While banjoist Éamonn Coyne (Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica) and vocalist/guitarist Kris Drever (founding member of Lau) are respectively talented individuals, as a duo they offer an exciting new mix of traditional and contemporary folk and song. Their striking sophomore release STORYMAP beautifully balances jigs, reels, and ballads guaranteed to inspire a whole new generation of ‘folk’ fans. Special guests include vocalist Eliza Carthy on the duet “Farewell To Stromness,” fiddlers Simon Bradley and Megan Henderson, ace accordionist Alan Kelly on “Kitty O’Neil’s Champion Jig,” while Calum McIntyre (drums) and Nico Bruce (double bass) hold down the rhythm section. Éamonn Coyne and Kris Drever first discovered their rare musical camaraderie in the Edinburgh session scene over a decade ago and Coyne has since been a regular accompanist to Drever, appearing on many of his solo endeavors. The two decided to collaborate fully on their much-loved debut Honk Toot Suite, an album that showcases the duo’s firm grip on the Celtic tradition. Independently, Drever is a founding member of the band Lau, winner of the 2008 BBC Folk Award for “Best Group” and Coyne is a member of the super-massive UK folk group Treacherous Orchestra. “One of the folk scene’s most consummately attuned duos.” —The Scotsman“There’s certainly no shortage of invention or spark from the principals or their special guests.” —Rhythms Magazine
