More On Dear Ruin:
“I’m on a flight from Boston to Seattle with a good pair of headphones, while my wife has the kid on her lap. I’ve listened through just once now. It sounds great. There’s a cohesive style the whole way through and it’s distinctive enough to be a real signature. That mix of drive and staccato downbeats with some space to breathe. It reminds me of Donal Lunny or the Trials of Cato more than anyone. The bouzouki and bodhrán both sound spot on and expertly recorded and mixed, which sadly is very unusual … but they sound just like they should. The choices of tunes to pair with songs are awesome, I wasn’t expecting any of them but they each fit. It’d have been nice to have an all-tunes set, but that’s me!! Some inspired harmonizations on Wild Rover and Farmer Michael Hayes.”
Colm MaCárthaigh, Musician & Producer
“Check out this awesome, new recording sent to me by my harmonica friend, Jan Peters. The band is Gallowglass and the album is entitled, “Dear Ruin”. It’s an excellent album of Celtic songs and tunes with bouzouki, guitar, mandolin, flute, bodhran, harmonica, and compelling vocals. Both vocalists are brilliant singers: clear, powerful, and honest. Jan Peters’ harp work consists of big drones, nice chording, well-placed swelling fills, and some sweet trad tune playing along with absolutely lovely flute! Highly recommended! 🇮🇪”
James Conway, traditional Irish music pillar of the Chicago scene
"Dear Ruin" is such a well-rounded album, with an excellent mix of familiar traditional songs and less common ones, beautifully and tastefully accompanied. The playing and singing are fabulous, and the mix represents the tone and character of each player perfectly. As hard as it was to pick a favorite song, "Believe Me If" stood out with its distinct structure and wording. The lyrics give away its origins as a poem and make it stand out, but Jan's felicitous original melody makes it fit cohesively in with the rest of the album.”
Lindsay Straw, Musician, Singer, The Ivy Leaf Irish Band
“Beautiful, I love it. The music is haunting and charming. Beautiful songs, the singing and playing is awesome. I love the production (especially the way the percussion is mixed) and the whole album has an incredible vibe. The harmonica playing is stellar. The textures, the lines and the feel are beautiful. Great work, I’ll definitely listen to it again and again. Congrats to Gallowglass!”
Vincent Boucher, harmonica player, France
”Irish poet-songwriter Thomas Moore knew all too well that change was inevitable and as you’ll hear in this group’s new release, Celtic Music never needs to stagnate either. They’ve abandoned an all traditional instrumentation but kept the ‘soul’ of this very old and beautiful genre with fresh arrangements with deep respect for the Music. For myself as a Singer, I love how they entangle the vocals with the instrumental lines, it draws the listener into the song and tells the story behind it. A Fiddle? No, a Harmonica (Jan Peters) but one who stays true to the melody lines and then adds a bit of rhythmic push to compliment the traditional Irish frame drum the Bodhrán, excellently played by David Lofgren. The Chordal/Melody chair is manned by a very tasty Bouzouki player (Zach Bauman) which basically sounds similar to a “low” octave Mandolin. The Flute instead of a Penny-whistle also provides a sweet new warm texture to the overall blend. Two strong Singers complete their unique sound. Jan Peters (Jan pronounced Yahn) who doubles on Harmonica and Mishon Kirkland who plays the Flute are Lead Singers who can really project in this small band setting with wonderful harmony as well as individual leads.
The songs except for the Dylan cover “North Country Fair” are all traditional Irish songs that the group totally rearranged so they really come off “fresh” and new sounding. It really is an amazing record. The production is top notch as well mix and mastering are really on the money and they all played their buns off. Grab an Ale, a Whiskey or any Adult Beverage and kick back listen and enjoy the Magic like I sure did.”
Rob Paparozzi,“ Blood, Sweat & Tears, Musician, & Producer
“Every time Gallowglass Celtic Folk Band plays Boundary Bay Brewery, whether during our St Patrick's Day celebrations or as part of a Summer Monthly Gallowglass Concert Series in our beer garden, they draw an audience of intention who show up to immerse themselves in the songs and sounds of this long standing Bellingham project. Their deep commitment to honing the songs and tunes they play is not only palpable, but joyous to behold and hear.
As a business manager, when Gallowglass is scheduled to play at Boundary Bay I am not only assured of a well put together show, the band is also very proactive in partnering on stylizing and sharing the promotionals. We love having them and we love working with them! “
Janet Lightner, General Manager Boundary Bay Brewery - January 2023
Ye Gods! I’m indebted to you all for Saturday night, my first social outing in what, three years? Great room, decent acoustics and truly amazing musicians, great crowd, a real feeling of community. The music, depending on the song or tune, heartrending, darkly tragic or uplifting, joyfully happy, inspiring! UP THE UNION…!!!
Sheridan - Attendee at the March 19, 2022 Firehouse Performance Arts Center
“We’ve been following Gallowglass for 4 years and never miss an opportunity to hear them perform. Their music is a thing of beauty and true joy for the soul! The enjoyment they get in playing music together radiates to their audiences.”
Christy And Steven Schroeder-Lloyd - February 2022
- Dana Hubanks in Whatcom Talk
Wedding Reviews:
"I will never forget Gallowglass' gentle, joyous melodies as they wafted through the trees where my father and I waited to walk down the aisle. The music, once through the leaf layer, amplified in the green light. Step in step, we felt the music like sunlight as we emerged from the forest and walked towards our wedding guests. Gallowglass' harmonies, both simple and intricate, helped guide our walk, through the crowd, towards my husband. Such joy. Later, after greetings, dinner, speeches, and pie, Gallowglass' music drew us to the dance floor. My husband and I danced our first dance in the settling dusk light. I couldn't have imagined any other music to accompany us. Soon joined by our family and friends, the beat picked up. We danced hard. Everyone was smiling, even the band members. Thank you, Gallowglass, for a day and night of beautifully played music. With Jubilation, Kiah and Matt" - Married Saturday, August 27, 2016
"For our wedding the band Gallowglass was just so great. Jan worked with us to provide the right tunes at key moments. After a bagpipe recessional (Aaron Malcomb of Puirt na Gael Scottish Band), there were no dry eyes! Who knew you could tango to a Swedish waltz played by a Celtic group? The band was quiet enough for dinner conversation, then loud enough for dancing afterward. The fiddler even called a basic Contra dance to get everyone moving! Bill and Jane Dowe" - Married July 2, 2016
"We were very honored to have Gallowglass share their beautiful music for our wedding this spring. All the musicians in Gallowglass are so talented and professional, we didn't have to worry about a thing, they had us covered! They set festive tone with Celtic tunes as guests arrived creating a delightful atmosphere perfect to set the stage for our ceremony. They played beautifully for both our procession and recession and their timing was impeccable. The music flowed seamlessly with the other elements of our ceremony. After the ceremony Gallowglass played for another hour during out meet and greet while guests mingled and began celebrating. It was the perfect touch to our ceremony that filled the air with a mystical and romantic tone. Overall, Jan Peters and Gallowglass added rich element of folk music and a touch of magic with both festive and ethereal Irish tunes. We are so pleased and would highly recommend them for any occasion! Thanks again! Catherine and Andy" - Married April 30, 2016