Atlantic Crossing is a quartet of acoustic musicians from the Champlain Valley of Vermont, known nationally and beyond as a dynamic, high-energy and in-demand contra dance band, as well as for compelling concert performances. Their repertoire includes songs and instrumental music of New England, Quebec, Maritime Canada, and the British Isles, as well as original material inspired by these musical traditions.
Drawn together over 15 years ago by a shared love of Celtic music, they have since forged their own sound, focussing ever more on the music of their region. They are among a small group of Vermont musicians who are bringing to life the music of the Helen Hartness Flanders Collection of traditional New England songs, and are adding to the tradition by researching, writing and performing material relating to local historical events.
Atlantic Crossing have appeared at numerous festivals and concert series, and have toured extensively in the USA and also in England. They have played at several of the major contra dance series in the USA, including Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, Atlanta and many more.
Atlantic Crossing have been accepted for several years to the Vermont Arts Council's juried register, a selection of the state's best artists, and, for their contribution to the state's cultural heritage, were recognised by the VT Arts Council's 'American Masterpieces' program (now discontinued).
The band's first three CDs were produced by Pete Sutherland. 'Wind Against The Tide' was released in 1998, 'Full and Away' was named one of the top 10 Vermont albums of 2000 by the arts weekly Seven Days, and 'Groundswell' was released in the spring of 2003. Their 4th and 5th are self-produced recordings: 'Turning The Compass' was released in August 2006, and 'Overtones & Undercurrents', the most recent, was launched in July 2009. They have also produced a compilation of dance sets taken from the first 5 CDs: Stamp of Approval (2010).
The band comprises:
Brian Perkins (mandolin, bouzouki, tenor banjo, feet, cornet, vocals) is a versatile performer, music teacher and sound technician. He founded and directed Burlington's popular Celtic College workshop series, and was formerly member of the dance band Lift Ticket.
Rick Klein (guitar, vocals) developed his powerful rhythm playing through years of work in dance bands of all types. A licensed skipper who has lived and worked on the sea, he has a natural affinity for maritime music.
Viveka Fox (fiddle, bodhran, djembe) has played American, Scottish and Irish music since childhood, and especially loves the music of Cape Breton for its Gaelic soul and North American exhuberance. Her solo recording, Shores of Champlain, was released in 1993.
Peter Macfarlane (fiddle, low whistle, vocals) relocated to Vermont from the UK where he played regularly for dances, weddings and more throughout southern England. For 10 years, he organized and led the Aylesbury Fiddle Rally, and in 2003 he released a recording of original Scottish-style dance music with pianist Lilian Linden. He now teaches fiddle and builds wooden canoes.
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