Barrowburn prides itself in its versatility. They are equally at home ripping through a set of jigs or reels as they are rendering the simple beauty of a slow air or lament. They perform both legacy and contemporary ballads from the tradition as well as comical pub songs that are best accompanied by a swinging pint of Guinness. In concert, they demonstrate their love for Celtic music, but do so from an American perspective.
Performers
The performers include Virgil Sealy on fiddle, mandolin, bodhran and vocals; Jeff Cates on fiddle and vocals; Richard Nardin on guitar and vocals; and Nathan Deese on flute, whistle, mandolin, and vocals.
Richard Nardin
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
Virgil is the leader and soundman 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 led the Pinecone Irish Session for many years and is active with a number of the area folk music and dance groups.
Jeff Cates
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 has been a member of The Raleigh Civic Symphony, taught 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.
Nathan Deese
Nathan cast around for the perfect woodwind instrument for many years until he came upon the penny-whistle. He studied whistle under Laura Byrne Egan in the Baltimore Irish Arts program, then branched out to Irish flute, guitar, mandolin, and Irish tenor banjo. Nathan has played with a variety of local folk music groups. He has led the NC Renaissance Festival’s madrigal and pub singing group, and plays for his church choir.
History
Barrowburn is a Raleigh, NC based band presenting traditional Celtic music on acoustic instruments for dances, public performances, group meetings, and private engagements throughout North Carolina for over 20 years.
The band takes its name from the “Barrowburn Reel” composed by Addie Harper. Legend has it that Harper was inspired by the bucolic beauty of Barrowburn, Northumberland, nestled in the Cheviot Hills along the border of England and Scotland.
Barrowburn has played at numerous festivals including the Gaelic Festival in Raleigh, Celtic Fest in Cary, and the International Festival in Raleigh. They often play for dancers at both Ceili and Contra dances as well as private parties, weddings, receptions, and corporate events throughout North Carolina.