"...One of the most remarkable characteristics of Colcannon is their vocal depth, an attribute that
any group would be proud to possess..."
(Ivan Emke RootsWorld Bulletin #160 March )http://www.rootsworld.com/rw/

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Colcannon is a contemporary Australian band from Adelaide, South Australia. The feel is slightly Celtic but the songs are strongly Australian.

Their instrumental arrangements are as powerful as they are musical, and the vocals? Well,… "One of the most remarkable characteristics of Colcannon is their vocal depth, an attribute that any band would be proud to possess"
(Ivan Emke, Rootsworld Bulletin #160 2001 UK)

With 8 CDs to their credit, Colcannon can be heard from Germany to Japan and beyond with international touring becoming a regular occurrence "...they are already a huge success in the UK" (West Houghton Folk Club, UK 2002), performing at some of the world's most prestigious festivals such as Winnipeg and Calgary Folk Festivals in Canada, and the renowned Edinburgh Festival (usually in The Famous Spiegeltent) and Fylde Festival in England.

Consistently in demand at Australian festivals such as Port Fairy, Woodford and the National Folk Festival in Canberra - the band brings a 'joie de vivre' to every performance. Critics agree that if you want a great night of music - described as "...simply stunning", (The Scotsman), if you want to laugh and cry, or if you just want to experience the joy of great musicians who love to perform...Colcannon is it. "...Miss them at your peril". (Folk West Magazine UK 2002)

Colcannon continues to build its reputation both in Australia and overseas writing songs (with strong Australian content), recording and touring.

Colcannon has many radio as well as TV appearances to their credit, including the lifestyle program "Postcards", "AM Adelaide", and Canada's extremely popular "The Big Breakfast". Colcannon has played numerous times at every major music festival in Australia, as well as touring internationally to Canada, UK, and New Zealand.

left to right: John - Kat - Pete - Emma

COLCANNON - the band

Kat: Lead vocals & Keyboard
John: Octave Mandolin, Guitar & harmony vocals
Pete: Guitar, Bass lead & harmony vocals
Bridget: Fiddle & harmony vocals

Kat Kraus Born in Broken Hill, NSW, Kat Kraus has made an impression on audiences and fellow members of the entertainment industry alike, for her dynamic vocals and charismatic stage presence. As well as being a founding member of 'Colcannon', Kat is known as one of the most respected vocalists in the Adelaide music scene. She has been involved with many recordings and session-work, including Eric Bogle, John Munro's 'Eureka Suite', and Adelaide blues band 'JBE'.

 

John Munro Born in Glasgow, Scotland, John has made a name for himself as an inspiring and talented songwriter, best exemplified by his two historical song cycles, “The Kelly Collection” and 'The Eureka Suite' – the latter recorded by Festival Records in 1999. Having toured most of the world with fellow Scotsman Eric Bogle from 1980 until the present day, John has become recognised as being one of the elite of the folk world. He is known as one of the best bluegrass mandolinists around, performing with the legendary 'Country Express' for the past 30+ years, as well as being a fine guitarist and singer. John uses a De Gruchy guitar and a G7th capo. (Click here for more info on the Eureka Suite)

Peter Titchener Originally from Hastings in the South East of England Pete's association with folk music began with a visit to his local folk club, The Black Horse Folk Club, at Telham. Inspired by the fact that audiences gave every singer a 'fair go' he boldly got up and did a 'floor spot'. Heartened that the audience cared enough to take the tomatoes out of the tin before throwing them he decided that folk music was for him! Despite rumours to the contrary his migration to Australia in 1991 was entirely voluntary and it wasn't long before Pete located the local folk music scene and was soon playing folk music around Australia. In March 1999 Pete was approached by members of Colcannon and, after paying a 'substantial' joining fee, he was allowed to be seen on-stage alongside fellow musicians such as Kat Kraus and John Munro. Pete's contribution to the band now includes writing some of the bands material as well as being a fine guitarist and singer. Pete also uses a De Gruchy guitar.

 

Bridget McDowall Bridget was born in Adelaide, South Australia to Australian and Scottish-Canadian parents. She has been playing the violin since she was 7 years old, when she was handed her great-grandmothers violin. Since then, Bridget’s classical and Celtic training has allowed her to branch out to many different styles. Her first foray into regular live gigging was at the age of 15 with Adelaide Irish pub band “The Range Rovers”. She also gigs regularly in many other bands around Adelaide, with styles ranging from swamp-rock to country to folk, and can occasionally be seen in the first violin section of community symphony orchestras. When Bridget is not playing her violin she is finishing her PhD, majoring in Water Treatment Engineering

Damien Steel Scott We had the pleasure of touring with Damien in 2006 when we were working with Eric Bogle and are delighted that 'Damo' could join us for our 2007 Europe/Uk/Canada tour. One of the finest musicians in Australia and if you don't belive us check out his website!! www.myspace.com-bassgoose