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After swapping a few CD’s, Emily and Sophia met to sing in a stairwell on the Cornell University campus and were delighted and shocked to find they couldn’t tell their voices apart. Now as “Glass of Water,” they sing a wide range of traditional and tradition-inspired songs from New England, Appalachia, the British Isles, all of which they arrange for two a capella voices. “They have a remarkable knack for creating distinctive arrangements and weaving intricate vocal lines. Their blithe singing shows a deep affection and respect for their eclectic sources.” Emily Steele Hurst is originally from Greensboro, VT. An alumna of the St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltones and the youth choral group Village Harmony, and a member of Northern Harmony's 2004 tour, Emily is a die-hard fan of a capella choral traditions. She enjoys creating unusual and delicate harmony lines, and sinking into the "crunchy" chords with such a well-matched singing partner as Sophia. At Cornell University she started a folk a capella group, has sung with the Cornell World Music Choir, and is as active in the Ithaca shape note community as her busy schedule allows her! Sophia Smith-Savedoff grew up in a music-filled Jewish community in Washington, D.C. Folk music is her passion: she writes songs of her own, plays guitar and tries her hand at fiddle as well. She likes to stretch her already extensive vocal range at both ends to produce low drones as well as higher harmonics. At Cornell University she is president of the Cornell Folk Song Society and spends as much time as she can promoting folk music on campus and in surrounding Ithaca. |
| Katie Trautz has played many instruments throughout her life including guitar, steelpan, and most recently the fiddle. She has studied Old-time and Appalachian music with fiddlers such as Bill Hicks of the Red Clay Ramblers, Pete Sutherland, Greg Boardman and Shiela Kay Adamso. She has toured with the Village Harmony choir in the USA, Italy and Republic of Georgia. Katie has performed in a number of cities in the east of USA including Baltimore, NYC, Burlington, Washington D.C., and Montreal. She writes originals and arranges traditional tunes for SugarBlue. | |
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Schooled in tradition but not afraid to blur boundaries, soul-folk duet Avi and Celia are striking matches and catchin’ wind. Simmering with hip bending, blue-tinged melodies, Celia's voice bonds with Avi's colorful guitar creations and compelling harmony. Their sound is delivered with the essence of rock ‘n roll and rooted in the traditions of folk, bluegrass, and blues. Both 22-year-old native New Englanders, Avi and Celia are filled with spirit, vision, and ambition. Avi Salloway and Celia Woodsmith were brought together while studying at the University of Vermont in 2003 through their shared love for soul singing and old folk tunes. When Celia’s roommate heard Avi’s guitar riffs floating through his fourth floor dorm window, she quickly sought him out to suggest strumming strings with her feisty roommate. Her suggestion was right on track; Avi & Celia immediately hit it off. In March 2007, Avi and Celia released their debut CD, Off the Floor, described by Performer Magazine as “A bright and energetic combination of folk, country, bluegrass and rock.” Their original album prompted famed New England music venue, Higher Ground, to award them Artist of the Month in March 2007. Avi and Celia have toured the Eastern United States and California in celebration of their new record. Their energetic and inspired nature has made Avi and Celia a popular act on the summer festival circuit. They have performed at legendary venues and festivals such as Club Passim, The Iron Horse Music Hall, Higher Ground, The Paradise, Champlain Valley Folk Festival, and Discover Jazz Festival. Their poignant performances and insightful sound have also landed them high profile concerts supporting legendary artists such as Taj Mahal, Leon Russell, and Big Brother & The Holding Company. Cambridge, Massachusetts was a staple city of the folk movement of the 1960s. Avi and Celia now reside there and are a strong part of the music scene, reinvigorating the community with essence of yesteryear. While usually performing as a duet, Avi and Celia have been known to team up with other great musicians. The two will be making a new record this February at the esteemed WERS studios in Boston, Ma. The highly anticipated full length album will be released in May 2008. |
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Last modified June 16, 2008