

Music was an intrinsic part of his life growing up. All of the family sing and play, but Barry had his own way and style of making music. From a very early age he was writing songs and honing his skills as a serious guitar player. He first went on tour as the support act to his eldest brother, Christy Moore, in 1969. This was a tour of English folk clubs. He was all of fourteen years of age. From then on Barry spent all of his time writing songs and playing guitar. Around this time he wrote ‘Jenny Of The Sun’ and ‘Wave Up To The Shore’ – which was recorded by Christy in 1976.

 He did gigs around Ireland, from the Meeting Place (a hot spot for music in the 70s and 80s) in Dublin to McGanns (still one of the best pubs in Ireland for a traditional music session) in Doolin and all places in between, back and forth, up and down the country. In 1977 he toured Germany and England as part of the group Inchiquin, the other members being Noel Hill and Tony Linnane. Micho Russell was also part of this tour and Barry became close to Micho and still calls him a hero. His song ‘Hands of a Farmer’ is dedicated to Micho. In 1978 he released his first album ‘Treaty Stone’ which include classic Barry songs.




Luka Bloom's Website