Artist description Rhianon is a Contemporary Celtic Band with a Blues and Jazz edge. Rhianon mixes different style influences with traditional and original songs and tunes to create their unique Celtic sound. Rhianon has gained quite a following and reputation for their musicianship, harmonies and songwriting expertise in the Washington DC area. Rhianon’s current CD, Lost in Avalon is a combination of original songs written by founder, Rene Carawan and arrangements of traditional songs. The most notable of which is, Deirdre’s Lament, a traditional poem written in the 12th century, which Rene adapted to original music. They are now in the process of recording their 3 CD, entitled “A Rake, A Wheel and a Raggedy Reel, due out early spring 2003. Unlike previous CDs, A Rake will be entirely of Traditional songs and tunes. Shortly after the release of A Rake, Rhianon will go back into the studio and record the 4th CD, which will consist of songs written and co-written by Rene Carawan, Greg Lygon and Cathleen Gary. Meet the Band: Rene Carawan: Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer, Irish Whistle, Flute, and Bodhran Rene is a classically trained vocalist, pianist and flutist. Her voice and songwriting has been compared to that of Loreena McKennitt. Greg Lygon: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bodhran, and Octave Mandolin Greg is the one and only male of the group. He is an accomplished guitarist, who has studied with such notable talents as, Al Petteway and Michael Fath. His songwriting talent is among the best and can be compared with James Taylor. Cathleen Gary: Vocals, Bodhran Cathleen Gary is the newest member of Rhianon. Her sweet vocal ability has added the 3rd part to the harmonies for which Rhianon has become known. She has also brought her knowledge of Gaelic songs. Kristin Love: Fiddle Kristin comes to Rhianon from a classical and blues background. She was classically trained on viola and plays killer blues fiddle. Kristin’s playing brought energy and spice to the traditional tunes

Music Style celtic/folk

Musical Influences Cherish the Ladies, Kate Rusby, Cathy Ryan

Similar Artists Kate Rusby, Cathy Ryan

Artist History Rhianon was originally formed in 1997, with Rene Carawan, Chris Dale and Liz Davies. Rhianon had a few personell changes since then, but has now gained the talents of Greg Lygon on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, vocals, and bodhran; Cathleen Gary on vocals, Irish step dancing and bodhran; Kristin Love on fiddle.

Group Members Rene Carawan, Greg Lygon, Cathleen Koplets and Kristin Love.

Instruments Piano, whistle, bodhran, flute, violin, guitar

Albums Bard Song and Lost in Avalon

Press Reviews Rhianon - Bard Song8 songs and 23 minutes shows us the strong will and voice of ReneZabel, a singer-songwriter from N. Virginia, and a set of pipeslike Madonna on Ray of Light. Her soft 'You'll Never Be the Sun' could make a grown sadist cry, and is not recommended to mothers singing their babies to sleep at night time. But it's a night song with a looking glass quality. You see yourself and sing softly to that face you think you know. But in between the sad bits there are some great Irish stew pots of jig. 'King of the Fairies' has no ords, but it's traditional arrangement is by Rene, and when track 5, 'Banish Misfortune', lands in your coffee, you've got to get up and dance. Sorry, but there's no way around it. If you can keep your frown going while everyone else around is losing theirs, you're quite miserable. Therefore, try more jig. And if you're one keen on arts festivals, turn to 'The Queen', another traditional arrangement, this time for voices seemingly outside in the open air. Recording is weirder, but therefore a nice change from the previous songs. This woman's smart in her genre. A few more bucks for cd production and promotion, and she'll be claiming anti-gothic fans within a fortnight. ~Ben Ohmart - Muses Muse~

Location Alexandria, Va. - USA

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