THE MCKASSONS: Tall Tales

The McKassons

Tall Tales

© 2004 Kalos Records (766433169027)

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A passionate contemporary Scottish fiddle album from a brother/sister duo who bring a new exciting edge to an old treasured tradition.

notes

"Tall tales would have been a great CD from anyone who had been recording for years. For a first album it is superb. The McKassons have reached a place where the Scottish idiom has been faithfully captured and wrapped in their own rich musicality. From the great traditional treatment of the Miller of Drone, to the beautifully reflective voices of Ryan's cradle song for Isla Bryn, their collective musicianship shines. It is a CD to be listened to over and over again." - Calum Mackinnon

Biography:

Ryan McKasson has been playing violin since the age of four. He began classical viola studies when he was fourteen and at the same time switched from classical violin to begin his traditional fiddle journey with the renowned fiddler and teacher, Carol Ann Wheeler. Under her instruction he explored a wide range of American and Celtic styles, but found a new passion in the music of his heritage, Scotland. In 1993 Ryan attended the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School for the first time. There he heard the fiddling of Alasdair Fraser and Buddy MacMaster, who have since been his greatest influences. In 1995, Ryan was winner of the National Junior Championship, and went on a year later to be the youngest winner of the National Scottish Fiddle Open Championship in Loon Mountain, New Hampshire.

As a fiddler, Ryan has performed with artist Bobby McFerrin. He has also shared the stage with pop artists Elvis Costello, Beck, Bjork, Galvin Friday and composer Phillip Glass. In 2001 Ryan collaborated with fiddler Richard Greene and the Greene String Quartet in Los Angeles for the Harry Smith Project.

An accomplished classical musician, Ryan attended the University of Southern California in Viola Performance as a student of Donald McInnes. He has been awarded fellowships to many prestigious music festivals, including the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara and the Bowdoin Music Festival in Maine.

Cali McKasson is an award winning pianist and harpist. She began classical piano studies at the age of three, making her orchestral solo debut at the age of thirteen. Her interest in Scottish piano began in 1993 at the Valley of the Moon Scottish fiddling school where she became a student of the Cape Breton pianist, Barbara MacDonald Magone. Cali has also been influenced by Cape Breton pianist Tracy Dares and Scottish pianist Muriel Johnstone. Her interest in Scottish piano grew with her brother's fiddle playing and now she performs throughout the United States bringing audiences her passion for Scottish music.

As a classical musician, Cali is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in harp performance as a student of Yolanda Kondonassis. Hailed by the Boston Globe as an "expert harpist", Cali has performed as assistant principal harpist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New World Symphony Orchestra. She was a two-time winner of the Alice Chalifouz prize in Harp at the Cleveland Institute of Music and was winner of the Institute's Concerto Competition. Cali was twice awarded the fellowship in harp to the Tanglewood Music Festival in Massachusetts and was also principal harpist at the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland. She is now the Principal harpist of the Tacoma (WA) Symphony Orchestra and is active as a professional musician and teacher.

Ryan and Cali were born in Dallas, Texas and relocated with their family to the Pacific Northwest in their teens. They both have recently returned from Los Angeles to live in the Seattle area.

reviews

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  • Lovely!!
    author: karin

    This is a lovely cd. The combination of keyboard and violin is delightful and a unique celtic sound. I love it.

  • Wonderful! Fabulous 'Love it!
    author: Bonnie Lynn MacKinnon-Witherspoon

    I had seen the McKassons at the 2005 Austin Celtic Festival and loved them. My husband was not with me to see them and I wanted to share their music with him, so I ordered the CD. He was 'Wowed'. 'Love it! 'Can't wait for the next one!

  • Awesome and inspiring work!
    author: Dan Smith

    I first heard this CD on the McKassons' Myspace and decided to try their entire CD. I'm glad that I did... they completely rock. This CD is definitely one of my new favorites. I hope to meet them soon!

  • Incredible music - evokes a happy mood
    author: Marne Norden

    This is beautiful music and I can't wait for the next CD!!

  • Amazing! Relaxing and inspiring all at the same time.
    author: Mimi

    The night that the CD arrived in the mail, I lit a fire, had a glass of wine, closed my eyes and really enjoyed it. It took me back to my fun ski trip with good friends in Davis, W. Va., an evening at the Purple Fiddle Cafe, and will always provide me with great memories!

  • Refreshing!!
    author: Amber
  • Great Love them!
    author: Andy Hirte

    I heard them live at Portland Highland games and just had to get a CD. One of the best of thier kind. Super!

  • Best I've heard...I want more!
    author: Gordon Chisholm

    This is by far the best and hottest of this genre that I've heard, and I've now given two away so others could enjoy, as well as kept one for myself!

  • True beauty! A must hear!
    author: Katie

    Thanks to the McKassons for beautiful music and such a fantastic album! Y'all are great!

  • Outstanding! A beautiful gift is given in this CD.
    author: Cheryl

    Tall Tales is a wonderful gift of music. The harmony of the piano and fiddle touches the heart and soul. Outstanding performance throughout the whole CD.

  • This CD is Great! The McKassons are pure talent
    author: Trey

    What a great arrangement of songs and composition. These two are extremely talented and this CD is a true showcase of their talent. I highly recommend this CD to everyone.

  • chip thought this was good. It definitely rocked. good work.
    author: elisa milner and chip milner

    Very professional. Good sound quality/recording quality. Good choice of songs.

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