Press Kit
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Celtic Rant release new recording at benefit concert for historic Halifax church
(Halifax, NS) – Celtic Rant, a local trio of traditional acoustic musicians, launches its debut CD this weekend with a special fundraising concert in support of St. Patrick’s Church in Halifax. The group performs Sunday, April 20 at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 2267 Brunswick Street in Halifax.
Drawing on the rich repertoire of East Coast Celtic traditions of intricate instrumentals, sea shanties, Irish ballads and original compositions, Celtic Rant have forged a polished sound around the guitar, piano and mandolin.
Celtic Rant was formed in 2006, drawing together pianist Kelly MacDonald, mandolinist Rob Wigle, and guitarist Victor Fraser. The trio has been playing shows for the past year, building a solid fanbase around Halifax and in Cape Breton.
MacDonald was born and raised in Ironville, Cape Breton where he learned the piano and the traditions of Celtic music from friends and family.
Wigle, grew up in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, where the ocean, honest working people, and stories of the common folk were part of everyday life. He has been exploring roots music on mandolin and guitar for as long as he can remember. Wigle composed the rollicking Lost in North Sydney Set after the group took a wrong turn en route to a show in Cape Breton.
Guitarist Victor Fraser, with roots in Meat Cove, Cape Breton, is a disciplined musician with a background in classical, swing, country, and roots music. He is possessed by the lore of Celtic guitar and song. Fraser contributes the haunting Lament For CPL. Paul Davis, an original composition dedicated to the Nova Scotian soldier killed in the Afghanistan conflict.
Celtic Rant blends the precision of Fraser's Celtic guitar with the tradition of MacDonald’s Cape Breton piano style, and the spirited interplay of Wigle's mandolin. All contribute vocals and harmonies to round out the Celtic Rant sound.
The group recorded its self-titled CD with producer Don Chapman.
CDs will be available for sale at the concert.
Tickets are $15 or two for $25 (including tax) and available at the door
or by calling (902) 429-4170.
For photos and interview opportunities, contact:
Sandy MacDonald, sandymacmusic@hotmail.com
(902) 429-8766
For other formats or resolutions contact O'GRADY ART&DESIGN
