BIOGRAPHIES
Together 15 years. Music is Celtic featuring Scottish, Irish Welsh, French
Canadian and East Coast Canadian influences. Original instrumentals and Songs
as well as arrangements of traditional melodies. Largely a concert band but do
dances and Ceilidhs. Have played Pubs, clubs, concert halls, theatres, house
parties and have even had a mosh pit going. Have played many festivals over the
years.
Artist Collaborations:
Watt School of Irish Dance.
Toured British Columbia with school dancers with a show we called Celtic Myth and Celtic Fire. Based on " Riverdance" performance
entailed up to 40 dancers with the band and went to Grand Prairie, Kamloops, Kelowna, Fort St John and Prince George.
Prince George Cantata Singers
Also toured BC with the singers sometimes with as many as 60 on stage. We have worked with the Cantata's for many years and for the band these shows
have been amongst the most rewarding with connecting with many new friends and the movement into different types of music and song.
Art Napoleon
One of our favorite artist and singer songwriters. Alba and Art put on one of the most rewarding concerts in Prince George where North American aboriginal music
and song met and merged with Celtic Music in a most memorable concert which lasted over 3 hours and featured Aboriginal drummers and the Prince George Pipe
Band at the end the entire audience joined in a tradition friendship dance.
Dick Gaughan
A giant in the folk world. Singer Songwriter Dick Gaughan and Alba combined inPrince George to provide a most memorable evening of song and dance.
Clive Gregson
Alba where opening act for UK singer songwriter guitarist and folk legend.
Spirit of the West
Alba where opening act for The Spirit lads at UNBC and also performed with them in a Celtic jam on stage at the Prince George winter festival " Coldsnap"
We have had many fond evening concerts with fellow musicians including local
favorites
"The Pucks" ,Clann Cara , single Car Garage ". and individual members have collaborated with otherincluding:
The Chieftains, The Irish Rovers, Ashley MacIssac, and Martyn Joseph
.
Alan O'Reilly --
Alan was a session musician who played drums for many bands. Having a general interest in blues, rock and traditional music, Alan has played drums with punk and the rock bands in Dublin and The Irish Rovers here in Canada. His percussion talents led him to the bodhran (a traditional Celtic drum) that he plays with veracity and flare. Alan's talents can be heard on the hit Album "Pride" by Simon Collins, along side the mighty drums of "Phil Collins". . He has also supported Ashley Mac'Issac and Martin Joseph on stage. |
Tom Young --
Originally from Winnipeg, Tom has played fiddle since childhood. As a student, Tom played fiddle and guitar for a rock band in Halifax. We are proud of his ability and speed. He has been greatly influenced by east coast musicians such as the late Stan Rogers, and brings the energy of that region to his fiddle playing and vocal talents |
Carolyn Kelly --
Born in Chicago and raised in Minnesota, Carolyn started singing harmony with her five sisters before she could walk. Later she achieved a Bachelors of Arts in music and played in various settings with woodwind instruments, including bassoon and saxophone. Her husband is Welsh and is a major influence in her love of Celtic music. Carolyn's whistle playing and composing brings virtuosity to the band akin to the Irish players of old. |
Margaret Coyle --
Margaret's first performance at age two was in a pub in Dun Loaghaire, near Dublin where she entertained with a rendition of a traditional Celtic folk song. Born and raised in Motherwell, Scotland from Irish immigrant stock, Margaret has been immersed in Irish and Scottish folk music. She sings with the power and passion that the music deserves. Margaret's claim to fame is her solo performance with The Chieftains at their Bells of Dublin concert in PG. Margaret also is the bands percussionist. |
Jim Coyle --
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Jims influences were both traditional and pop. As a singer songwriter he found the music of the old country in his soul and the immigration experience to be inspiring. His highlight is opening with Out of Alba for Dick Gaughan
|
Out of Alba and Spirit of the West performing a Celtic Slam at Prince George Cold Snap Festival
Roxi
Is A violist with the Symphony and a wonderful fiddler. She has left the band to
pursue her Masters degree in music in Montreal But will return from time to time
to gig.
Barb is the Leader Choir
Mistress of the Cantata Singers and as well as a marvelous Pianist she is also
General manager of the symphony. As well as many other busy things. Phew!
