Gallowglass EPK

Contemporary Celtic Folk

bellingham, washington

“... this thoughtful reworking of beloved songs is an inspired approach to the tradition.”

— Seán Laffey, Irish Music Magazine

“What a beautiful and masterful recording. The recording quality is just lovely. More important of course, is what the music is like. I love both Jan and Mishon’s voices, and their singing is very very good! Also so love the interplay of bouzouki and harmonica and flute. Arrangements feel truly rooted yet so musically imaginative and impeccably played.”

— Kevin Carr, musician and storyteller, Wake The Dead

Listen to
'Dear Ruin'

“‘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.”

— Lindsay Straw, Musician, Singer, The Ivy Leaf Irish Band

Biography

With a combination of emotional vocal delivery, fresh melodic arrangements, and airtight accompaniment, Gallowglass has developed a style of contemporary Celtic folk that is truly their own. Colum King, of Ceolplay Radio Dublin, writes — “Wonderful band, wonderful range of songs, not the usual. Lovely singing and the blend of musicians is fantastic, and they’ll definitely get plenty of plays on Ceolplay”.

The group, featuring Jan Peters (vocals, harmonica), Mishon Kirkland (vocals, Irish flute), Zach Bauman (Irish Bouzouki) and David Pender Lofgren (Bodhrán), has become one of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated Celtic music ensembles. Gallowglass has shared the stage with Dervish, Peter Rowan, Jolie Holland, and other luminaries of the folk scene, establishing themselves as innovators among their peers and captivating audiences with their signature sound. The release of their album, 'Dear Ruin' in 2024, has garnered critical acclaim and is enjoying international radio play. While Gallowglass is steeped in tradition, they are keeping their eyes on the horizon and have built a fire for all to gather around. What you get on their debut recording is what you get live with the added wonderments of being in person and more material.

Now in their 11th year, Gallowglass plays annual sold out performances at Bellingham area’s Mount Baker Theater Walton Room, The Firehouse Arts & Entertainment Center, and The Jansen Art Center along with many other distinctive appearances including regional theaters, house concerts, and festivals.

“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. The tunes paired with songs are awesome, I wasn’t expecting any of them but they each fit. There are some very inspired harmonizations.”

— Colm MaCárthaigh, Musician & Producer