WITH THREE CANADIAN FOLK MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS, THREE IRISH MUSIC AWARD NOMINATIONS AND AN IRISH MUSIC AWARD WIN FOR TOP TRADITIONAL GROUP IN FESTIVAL, PUB & CONCERT, ALL SINCE 2009, QRISTINA AND QUINN BACHAND ARE QUICKLY BECOMING TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE CELTIC MUSIC WORLD.
Twenty year old Qristina Bachand is an expressive fiddler, with a unique style that is bold and edgy. At the age of seven, she began her musical journey with classical violin lessons quickly taking an interest in folk fiddle. Though strongly rooted in the Celtic tradition, her versatility and interests also include Old-Time, Appalachian, Swing and contemporary folk music. Fifteen-year old, Quinn, is a gifted guitar player and sought after guitar accompanist who has been described as “one of the best Celtic guitar accompanists in the world and the best I've ever worked with” (Ashley MacIsaac). Quinn adds a contemporary edge to traditional Celtic music; his creative harmonies, hard-driving strumming, inventive chord voicing and powerful rhythmic effects make even the most well-worn tunes seem new and exciting.
Together, Qristina & Quinn Bachand create music that is challenging yet energetic, refreshing and fun. Their 2008 debut CD, "Relative Minors" received worldwide acclaim including a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination. For “Relative Minors”, they chose to focus on various Celtic styles – Irish, Scottish, French, Canadian and Cape Breton. “Relative Minors” is a nod to the rich canon of music that has influenced their young careers” (Penguin Eggs) with tunes chosen from the repertoires of Glenn Graham & Andrea Beaton (Cape Breton), Frank Ferrell & Liz Carroll (USA), Tony Sullivan & Donald Shaw (UK), Jean Blanchard & Gilles Chabenat (France) and more. The CD is rounded out by traditional fiddle tunes and several originals written by Qristina and Quinn. “Relative Minors” is traditional music for the 21st century, always mindful of its origins but fresh and exciting in its ambition and delivery.
Their 2011 follow up full length album, Family, features a wonderful selection of Irish tunes in scintillating medleys and superb arrangements. Quinn amazes with his formidable talents not just on guitar, but on many other instruments (acoustic & electric guitars, bodhran, harmony fiddle, Irish tenor banjo and Clawhammer banjo) and Qristina's sparkling fiddle playing shines throughout. There are two lovely vocals tracks by Qristina and some cleverly "tweaked" tunes: reels into jigs, especially, but it's the selection of jigs and reels and the duo's powerful instrumentals that are the focal point of the album. Guest musicians include Adrian Dolan (accordion, mandola), Zac Leger (Uilleann pipes, flute, whistle), Felix Prummel (low whistle), Scott Senior (cajon, bongo, shakers & percussion), Bryan Skinner (bodhran) and Oliver Swain (upright bass, vocals). There have been many West Coast Celtic bands over the past 25 years or so, but few have managed to stay so close to the tradition whilst also investing the material with such boundless energy and invention. The album is co-produced by Qristina and Quinn and Juno nominated Adrian Dolan and mastered by Grammy nominated producer Joby Baker.
Qristina & Quinn Bachand have performed across Canada, the US and Europe. They have opened and played with many well-known musicians including Ashley MacIsaac, Le Vent du Nord, Lunasa, Lau, Battlefield Band, Liz Carroll & John Doyle, Buddy McMaster, The Barra McNeils, & many more. They have been featured in television, radio and print media in Canada, the US and Europe.
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