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 Kind words for our new CD, Return No More The Folk Curmudgeon Review is here!
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..."What seems at first like a measured stateliness soon becomes tender, then passionate, as these stalwarts of the Anglo-Irish folk tradition work their magic. Phil Cooper's guitar playing is subtly powerful--harplike at times--and a perfect match for Margaret Nelson's shimmery, intimate vocals..." Stuart Rosenberg, Chicago Magazine, Feb. 1996.
Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire
Mirth, and youth, and warm desire! –John Milton (1608–1674), Song on May Morning May sees members of the trio taking turns at each of their own bookings. We're trying to keep them all together here to keep it simple for our fans to stay in touch. Contact us by phone or e-mail to book either the C&N duo or the CN&E trio for your venue or an upcoming event. | |||
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Who Are You?I'm Phil Cooper. After playing one night more than twenty years ago, singer Margaret Nelson walked up to me and criticized my set (well, it was an open mike session). I suggested that we get together and play some music. We discovered a shared fondness for strong stories set to beautiful tunes. We both knew many traditional English and Scottish ballads, loved the slow airs of Scotland and Ireland, and we both liked contemporary songs with the same feel. Two decades and thousands of performances later, the ballads and the traditional tunes are still the bedrock of our repertoire. This is Margaret Nelson. 
Who Is This Third Person?This is Kate Early. Kate Early is a long-time friend. Eight years ago she traveled with us to the Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival. When we asked her to sing a few songs on stage with us, the three-part vocal blend was an immediate hit with us and the audience. Since then Kate has brought many fine songs to the band. Her solo version of Salisbury Plain, her duet with Phil on Sam Stone, and the trio vocal texture of Loch Lomond are amazing to the ears. Why Should I Hire You?We present strong contemporary songs along with the traditional ballads and tunes. We are committed to the music we play, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. We entertain our audience with a lively mixture of excellent music, well-crafted introductions and sometimes absurd humor. We enjoy interacting with other musicians and volunteers and staff. We are experienced, reliable, and easy to work with. What Else Can You Do For Me?At festivals, music camps and teaching centers, we present workshops, seminars and themed performances: . Love, Death and a Catchy Chorus (Big Ballad Workshop) . Do-it-yourself Harmony (Harmony Singing for the Hesitant) . On Your Own Nickel (How to Record without Going Broke) . Paper Mache Hand Puppet Workshop . On Beyond DADGAD (Alternate Guitar Tunings) . Scottish Fiddle Tunes for Guitar So, What Do I Get?The duo gives you starkly beautiful songs, guitar/ percussion arrangements of lively Celtic dance tunes, the occasional lovely slow air, and the best (or worst) jokes you can imagine. The trio adds glorious three-part vocal harmonies, more percussive bounce to the tunes, and the wit flies faster. When we're joined by our friend Natural Bob Holdsworth, you get a fourth fine voice, plus the energetic interplay between Phil's guitar or cittern and Bob's expertly played electric bass. What About the Holidays?The Bittersweet Band teams up Cooper, Nelson & Early with songwriter/singer/"wise" woman Susan Urban. From mid-November through New Year, we perform a combination of beautiful old Christmas carols and Solstice songs with Susan's thoughtful, sometimes wry, musical snapshots of the holiday season. The best holiday shows are better than sweet - like the best chocolate, they're BITTERSWEET! Where Have You Played?Way too many places to list them all - however, here is the ubiquitous "Selected Appearances" Section:
Teaching WorkshopsInstrumental CombinationsWe delight in working with other musicians. Recent studio and performance collaborations of the Cooper, Nelson & Early Trio with bassist Natural Bob Holdsworth are expanding the C, N & E sound and repertoire. The Bittersweet Christmas Band: Turn of the year performances with Phil, Margaret, Kate and contemporary songwriter Susan Urban blend new and traditional music into shows that go beyond the sentimental. Bittersweet Band concerts offer a humorous, touching and thought-provoking look at all sides of the holiday season. It’s better than sweet, it’s BITTERSWEET! [Home] [Recordings] [Concerts] [Calendar] [Quotes] [Bookings] [Interesting Links] [Biography] [Photos] [Listen] Web pages designed by Dave Brown, daveb@proaxis.com |
