PLAIN FOLK

by Les Pearson
The Musical Styles of Tiller’s Folly Are a Fine Kettle of Fish!

Medicine Hat Folk Club books the best first! Tiller’s Folly—the talented folk, bluegrass, roots, Celtic band—appears in Calgary the night after our concert and then disappears until March concerts in Edmonton. Between, before, and after these visits to Albertan waters, Tiller’s Folly steers for concert booty in large American ports.

So, why the saltwater tears? No one entered our contest. If you read last week’s column—Hello, are you out there!—you’ll know that anyone who provided a convincing argument that Tiller’s Folly is or is not a Celtic band would have won two tickets to their concert at the Moose Lodge on Friday, February 4.

This sulking diverts me from discussing one of the most polished, professional, folk groups I have encountered. Last week I discussed the scope of their musical talents. Let’s review.

Eric Reed is the bluegrass master of fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. Nolan Murray is an American champion fiddler. Laurence Knight has a 30 year cv as bassist to pop greats on both sides of the 49th parallel. And, of course, there is group founder, Bruce Coughlan, who plays acoustic guitar, wood flute, and Irish whistles.

Coughlan is also an amazing songwriter! All ten tunes on A Ripple in Time (2002), are his. If you love history ballads, jigs, reels, and airs, you will love Coughlan’s songs.

Don’t take my word for it. My theme this week is simple. See for yourself! Visit both of the Tiller’s Folly web sites.

Few musicians take the time and lavish care this group does to create that positive first impression. Few web sites allow you to hear and see the artists in action. These sites do!

If you do not own a computer, take a trip to the Volunteer Centre at the south end of the railway overpass or visit the Public Library. If you have never bought a pig in a poke, do not start now! A visit to the two Tiller’s Folly web sites will provide a perfect preview to their concert.

Let me provide a teaser. On the main web site (www.tillersfolly.com) visit the Media section, then click on the three extensive video clips.

My favourite is The Spirit of Sail recorded for the Bravo! channel. You will delight in the nine Irish dancers and clips from the 2002 Tall Ships Festival in Victoria. What a show! What songs!

In 2004, Tiller’s Folly recorded a CD/DVD entitled A Fine Kettle of Fish at the historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Visit www.afinekettleoffish.com for your second treat. There are three great sample songs with video clips.

If you still need convincing, buy a concert ticket anyway. The live concert will be the ultimate convincer! But buy one quickly. They will disappear faster than Grand Banks cod. Tickets are temporarily at Mike’s Meats, the Zucchini Blossom Café, or the Customer Service kiosk at the Medicine Hat Mall.