"This full-throated Canadian Celtic group, a cross between Stan Rogers and the Clancy
Brothers, is on a stirring crusade. It wants to establish an oral story-telling
tradition for the settlers, fishers, natives, loggers and adventurers of the misty
West Coast."
- Douglas Todd, Vancouver Sun
"The ensemble of musicians that make up Tiller's Folly are a wondrously talented
lot. Bruce Coughlan fronts the band and writes most of the songs, but each of the
players adds a color and texture to the songs and band that is uncommonly evocative.
Nolan Murray on fiddle and Michael Sanyshyn on mandolin in particular are outstanding
on this tasteful Laurence Knight production."
- Tom May Producer/host "River City Folk" NPR
BRUCE COUGHLAN
songwriter, vocals, guitar, woodflute & whistles
Bruce is a true bard (a collector of songs) and the founding member of The Tiller's
Folly. He started his career at a young age as a solo pub performer touring throughout
Western Canada. This incited his interest in the little known history of the region
while giving him a solid background in performing and music. Bruce's songwriting
and musicianship came to the fore in popular BC bands Bare Facts and The Hightops
and on his solo CD Any Day Soon.
In early 1996 Bruce was searching for an outlet for his vision of a Folk/Celtic
band singing songs about the other Maritime province and The Tiller's Folly was
born. His love and passion for the characters and tales of The Pacific North West
provided fertile ground for his well developed songwriting skills which led to "The
View From Here and " Ghosts of The Mighty Fraser". This has been honed to new brilliance
on the just finished 3rd CD "A Ripple in Time". Bruce is a talent to watch and will
soon be recognized as a Great Canadian songwriter in a class with the great storytellers
like Gordon Lightfoot, Stompin Tom and Stan Rogers.
LAURENCE KNIGHT
producer, bass, vocals
Laurence is a musician with the incredible depth of over 30 years of professional
performing and recording experience. During this time he performed with many of
the brightest lights of the Vancouver music scene and had the opportunity to produce
and session with numerous projects. He first met Bruce as a session musician for
Bare Facts and they continued to meet for several years until Bruce asked Laurence
to play at a Tiller's Folly gig.
That was the beginning and now over six years later it is an even stronger partnership
that seamlessly combines their strengths (Bruce's songwriting and musicality teamed
with Laurence's musical, production and business expertise) making the whole more
than the sum.Laurence has performed, recorded and toured with many artists included
Bo Didley, Jim Byrnes, Long John Baldry, the Sun Rhythm section (Elvis' first recording
band), Susan Gitzi, Roy Forbes, Shari Ulrich, Dixie Lee Innes (One Tin Soldier),
Headpins, Faith Nolan, Ferron, Raffi, Foreman Young Band (Wonder What You're Doing
Tonight) and members of Prism, Heart, Blue Northern, Loverboy, One Horse Blue, k.d
lang's band, Bryan Adam's band and many, many others.
MIKE SANYSHYN
fiddle, mandolin, guitar & vocals
Mike is a talented multi-instrumentalist and one of the top country session musicians
in Western Canada. He joined The Tiller's Folly with Laurence in 1996 and was a
major part of the first two CD's ( Including a writing credit on "Ghosts") and is
again featured prominently on the new CD.
Mike is a four time 'BC Fiddle Champion was 3rd at 1999 Canadian Grand Masters and
was nominated as "1997 Fiddler of The Year" by the Country Music Association of
Canada. Mike is a truly accomplished musician at a mere 29 years of age. His session
recordings have enjoyed chart success, and he has toured, recorded and performed
with many fine country artists including Carolyn Dawn Johnson, The Wilkinsons, Duane
Steele, Patty Loveless and Rick Tippe
NOLAN MURRAY
fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar
Nolan is one the most in demand multi-instrumentalists in the Pacific NW and has
recorded, toured and performed with many top Canadian and American artists. He has
throughout his career won numerous awards and nominations for his stellar musicianship.
2001 saw Nolan join The Tiller's Folly and add his dynamic musical talent to the
band and the recording of "A Ripple in Time" including a writing credit.
After many years of touring the United States, Canada, and Western Europe with some
of the top names in the music industry, Murray now resides back in his hometown
of La Grande, OregonHighlights of his awards and nominations are California Fiddle
and Banjo Champion, Top 10 @ Grand Masters Fiddle Championship and US National Fiddle
Contest, Nomination as CCMA Instrumentalist of the Year, 1991-1992, Nomination as
Fiddle Player of Year @ Branson Music Awards, 1995, Western Canadian Bluegrass and
Oregon Trail Fiddle Champion 1996 and International Bluegrass World Championship
Band, 1997Nolan has recorded, toured and performed with numerous artists including
Loretta Lynn, Ferlin Husky Ian Tyson, David Frizzell, Rose Maddox, Gary Fjellgaard,
Brenda Lee, Irish Rovers, One Horse Blue, Randy Travis, Patricia Conroy, Canadian
All-Stars, Ricky Van Shelton, Jess Lee, Johnny Russell John Fogerty, Valdy and Lisa
Brokop
ROBBIE STEININGER
guitars, vocals, mandolin, dobro
Robbie has been a guitarist for over 32 years. Starting his career in Winnipeg,
studying and working with bands in the area, he came to Vancouver in 1972 and has
been working steadily ever since. A multi-award winner and top call session player,
he has gold records for his work with West coast artist Sue Medley, has toured internationally
opening for artists like Bob Dylan and Tom Cochrane as well as producing and performing
on Megan Metcalfe's debut album for EMI.
Robbie joined The Tiller's Folly in 2001 and added a wealth of brilliant musicality
to the band which is featured throughout "A Ripple in Time". He plays on an average
of 30 albums a year, does a half a dozen feature films, a wack of live gigs and
guest spots and he is now working on his first solo album. His work on slide guitar,
dobro, mandolin and other stringed instruments has ensured that his future will
be as busy as ever.
Noteable Entertainment & Events is a Vancouver based
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event production company. If you are interested in booking The Tillers Folly please
contact us.