Artist description The Tiller's Folly is a Pacific Coast based, contemporary Celtic/Pop/Folk music group, performing original and traditional compositions highlighting and bringing to life the Pacific Northwest's colourful and dramatic history. The group features some of Western Canada's finest musicians performing on dueling fiddles, mandolins, guitars, whistles and flutes plus bass, drums and percussion.

Music Style Celtic\Pop\Folk

Musical Influences Beatles, Capercaille, Silly Wizard, Stan Rogers

Similar Artists Stan Rogers, The Pogues, The Chieftains, Great Big Sea,

Artist History Since 1996, the Tiller's Folly has toured extensively throughout British Columbia, covering the majority of the province (100's of performances). In that time performing for thousands and thousands of people ofall ages and cultures promoting Celtic song and dance as well as their own tales of the colorful and dramatic Pacific Northwest History. The Tiller's Folly is well on the way to its goal of becoming "BC's Band". The Year 2000 has seen the band expand touring into Washington, Alberta and Alaska."The View From Here" the group's debut CD , topped Festival Distribution's Celtic sales charts several times in 1998/1999 and led to a 1999 "Group of the Year Nomination" from the BC Country Music Association (BCCMA), a 1st for a Celtic group. Their 2nd CD "Ghosts of the Mighty Fraser" has also spent time as the #1 selling Celtic CD on Festival Distribution (2000)and they again received a "Group of the Year Nomination" from the BCCMA.The "Ghosts of the Mighty Fraser" CD is now being played throughout Europe and Australia\New Zealand. An American tracker was recently hired and stations are coming on board weekly (29 as of the last report with some now moving into lite and medium rotation).

Group Members BiographiesThe Tiller's TrioBruce Coughlan - songwriter, lead vocals, guitar, flute and whistlesBruce is the keeper of long lost secrets. It is through his exceptional talent the past is revealed to marvel and share, through songs possessing dynamic verve calling to one and all. His versatility is reflected in a career which began as a traditional pub singer continuing with performances in Bare Facts, a calypso band and The Hightops, while he developed into a master vocalist and multi-instrumentalists. His solo album Any Day Soon highlighted 20 years of top class talent blending western pop fused with the vibes of jazz, R&B and reggae. It contrasts and complements his latest adventures with The Tiller's Folly, CD's The View From Here, and Ghosts of the Mighty Fraser displaying, musicianship reaching the Celtic zenith. In a stroke of bold finesse he creates highly sought after originality with compositions featuring on TV soundtracks and numerous albums by various artists. Bruce has garnered a slew of awards including:1997 Nomination BCCMA (British Columbia Country Music Association) Awards 1996 1st Prize 'Write On' songwriting contest in Jazz and Country and 2nd prize in Folk/World , and Best Song BCCMA 'Talent On Tape' contest, 1994 Finalist BCCMA Talent Search and Winner Radio CKWX 'Winner's Circle', songwriting contest 1991Best Song', 'Best Vocalist', Best Video' nominations - CARAS West Coast Music AwardsLaurence Knight - bass, vocalsLaurence Knight's accolade as the quintessential 'bass man' of Western Canada is worthy of a musician who can boast over 30 year's of professional experience with some of the world's top artists. Playing mainly out of Vancouver, his stable of performing cohorts have included Bo Didley, Jim Byrnes, Long John Baldry, the Sun Rhythm section (Elvis' first recording band), Susan Gitzi, Roy Forbes, Shari Ulrich, Dixie Lee Innes (One Tin Soldier), Colin James, Headpins, Faith Nolan, Ferron, Raffi, Foreman Young Band (Wonder What You're Doing Tonight) and members of Prism, Heart, Blue Northern, k.d lang's band, Brian Adam's band and many, many others. Knight has expanded his music expertise to the domain of CD and live show production, booking and promotion. Among his production credits are both the Tiller's Folly's CD's. Biographies page 2Mike Sanshyn - fiddle, drums, mandolin, guitar & vocalsSome are born with music in their blood, others strive to master that passion, Mike Sanshyn creates the musical lifebeat and instills that passion in others. He is a four time 'BC Fiddle Champion? was 3rd at 1999 Canadian Grand Masters and was nominated as "1997 Fiddler of The Year" by the Country Music Association of Canada, Sanshyn is a truly accomplished musician at a mere 24 year of age. His session recordings have enjoyed chart success, while he continues touring with many Canadian country artists including, Duane Steele and Rick Tippe. Ian Cameron: - fiddle, guitar, mandolin and vocalsStarted playing violin at age 5 and continued with ten years of Toronto conservatory classical training. Began working as a professional musician at age 16. Three years of jazz guitar instruction and way too many years of playing in rock bands. Tutored in traditional Irish fiddling by European champion Martin Hayes. Studied in Nashville Tennessee with Grand Masters champion Mark O'Connor. Written several songs that have charted on Canadian Country Radio, including one that made number one country independent in Germany. Played in New York City with Shania Twain. Currently writes and performs electric violin music posted at his internet site, www.fiddleguy.com.Victor Smith - fiddle, flute, whistles & vocalsStorms may be brewing but when Victor Smith fiddles the clouds blow fast to reveal a sky of cobalt blue. One of Canada's foremost exponents of Celtic fiddle, flute and whistle, Victor's style incorporates Irish, Scottish, Acadian and Maritime. A many year veteran of Vancouver's folk scene, he has shone in the spotlight of almost every local Celtic band including, The Stoaters, Under The Moss, Fear of Drinking, Bourne & Mac Leoad, Squid Jiggers, Natural Elements, The Paperboys, Tony McDonald, Martingale & Rattle In The Dash.

Instruments Acoustic and electric guitars, fiddles, mandolins, penny whistles, flutes, drums, percussion,bass

Albums The View From Here, Ghosts of the Mighty Fraser

Press Reviews "This full throated Canadian Celtic group, a cross between Stan Rodgers and the Clancy Brothers, is on a stirring crusade...the West Coast (unlike the East Coast) has not enjoyed the legend-making identity-building magic that comes from musicians who are ready to celebrate their region's unique and dramatic history. The Tiller's Folly, mixing new and old styles, has taken up the challenge with panache…Douglas Todd, The Vancouver Sun"Tiller's Folly ia a wise purchase for Celtic music fans...Coughlan and company deliver it al with technical skill." Peter North, The Edmonton Journal"Excellent production and top-notched musicianship"...John McLaughlin, The Vancouver Province...now with two CD's under their belt, and boasting two of Canada's finest fiddlers, they are adding their own unique sound to the growing West Coast Celtic Scene..a well mixed balance of traditional and original dance tunes and airs...

Location Vancouver, BC - Canada

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