Three musicians, multiple traditions and an abundance of talent would be one way to describe the specially curated powerhouse ensemble of Knowles, Tsumbu and Vallely.
Liz Knowles fiddle/hardanger fiddle
Niwel Tsumbu guitar/vocals
Niall Vallely concertina
Genre-bending and label-defying would be another, and this trio will immerse listeners in the striking melodies, beautiful harmonies, and deep rhythmic grooves that result from their collaborative onstage joie de vivre. Bringing together stellar hardingfele and fiddle player Liz Knowles from Kentucky, masterfully elegant Congolese guitarist-vocalist Niwel Tsumbu, and Irish concertina master and prolific composer Niall Vallely, you can hear the cross-cultural counterpoint that results from their uniquely expressive musicmaking underpinned by the common ground of their shared artistic vision. With a group as musically well-travelled as this, the satisfaction of hearing each performer’s individual contribution is multiplied several times over by their vibrant synchronicity and is sure to get toes tapping and hearts singing!
“One of North America’s finest exponents of Irish music” – The Living Tradition [on Knowles]
“A musical river flowing whose sources range from classical to Central Africa and way beyond” – Journal of Music [on Tsumbu]
“Niall Vallely’s technical mastery and genius for improvisation are matched by apparently inexhaustible creative reserves”– The Irish Times
