Barrowburn: The Band

Barrowburn

Jeff Cates - photo courtesy Greg Hunt

			Jeff Cates - Fiddle Jeff’s poignant rendition of an Air on his fiddle and his rich baritone interpretation of a favorite Irish song are hallmarks of the Barrowburn's sound. Studying both classical and folk styles, he is also a member of The Raleigh Civic Symphony, teaches tunes at the local sessions, and sings in his church choir. Attending numerous Swannanoa Gatherings, Jeff has studied with some of the world’s best Irish and Scottish fiddle players including Elke Baker, Laura Risk, and Brian Conway.

			Hunter Murray - Irish C#/D Button Accordion, Scottish Small Pipes Hunter initially played drum set and performed regularly in pop and jazz groups in Eastern North Carolina. He became interested in Celtic music while researching his ancestors in the 1980s and decided to play the button accordion. He is influenced mostly by the playing of Jimmy Clancy in Kilfenora, Co. Clare in Ireland. Hunter then studied the piping tradition of Scotland and Northwest England. He brings Scottish Small Pipes to the mix of Barrowburn’s instruments. Hunter regularly travels to Ireland and throughout the US to study Celtic button accordion and piping traditions.

			Richard Nardin - Guitar Richard was an active member of the folk music community that flourished around Saratoga Springs, New York in the 1970s and 80s. He performed as a singer-songwriter throughout the northeast and midwest. His songs have been sung by Gordon Bok, Margaret MacArthur, Priscilla Herdman, Anne Dodson, Rory Makem, and others.

			Virgil Sealy - Fiddle Virgil is the leader and booking agent for the band. His driving fiddle and his tenor voice are a mainstay of the band’s sound. Adept at the bodhran, guitar, and mandolin as well, Virgil always hogs the most inputs on the soundboard! Virgil has attended workshops and master classes in fiddle and bodhran as well as soaking up tunes from other great players at area sessions and house parties. Virgil lead the Pinecone Irish Session for many years and is active with a number of the area folk music and dance groups.