DANCER:
JAMES DEVINE
James Devine is synonymous in the
world of dance for his tapping speed and precision,
earning him a Millenium Guinness World Record
entry as the "fastest dancer that has ever
lived".
A master Irish dancer and performer,
it is Devine's unique style of "Celtic Tap",
a fusion of Irish dance with Rhythm Tap that has
earned him critical acclaim worldwide. His signature
tap has been likened to "manic typewriters",
"talking drums" and "tap tornado."
Critics throughout the world have
acclaimed him as the "modern day Fred Astaire".
He's appeared on major television shows worldwide
including the Oscar ceremony of the 69th Annual
Academy Awards, and his choreography has been
featured on television and theatre stages the
world over.
FIDDLER:
DUNCAN WICKEL
Born in 1989 in Allentown, PA,
Duncan Wickel began studying classical violin
at the age of 4. He is a native of Asheville,
NC, where he grew up in a musical family. Duncan
is becoming recognized for his diverse interests
and abilities based around Irish and Celtic music
idioms. His background in classical, world fusion
and jazz is evident in his unique sound. In 2006,
Duncan appeared on PRI's Mountain Stage alongside
renowned guitarist and singer, John Doyle. John
and Duncan have toured throughout the northeastern
states, featuring special guests concert to concert
such as Liz Carroll, Mick Maloney, John Williams,
Alison Brown and Gary West. Duncan and John have
also collaborated in the studio for Compass records'
The Light and the Half Light by John's father,
Sean Doyle, among other releases. In 2008 Duncan
will embark on his second US tour as a member
of the acclaimed Cathie Ryan Band. He is currently
a student at the Berklee College of Music, in
Boston, MA studying jazz violin performance.
DRUMS
and PERCUSSION:
PAUL JENNINGS
Paul Jennings is one of Scotland's
top percussionists. Playing professionally since
the age of just 16 he first hit the road with
legendary Scottish folk band Old Blind Dogs. His
unique style of playing has seen him play with
a host of acts and artists including many of the
top names in the Scottish and World music scene.
He has gained much experience as a touring musician
having toured America more than eight times and
appearing on over 20 recordings. More recently
he co-composed and performed a musical commission
with Fraser Stone for the 2006 and 2007 Celtic
Connections festivals in Glasgow. Paul was a founder
member of the ground breaking World/fusion band
Croft No. Five. Some of the other artists Paul
has worked with include: Wolfstone, Capercaillie,
Fred Morrison, Fribo, Jim Malcolm, Jenna Reid,
Julie Fowlis, Emily Smith, Blazin Fiddles, Boys
Of The Lough, Andrew White, The Blizzards.
ELECTRIC
HARP:
PHAMIE GOW
Phamie Gow originates from Scotland
and is currently based in Barcelona, Phamie Gow
is an internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist
and composer. She is a virtuoso on the harp, both
acoustic and electroharp, is an accomplished pianist
and also plays the accordion, low D whistle and
sings. Amongst her audiences have been the Royalty
of Britain and she has performed for His Holiness
the Dalai Lama. Phamie mainly works as a soloist
or with her changing bands of musicians where
she can experiment with different musical ideas
and sounds. She has won numerous awards for her
performances and compositions and has released
four albums: Winged Spirit, Lammermuir, Dancing
Hands and Moments of Time. Phamie has composed
for film, Gaelic choir, theatre and dance companies
in the U.K and on the European mainland.
For all Tapeire performances, Phamie
Gow's harp is provided by sponsors Lyon and Healy
Harps of Chicago.
