Family (Q&Q Music QQ1002, 2011)
Fiddler Qristina Bachand and guitarist Quinn Bachand are two siblings from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Their album Family introduces the listener to one of the most exciting recordings coming out of the roots music scene in North America. The young duo are skilled musicians who are clearly comfortable playing Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton Celtic music as well as contemporary bluegrass, swing and folk music.
Qristina Bachand plays fiddle and sings on two tracks. Quinn Bachand, who is 15, plays acoustic guitars, electric guitar guitar, banjo, harmony fiddle and bodhran.
Although the focus is on fiddle and guitar, the Bachands are joined by Adrian Dolan on accordion and mandola; Scott Senior on percussion; Zac Leger on whistles, flutes and pipers; Bryan Skinner on bodhran; Oliver Swain on bass; and Felix prummel on low whistle.
At the age of seven Qristina Bachand began her musical studies with classical violin lessons through the Suzuki Violin Method quickly taking an interest in folk fiddle. Over the years Qristina has received many regional and national awards, trophies & scholarships for her fiddling. She received full scholarships to study Irish Fiddle at Ceili Camp (Harrison Hot Springs) and Cape Breton fiddle at the Gaelic College (Cape Breton). She has also immersed herself in the Scottish and Irish Fiddle traditions while touring & performing in those countries. Qristina has also performed in Calvin Cairns’ Fiddle Ensemble and Daniel Lapp’s B.C. Fiddle Orchestra.
Quinn Bachand was honored when Cape Breton fiddling sensation Ashley MacIsaac asked him to be his sideman at the 2009 Vancouver Celticfest. Since then Quinn has performed with the acclaimed fiddler at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and across Canada at many music events and festivals such as Edmonton Folk Festival, Celtic Colours International Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Cavendish Music Festival and more.
In addition to regular performances with his sister Qristina and with Ashley MacIsaac, Quinn has also performed with many other high profile Celtic and Jazz musicians including Buddy MacMaster, Liz Carroll, Daniel Lapp, Mark Sullivan, Pierre Schryer, Andrea Beaton, Robin Nolan, Marc Atkinson to name but a few.
A superb album by the two of the most important young musicians in the international Celtic music scene.
Recordings available:
- In North America: Relative Minors
- In Europe: Relative Minors
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
