Clifford (Ciffie) Carter is a lifelong resident of Samsonville in Richmond County. He has been playing guitar since he was 12 years old and has played with all the best fiddlers on the island including Buddy MacMaster, Kinnon Beaton and Winston Scotty Fitzgerald. In 1954 he recorded with Winston. More recently he has played sessions with J.P. Cormier. He also plays fiddle and mandolin and takes part in the Judique Guitar Society sessions. “Ciffie” is in demand as both an accompanist and soloist. This year at Celtic Colours he will be playing with Richmond County fiddler and dancer Allie Mombourquette.
Tag Archives | Guitar
Cyril MacPhee
Growing up just outside of St. Peter’s in a musical family, Cyril MacPhee was immersed in Cape Breton ceilidhs and heavily influenced by his father’s Scottish and Irish fiddling, Country and Bluegrass music, and Folk singers like Stan Rogers. His musical influences are extremely varied, from the Beatles to Harry Hibbs, and this shows through in his songwriting and musical style. MacPhee has a versatility in his music that is a truly unique blend of folk, country and Celtic music. He has released five albums, three with the popular power-folk group Brakin’ Tradition and two as a solo artist.
Dave MacIsaac
Internationally recognized as a master of stringed instruments, Dave MacIsaac is a musician’s musician. He plays traditional fiddle tunes with fiery passion, and his stunning guitar playing, whether solo or as accompaniment, is industry legend. Always interested in expanding his knowledge of Celtic music, Dave has thousands of recordings of Cape Breton traditional music. He also possesses an archival knowledge of tunes, and is often called upon to name that tune for recordings, as well as being in high demand for session work. John Allan Cameron often stated that, “If a cod fish had strings… Dave MacIsaac could play it!”
Décota McNamara
Décota McNamara’s unique sound–which blends traditional bluegrass, celtic and Acadian roots with contemporary pop and country rock flavors–is capturing the hearts of a swiftly growing fan base. Moving effortlessly between acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, mandolin and dobro, Décota’s command of string instruments is as impressive as his rich vocals and clever songwriting. Overflowing with energy and charisma, Décota is a top-notch entertainer whether playing in kitchens, pubs or concert halls.
Derrick & Melody Cameron
Derrick and Melody Cameron live in Mabou, Cape Breton on the small dairy farm where Derrick was raised. Melody is an accomplished Cape Breton style dancer and fiddle player and they have performed together throughout Canada’s Maritime Provinces and the New England States. Highlights include playing the Stan Rogers Folk Festival and the Washington Irish Folk Festival, teaching workshops and performing at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen, Scotland and playing for many dances, pubs and concerts throughout Cape Breton Island. They were featured in the documentary “And They Danced” and have released three recordings.
Crowdis Bridge
Weaving common threads of bluegrass, folk, old-time and country blues, Crowdis Bridge offers an atypical canvas of traditional sounding music that is both timeless and relevant. This Cape Breton trio of multi-instrumentalists has been entertaining folks in small towns and strange places across the Maritimes since 2008. Their latest album “The Seasons & The Rhymes” explores universal themes of heartache, happiness and everything in between. Interlaced with tasteful instrument breaks and thoughtful harmonies, they create a colourful palette of sound. Whether you are looking for foot-stomping, light-hearted songs or soul-searching melodies with lyrics that run deep, Crowdis Bridge strikes a sustaining chord that will resonate with any fan of fine music.
Darren McMullen
Darren McMullen is a highly sought after multi-instrumentalist based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. His list of instruments includes mandolin, bouzouki, tenor banjo, whistles, guitar and bass. He has released three solo albums and been busy touring and performing with a wide range of bands including the Rankins, J.P. Cormier, Dave Gunning, Matt Andersen, Bruce Guthro, Matt Minglewood, David Francey, Gillian Boucher, Troy MacGillivray, Andrea Beaton, Rachel Davis, Anna Ludlow, and Chrissy Crowley. Darren also plays in Sprag Session with Colin Grant, Jason Roach, Donnie Calabrese and Colin Clarke, and fronts his own Darren McMullen Band.
Darren McMullen Band
Darren McMullen is a highly sought after multi-instrumentalist based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. His list of on-stage weapons includes mandolin, bouzouki, tenor banjo, whistles, guitar and bass. Darren started young on piano and then guitar and played his way through the popular pub band scene until he landed a gig with J.P. Cormier in 2004 which took him throughout Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. Since then he has released two solo albums and been busy touring and performing with a wide range of bands including the Colin Grant Band, Pogey, Dave Gunning, Matt Andersen, Bruce Guthro, Matt Minglewood, David Francey, Gillian Boucher, Troy MacGillivray, Andrea Beaton, Rachel Davis, Anna Ludlow, and Chrissy Crowley.
Festival Partner
Video Memories
Celtic Colours Merchandise
