Album Notes

"This is one of the most talented group of musicians to hit the Celtic Music Scene. Their spectacular performances never fail to stun the audience. Influenced by their extensive backgrounds from Folk and Traditional Irish, to Hard Rock, they create a sound which has a uniquely creative twist to an otherwise familiar tune, as well as original tunes that hit the soul like a long lost friend. This band will take the Celtic Scene by storm with their fast paced, high energy sound, that grabs the interest of music lovers of all types."

-- PAT BYRNE, DUBLIN IRISH FEST COMMITTEE MEMBER


THE KELLS are BRIAN McCOY, KIM RATTAN and PAT FOLEY

BRIAN McCOY
Flute, Tin Whistle, Low Whistle, Irish Bagpipes

The McCoys hail from Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon, home of many top musicians: Matt Molloy, Seamus Tansey, with the Killorans living just next door. Down the road a bit, Brian grew up with the legendary Irish musicians living in Chicago. He has won numerous competitions, taught and played at The Milwaukee Irish Fest, and performed at Willie Clancy Week in Clare, Ireland. Irish Radio featured McCoy live on several occasions and Irish Music Magazine featured his previous band. McCoy has performed with several Symphony Orchestras and adjudicated the Fleadh Ceol Irish Music Competitions. He continues to be sought after to perform and teach at major festivals throughout the USA.

KIM RATTAN
Vocals, Guitar

Kim Rattan continues to thrill audiences with her powerfully intricate guitar work, and her world-class captivating vocals. Actually you've already heard her on many commercial radio and TV spots. Rock, Pop, Celtic, she masters it all. She has the personality and warmth of a close friend, and the power and kick of a whole band all to herself. Raised on Bluegrass, Kim hails from a long line of great musicians. Arnold Stevens is her father, who is (according to Kim) the best guitarist ever and he is of course, her hero. At the age of 74 he is still gigging at least twice a week, picking & grinning in Central Ohio. Follwing in his footsetps, Kim's acclaim is as rich as her music.

PAT FOLEY
Bodhrán, Percussion

Pat Foley has featured as an on-stage guest for several Celtic music groups, playing at numerous venues in the Celtic scene. Attracted to the bodhrán immediately, he started playing with much encouragement from his cousin Ed Norris of The Hooligans. Largely self-taught, Pat believes he has gained influence from all drummers he has observed (particularly, Ed Norris, Ed Cotter Jnr., Tommy Hayes, Kevin Rice, Frank Torpey, John Joe Kelly, and Junior Davey). He strives to ‘play the tune’ as melodically as possible (for a percussionist) to enhance the music, while sometimes employing the deep driving sound that the bodhrán is famous/infamous for. Other percussion he plays include djembe and the bones.