Album Notes

Triptych is a vivacious three-part ensemble featuring fiddler Laura Risk, guitarist/percussionist/vocalist Paddy League, and dancer Kieran Jordan. This remarkable trio delivers elegant and soulful renderings of traditional music and step dance, from Irish, Scottish, and French-Canadian traditions.

These three artists began performing as teenagers in the professional folk circuit - Risk in San Francisco, League in Washington, DC, and Jordan in Philadelphia. Their individual talents in traditional music and dance have taken them to premier performance venues throughout North America and Europe. Each one of them has an impressive solo career, and each has collaborated with the most highly regarded artists in their fields. As Triptych, these three accomplished performers create a tasteful yet gutsy sound and a visually invigorating live concert performance.

From driving reels and passionate strathspeys to lilting jigs and melancholy airs, Laura Risk's fiddling takes listeners on a rich journey through the diverse repertoires of Scotland, Quebec, and Ireland. Her expressive, versatile playing is described by filmmaker Ken Burns as "a revelation and achingly beautiful." Paddy League's inventive accompaniment on bodhran and guitar provides irresistible backing rhythm. Influenced by jazz, Latin, and world percussion styles, as well as Irish traditional music, League possesses an exceptional ear for listening and responding to nuances in a tune. His songs, along with instrumental selections on mandolin, illustrate his multi-faceted musicianship and bring incredible variety to this group's repertoire. Finally, Kieran Jordan's step dancing adds energy as well as sensuality to the music. Though trained in Irish traditional dance, Jordan also has explored Cape Breton step dance, modern dance, and improvisational sean-nos Irish dance. She brings a refreshing musical approach to her dancing and a graceful and compelling presence to the stage.

Though immersed in traditional music, Risk and League also compose original tunes, while Jordan choreographs new pieces that explore the edges of traditional dance. Adventurous creative spirits, plus deeply embodied expressions of tradition, characterize the aesthetic of this group. Triptych's raw talent, gentle humor, and genuine approach to the music and dance they love create delightful and memorable concert experiences for audiences everywhere.