Kalos is a new trio from the United States, though not as new as you might think. It is the evolution of the duo McKasson and McDonald (previously featured on Folk Radio here). Guitarist and singer Eric McDonald and fiddler Ryan McKasson performed together for years, often having accordionist Jeremiah McLane along as a guest in both performance and studio. The reasons for not officially expanding to a trio sooner had much to do with geography, though eventually, those concerns were pretty much just put aside. From McDonald: “Ryan and I started a project in 2016 because when we met we had an immediate chemistry that continues to lift our music to this day. We were too busy reveling in that to think about what else the project might need or want, except then we got lucky enough to have Jeremiah on for a gig. He slotted right into the picture in a way that was effortless for us all. What he adds in terms of melody, interaction, musical expression and dynamic scope lifted us up. It was sort of like an innocence is lost forever kind of situation, and we pretty much knew there was only one direction we wanted to head. For me what is particularly different with him in the band is his musical approach really encourages us to dig deeper into our arrangements and compositions than we ever have. Now without Jeremiah something essential would be missing, and we don’t look back.”
They tell us that Fanny Vanille and The Kerry Polska are a pair of contemporary tunes based on old forms counted in three but with distinctly different tempos and mood. The juxtaposition of the two makes for a set with a lot of dynamic range that is extremely enjoyable to play and hopefully to listen to. The first tune sounds like a fast french waltz, hence the spelling. Its composer, McLane, spent formative years in France and wrote the tune as a homage to accordion maestro Andy Cutting. Although it means nothing in English, pronounced with a french accent, it comes out as Fahnee Vahnee, which also has no meaning but sounds silly. The second tune, The Kerry Polska, was written by Danish accordionist and whistle player Rune Barslund. The title is perhaps a play on words: County Kerry, Ireland, has produced many wonderful polkas, whereas the polska has its origins in Norway and Sweden. Kalos learned this tune from Barslund’s duo with fiddler Andreas Tophøj. The video here was filmed as one continuous shot by the exceptionally talented and fabulous Dylan Ladds from Dooster.”
“Headland”, Kalos’ first album as a trio, will be released in early 2023 (official release date to be announced). The album will feature a diverse blend of tunes and songs, from 1700s Scottish airs to newly composed Polskas as well as much in between, and songs of exploration and discovery, both newly written and old.
Kalos Bio
Kalos is three innovative interpreters and composers of Celtic roots music: Eric McDonald, Ryan McKasson and Jeremiah McLane. They are masters of tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges, delivering an alluring musical complexity full of spontaneity and joyful exuberance. They set the standard for traditional repertoire with an underlying drive and pulse charged with rhythmic electricity and integrity.
Each brings an exceptionally diverse array of musical influences to the table. Eric studied jazz and bluegrass mandolin at the Berklee College of Music before finding his way to DADGAD guitar; Ryan carries a degree in viola performance and is one of the youngest ever to win the US National Scottish Fiddle Championship; Jeremiah, in addition to having Scottish roots, has studied Indonesian Gamelan, West African drumming, and the music of minimalist composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass. His compositions have won numerous awards and been featured in films.
Kalos’ music asks to be shared live, and performance is the band’s heart and forte. Their partnership stretches beyond the music, born of fast friendships formed at the band’s origin and exhibited in their playfulness on stage. Kalos forges a new musical path that draws on Celtic, Breton, American and other musical traditions on accordion, piano, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, viola and vocals.
More here: https://kalosband.com/