Electronic Press Kit

Ríméad (ree-midth, Irish for gladness or joy) is a traditional/experimental folk trio based in Ashland, Southern Oregon. Siblings Isla and Rowan Blanchflower first met the old fella James Keigher at an Irish music session in Ashland, and soon discovered that they had much in common musically. James (Mandocello, Guitar, Bodhran, vocals) originally comes from Co Mayo, in the west of Ireland, and has been playing and singing for over fifty years. He is a founding member of international folk duo Men of Worth, which has released over twelve albums and toured across the US, Ireland, and Scotland. His steady vocals and accompaniment takes inspiration from artists such as Planxty, Gerry O'Beirne, Christy Moore, and Dennis Cahill. Isla (fiddle) and Rowan (accordion, vocals) were born in 2008 and 2006 (respectively) in the hills outside of Ashland, and are growing up playing at every session they can get to. From a very young age, they were influenced and inspired by their dad's penny whistle playing, and fully dove in to learning the tradition in 2019. Isla's fiddling style is heavily influenced by players like Seán Smyth, Martin Hayes, Tomás Callister, and David Doocey. She glides effortlessly through the fastest jigs and reels, and adds a beautiful texture to songs and slow airs. Rowan has the ability to get the crowd whooping and stomping with their rhythmic bellows work and raucous tunes, and their song accompaniment blends traditional Celtic styles with improvisational and experimental riffs. Their inspirations include artists such as Andrew Waite, Altan, Lankum, Lúnasa, and Mec Lir.