SYNKOFA
SYNKOFA seeks to transport listeners to distant times and places only to bring them back to the here and now with with eyes and ears wide open.
The four-piece Celtic Jazz ensemble SYNKOFA builds upon innovative folk song arrangements of violinist Theresa Ellis, original compositions of guitarist Eric McKenna, the unique solos of upright bassist Steve Wesson, and the skillful violin & viola lines of their newest member Mary Otterstrom. Together, they play Celtic roots music with a gypsy Jazz flair, carrying listeners to the misty Irish Highlands, the hot jazz clubs of 1950’s Paris, the stone cathedrals of the Renaissance, to the porch steps of Appalachia, and beyond! The instrumental band features phenomenal guest artists on various performances.
The English word Jazz may have been derived from the Irish Gaelic T'chass, which means "fiery and full of life", as Theresa's surprising twists on traditional melodies and rhythms exemplifies. But the Celtic Jazz approach is just a springboard for the SYNKOFA Ensemble as they pluck pieces from the vines of Praetorius, Eric Satie, and David Grisman before infusing them with swing tempos, juxtaposed melodies, and extended improvisations.
Each member of the trio bestows instrumental proficiency as though it were a solar flare upon the material. Upright bassist Stephen Wesson, equally competent with fingers or a bow, traverses syncopated lead lines to deep sustained tones while holding down the groove. Guitarist Eric McKenna artfully employs harmonics and pull-offs with rasgueado flamenco strums to craft his chords and solos. Masterful techniques underpin fiery leads and stirring melodies by violinist Theresa Ellis.
A distinctive feature of the group is their employment of “Verdi” or “Pythagorean” tuning of A to 432Hz. Historically prevalent and sonically organic, the 432 tuning is designed to speak to your soul and sync with universal vibrations! More info about 432 tuning here.
The name SYNKOFA is a play on the West African concept of "Sankofa", meaning that we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us so that we may use it to reach our highest potential as we move forward. SYNKOFA the ensemble seeks to transport listeners to distant times and places only to bring them back again to the present with eyes and ears wide open.
SYNKOFA seeks to transport listeners to distant times and places only to bring them back to the here and now with with eyes and ears wide open.
The four-piece Celtic Jazz ensemble SYNKOFA builds upon innovative folk song arrangements of violinist Theresa Ellis, original compositions of guitarist Eric McKenna, the unique solos of upright bassist Steve Wesson, and the skillful violin & viola lines of their newest member Mary Otterstrom. Together, they play Celtic roots music with a gypsy Jazz flair, carrying listeners to the misty Irish Highlands, the hot jazz clubs of 1950’s Paris, the stone cathedrals of the Renaissance, to the porch steps of Appalachia, and beyond! The instrumental band features phenomenal guest artists on various performances.
The English word Jazz may have been derived from the Irish Gaelic T'chass, which means "fiery and full of life", as Theresa's surprising twists on traditional melodies and rhythms exemplifies. But the Celtic Jazz approach is just a springboard for the SYNKOFA Ensemble as they pluck pieces from the vines of Praetorius, Eric Satie, and David Grisman before infusing them with swing tempos, juxtaposed melodies, and extended improvisations.
Each member of the trio bestows instrumental proficiency as though it were a solar flare upon the material. Upright bassist Stephen Wesson, equally competent with fingers or a bow, traverses syncopated lead lines to deep sustained tones while holding down the groove. Guitarist Eric McKenna artfully employs harmonics and pull-offs with rasgueado flamenco strums to craft his chords and solos. Masterful techniques underpin fiery leads and stirring melodies by violinist Theresa Ellis.
A distinctive feature of the group is their employment of “Verdi” or “Pythagorean” tuning of A to 432Hz. Historically prevalent and sonically organic, the 432 tuning is designed to speak to your soul and sync with universal vibrations! More info about 432 tuning here.
The name SYNKOFA is a play on the West African concept of "Sankofa", meaning that we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us so that we may use it to reach our highest potential as we move forward. SYNKOFA the ensemble seeks to transport listeners to distant times and places only to bring them back again to the present with eyes and ears wide open.