“There are many great musicians and then there are Masters of their instrument. Comas are Masters.” – Eleanor Robinson (Celtic Roots Festival)
Since March 2003, Comas have been together as a band. Before that, they toured individually in top acts such as The Drovers, Orion, Eileen Ivers, Urbantrad, Denez Prigent, and the internationally acclaimed Liz Carroll, to name just a few. Although coming from diverse musical backgrounds and residing in different parts of the globe, they found each other through their similar approach to music, bringing together their many cultural influences to forge a unique blend of traditional Irish music that literally had them, within months of coming together, playing in major festivals in Ireland, Belgium, France, England, Denmark, and Holland. This achivement alone is worthy of note, and as further testimony to their deep rooted talents, they were asked back immediately to every festival they played. “Before we even had time to put our instruments away,” as guitarist Philip Masure aptly put it.
By the end of 2003 Comas had built up a sizable repution so as to be hailed in the press as “The Revelation Of 2003” (S.Vandenberghe – NVFOLK) and “The best traditional band around” (Folkspot). When you hear Comas you’ll know that their choice of name was no accident: it translates from Irish Gaelic as “Power,” and power is exactly what this band is about. It describes their own driving power coupled with a fine sensitivity for the inner strands of magic that is inherent in Irish music.
Here, their fiddle player, Aidan Burke, comes into his own, delving deep into his Irish roots to pluck out a pure sound that transcends time and place guaranteed to touch any lover of Celtic music. Aidan’s dexterity is evenly matched by the awesome talents of Isaac Alderson (flutes, uilleann pipes), Philip Masure (guitar) and Jackie Moran (percussion). “Comas play enormously fast but with a lot of feeling.” (S. Feys – Folkroddels)
Comas are a band firmly rooted in Irish music, but with enough space to allow for original compositions. Their openness to new influences and a respectful eye on the past bring Comas to the forefront of what traditional music is about today.
Tickets will be available at Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce – 6 Park Road and at the door.
(Text by Irish writer/singer Tom Acton)
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