(Canadian Bluegrass)
Touring UK: July 9th to 28th July
I’m very pleased to be booking for Viper Central this year
after working with them on several stages on their 2011 tour the band are back
with a new record released this March.
Viper Central is a
six piece acoustic string band that takes that “high lonesome sound” to new
places. All six band members contribute original songs but won’t hesitate to
deliver up their take on an ages-old mournful waltz or bring the house down
with a barn-burning bluegrass standard.
The band came together through a love for the old timey
sounds of such artists as
Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, Hazel Dickens and the New Lost
City Ramblers along
with the more contemporary styles of acoustic innovators,
David Grisman, Bela
Fleck, and David Lindley. Everyone brings a colourful resume
and a unique sense
of creativity to this collaboration. While the members of
the band play significant
roles in many other roots music projects (Headwater,
Redgrass, The Fugitives) the
chemistry of the members gives Viper Central a one of a kind
sound that will stick
with you long after the show is over.
Records and Tours
In the summer of 2008 Viper Central released their first
album “The Devil Sure is Hard to Please”. Blending innovative arrangements with
creative vocal harmonies, the album showcasedthe diverse songwriting talents of
every member of the band. The Band was also featured on a compilation album,
“Whiskey Hollow Bound” which showcased Vancouver Bluegrass bands.
A tour of Europe followed, where they performed in
Switzerland at Willisau Spring Bluegrass Festival and dates throughout Italy
and France. In 2010, Viper Central put out a live gospelalbum “Live at the
Street Church” which was recorded at a storefront church on Vancouver’s
Downtown Eastside. It was followed up with a tour of California where a
highlight was the San Francisco Bluegrass and Oldtime Festival. They returned
to Europe and the UK for the Southwell Folk Festival and Ireby Music Festival
as well as performances in Ireland. The band is now working on a new record to
be released in March 2012 and planning a follow up tour of the UK for July.
The Band
Known for his impeccable skills as a guitarist in jazz and
Brazilian styles, Steve Charles brings formidable musicianship to his roles on
guitar, banjo and bass as well as his songwriting. He plays an active role in
Vancouver’s theatre community as music director. Kathleen Nisbet’s soulful
singing has come from a lifetime of singing across Canada. Exploring her Metis
roots has given her opportunity to be enriched by the fiddling and dancing
tradition and bring that to her songs.
A natural storyteller from Winnipeg’s rich musical
community, Tyler Rudolph’s
imaginative songs form a large part of the Viper Central
repertoire. His knack for melodies and tasteful banjo work play prominently in
the Viper sound.
Mandolinist Mark Vaughan is an avid student of the
traditions and history of old time
music. He’s a frequent performer with many Vancouver bands,
and has composed several film scores.
Tim Tweedale is one of the most in demand slide guitar
players in British Columbia,
playing with bands such as Headwater, and Sarah MacDougall,
his fiery playing and
composing adds spice to the Viper melting pot.
If you would like some more information and available dates
then please contact me by phone or email.
Thanks for you time
Alan Rooke
07775526881
owlsworld@gmail.com
Booking Agent
