There’s a storm brewing in southern New Mexico. A musical storm, filled with traditional sounds, driving danceability, and virtuoso performances. Coming in the form of three masters of tradition, Ryan McKasson, Eric McDonald, and Jerimiah McLane, they form the acclaimed Celtic roots band Kalos, which will be performing in Silver City and Las Cruces this week.
Inspired by maritime traditions of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cape Breton, and Québec, Kalos explores the dark corners on the edge of tradition, creating an alluringly complex sound full of spontaneity. In fact, one of the elements that galvanizes audiences is that the band never plays a song the same way twice, leading Tim Carroll at folkwords.com to exclaim: “There’s a certain spontaneity at work as the three musicians alternately contest and duel, combine and coalesce to bring their talents together.”
But that doesn’t mean they are chaotic. Far from it. Another element that sets Kalos apart is their finely crafted, layered arrangements. Think Celtic chamber music infused with all of the genre’s deep-rooted tradition, spirited energy, and emotional resonance. With National Scottish Fiddle Champion McKasson’s virtuosity and expressiveness, McDonald’s eloquent vocals and propulsive guitar, and McLane’s agile accordion and keys, Kalos delivers rhythmic electricity, swirling intensity, and poignant balladry in their heart-stopping performances.
McKasson, McDonald, and McLane crossed paths over the years at highland games, contra dances, and fiddle camps before making their first recording in 2016. All three come from Scottish immigrant families, cementing their deep connection to the music while embracing the concept that Celtic music is a living tradition holding the richness of the past while evolving and growing into the future. That expansive vision informs the skillful architecture and ingenious inventiveness of Kalos’ original compositions and singular arrangements.
Master fiddler and composer McKasson, was the youngest player to ever win the United States National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 1996. In 1997, he earned a Merit Scholarship for Viola Performance from the University of Southern California. Since then, Ryan has performed, recorded and toured with his own band, The McKassons. Ryan, a respected session musician, regularly records and tours with other noted traditional recording artists and collaborations.
Eric McDonald, traditional balladeer and guitarist, is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, his hometown, and through the years, is noted as one of the “USA’s premier accompanists in many styles.” Now, as a session musician, Eric records and tours professionally with other musicians throughout the world. Eric has released a debut album, “Rove” which features his unique take on traditional music as a mandolinist, as well as a guitarist and a singer.
Jeremiah McLane, award-winning composer and accordionist, has led a varied career beginning with classical piano studies to those of blues, jazz, Indonesian gamelan and West African drumming. The New England native has been influential in traditional dance music with his presence in numerous bands and collaborations. Jeremiah has been recognized nationally and internationally as a musician and composer and his compositions for theater and film have garnered awards and grants.
Kalos will bring virtuoso performances to the Silco Theatre, 311 N. Bullard St., Silver City, at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13; and the Center for Spiritual Living, 575 N. Main St., Las Cruces, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14. For more information visit SilcoTheater.com, or CrucesCreatives.org. For more information about the band, visit KalosBand.com
