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Celtic-Americana “chamber folk” for the purist & progressive alike: superb fiddle-mandolin interplay, expressive vocals, inventive piano, and driving bodhrán. Carl Jung once said that the creation of something new is the result not of intellect, but of the creative mind playing with things it loves...in short, serendipity. Guided by this premise, the Syncopaths tap the emotional core of the Celtic tradition, framed within a compelling, rhythmic interplay of fiddle and mandolin, rich vocals, and unexpected colors and rhythms from the piano and bodhrán. Serendipity yields fresh, spontaneous arrangements of music and songs rooted in the Scottish, Irish, and American folk traditions. From concert halls to dance floors, the Syncopaths infuse these traditions with contemporary colors and sensibilities; the exuberant joy they derive from the music and each other is palpable, contagious, and transporting. Every instrument, every voice, every personality has a story to tell here. At the heart of the band's sound are the virtuosic twin engines of Ryan McKasson's dynamic, Scottish-based fiddling, and the understated-but-monster picking of mandolinist Ashley Broder, intertwined with Christa Burch’s expressive, warm voice. Jeff Spero weaves deft melody, strong counter-point harmony, and inventive and surprising piano into the mix, all anchored by the compelling, driving power of Christa's bodhrán. All in all, the Syncopaths are equally at home with pulsing, highenergy dance tunes and beautiful, contemplative songs. They ably stretch melodic boundaries while keeping a steady, compelling, danceable beat. The Syncopaths offer an abundance of talent, experience, and creativity; the band tours nationally, performing for arts organizations, festivals, camps, and dance communities. They have released two CDs, “Five Gears” (2010) and “Rough around the Edges” (2005). Ryan is a US National Scottish Fiddle Champion; Ashley is both a Western Open Picking Champion and Independent Music Award winner; Christa was named LiveIreland Newcomer of the Year in 2010; and Jeff is a nationally-respected contra dance caller and accompanist. They have taught at many prestigious music camps, including Swannanoa, Pinewoods, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, Valley of the Moon, the Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddle in New Zealand, Camp Kiya, Kaufman Kamp, and more. Serendipity also describes the band’s origin. The Syncopaths might be called a happenstance band, “the one that nearly got away.” Brought together in 2002 by renowned bluegrass fiddler Richard Greene, Christa, Ryan, and Jeff had met, but never collaborated. The instantaneous, electrifying synchronicity (cont’d) www.syncopaths.com 310.266.7692 Photo: Alyson Cohen “Though they may not have the international acclaim of the likes of Solas or the Chieftains, make no mistake, the Syncopaths are nothing short of a Celtic supergroup.” – The Irish Herald “The energy, joy, and spontaneity…rolls right off the stage. The combination will make you feel like you’re firewalking.” – Portland Country Dance Community Footnotes “...should appeal to both the purist and to those who prefer a modern take." – Irish Music Magazine “Christa’s voice is a magic carpet upon which we fly over castles and lochs, through dewy green glens and cozy warm pubs, and across the restless seas of the Celtic islands.” – Fiddlefreak Folk Music Review [email protected] discovered in that single rehearsal compelled them to find new opportunities to play together...but it took two false starts, the addition of a fourth member, and nearly a year and a half before the band got off the ground. The ensuing decade has been filled with inspiration, adventure, and deepening musical maturity. Ryan's inventive and dynamic fiddling is the heart and soul of the Syncopaths’ sound. Noted both for his folk and classical work, he has shared the stage with Bobby McFerrin and Elvis Costello, and has worked with modern composer Phillip Glass. A two-time US National Scottish Fiddling champion, his greatest influences are renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Cape Breton fiddler Buddy MacMaster. Ryan also has a duo with guitarist Dave Bartley, and tours with chamber group Ensemble Galilei. He has taught at the Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddle in New Zealand, Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle School, Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, Pinewoods, and Swannanoa. Ashley’s elegant, understated picking marries beautifully with Ryan’s fiddling, and the interplay between to two defines the evolving Syncopaths sound. She is a former Western Open Picking champion, and 2008 winner of the “Best Traditional Song” category in the Independent Music awards. Ashley helped Mike Marshall compile his mandolin method books. She has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Wintergrass Festival, and Millpond Festival, and opened for Solas and Altan. In addition to mandolin, Ashley plays the violin and cello, and performs with the latter in the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra. She has taught at the Swannanoa Gathering, Kaufmann Kamp, and Mandolin Symposium. Christa's expressive, supple voice is fresh, powerful, and instantly recognizable, and her bodhrán lends power and groove to the Syncopaths' sound. Part of a vibrant new generation of American folk singers, Christa works with keepers of the tradition such as Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, and the David Munnelly Band, as well as experimental projects like the a capella duet Lintie and the nouveau-Celtic band Blackwaterside. She has taught at the California Traditional Music Society’s Solstice and Equinox Festivals; many contra dance festivals and weekends; and Camp Kiya Music in the Mountains. Jeff's energetic, creative style at the keyboard serves as the perfect foil to Ryan’s fiddling and provides the driving power in the Syncopath’s engine. Well versed in genres from folk to rock to country, he has performed with fiddlers Richard Greene, Laura Light, Michael Mendelson and Tom Sauber. Jeff plays in several Southern California contra dance bands, and is also a nationally respected contra dance caller and dance composer. He is co-editor of the book “(southern) California Twirls” and is currently working on his second book of California contra dances. “The Syncopaths are… an excellent, and never boring, ‘jam band’… the possiblities are endless, such is the skill of the players.” – The Irish Herald The Syncopaths are available for: • • • • Concerts, festivals, camps, residencies Master classes, with an emphasis on the tradition and techniques of Scottish and Irish vocal and instrumental music Fiddle, viola, mandolin, bodhrán, and piano workshops for all ages, including playing by ear, improvising, and learning to play as part of an ensemble For schools, the Syncopaths can present both educational performances as well as bus-in performances in conjunction with evening concerts at performing arts centers. Performance format: Quartet “The Syncopaths are tapping into a chamber folk world of complex, choppy rhythms and instrument virtuosity that has propelled bands…to the top of the folk charts. It's a great sound and they wear it well.” – Hearth Music www.syncopaths.com 310.266.7692 [email protected]