GALLERY – The Long Notes

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BIOGRAPHYDescribed by the Scotsman in a five-star review as ‘truly something else’, The Long Notes unite the revered talents of accordionist Colette O’Leary, fiddler Jamie Smith, banjo and mandolin player Brian Kelly and guitarist/fiddler Alex Percy. All four musicians have a wealth of touring experience and came together as a group through north London’s ever-vibrant folk scene. They have forged an excellent reputation for themselves performing at festivals/venues including Celtic Connections Glasgow, Glastonbury, Wimborne, City of London, Wychwood, Blas, tours of UK, Germany, Italy and an upcoming tour of Austria in Feb/March 2011.The Long Notes’ ensemble synergy magically surpasses the sum of its parts, with captivating arrangements of Scottish, Irish, French, Galician, contemporary and original tunes. Their playing is “nothing short of sublime, the dance sets implausibly quick yet immaculately detailed, brilliantly intense yet utterly supple, silkily dovetailed in a thrilling panoply of colour, texture and taut-sprung rhythms”. (***** The Scotsman)Colette’s playing is exquisite and heartfelt, honed through years of touring with the highly successful all-girl Irish folk group The Bumblebees. A highly respected piano accordionist “Colette is one of the best at coaxing genuine sounds from the stomach Steinway, a sterling musician” (Irish Voice New York) Jamie Smith is a well-known fiddler who emerged through the…
REVIEWS ‘The Long Notes’ Selected Reviews “The “The Long Notes” debut album arrived in great time for Paddy’s Day…they had a great reception at the Celtic Connections Festival this year by all accounts and after listening to the album I can see why. This is the best traditional instrumental album I’ve heard so far this year and I hope the standard of other trad based releases continues like this one. There are some great numbers on here from powerful uplifting Jigs and Reels to airs that will no doubt please those hardened traditional musical fans and bring new ones into the fold as they demonstrate a cutting edge to their music that makes it all the more enjoyable and exciting…it’s just what the trad scene needs.” folkradio.co.uk, March ’08 “The three play together with grace and solidity, and there are some lovely original compositions from Smith. There are six guests in all, each appearing on three or four numbers. Ewan Robertson and Julia Reid also contribute a song apiece…The Long Notes have a heavy touring schedule ahead of them…Judging by the superb standard of the musicianship here, it should be something to look forward to.” Sarah McQuaid, Hot Press,…
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