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Reviews
"Deserving of a front and center stage position for sure."
"“The Bridge” is a superb album and a worthy successor to the band’s debut, not to mention additional confirmation that this is a group of truly gifted musicians who are doing something very special here. We cannot wait to hear this new material live and, speaking from personal experience, we know that the live versions will be tremendous. Highly recommended."
"West of Mabou were a delight to behold, and we only hope that they receive an invitation to return (to Celtic Classic) next year. With such mastery of this genre, many more of us here on the Eastern Seaboard would crave such an opportunity to enjoy live music from this band."
Bio
With a nod to their East Coast heritage, West of Mabou carries on the tradition of Celtic musicianship with an animated and boisterous flair.
Described as having a “sound all their own,” West of Mabou has seductively blended traditional tunes and new music with a hearty helping of a good ol’ western rhythm. With an arsenal of instruments at their disposal and room to explore, their sound keeps finding new horizons.
The band’s beginnings are simple enough - a few folks on prairies getting together to play a few “chunes” on a chilly winter evening. What they found was an alchemy that led them to audiences across North America.
West of Mabou unites the talents of Scott Benson (fiddle), Jared Dormer (percussion), Justin Easton (guitar/bass/vocals), Alex Rasmussen (pipes/whistles), and Roberta Wallace (fiddle). Each of the band members is an experienced musician in their own right, having performed around the world.
Ten years strong now, they have received multiple nominations. Their first album, self titled West of Mabou, received a 2016 Western Canadian Music Awards nomination. The Bridge, the next album released by the band, was nominated for both a 2018 Canadian Folk Music award as well as a 2018 Western Canadian Music award. Most recently, their latest album, Horizons, was nominated for Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards.
West of Mabou charms audiences with their energy and rhythm, turning any gathering into a lively and soulful experience.
Highlights
Media and Radio
- 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards Nomination (Instrumental Artist of the Year)
- 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award Nomination (Instrumental Group of the Year)
- 2018 Western Canadian Music Award Nomination (World Artist of the Year)
- Top bands of 2017, Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Austin, USA
- CBC Saskatchewan 2017 Artists to Watch, Regina, Canada
- Peaked at #3 on the iTunes Canada World Music Chart
- Debuted at #7 on the National Folk/Roots/Blues Chart
- Peaked at #1 on the CFBX (Kamloops, BC) Folk/Roots/Blues Chart
- Celtic Music Radio, Glasgow, UK
- Maui Celtic Radio Show, Maui, USA
- Readifolk Radio Show, Reading, UK
- Album of the Week, Blues and Roots Worldwide Radio Network
- Kitchen Party Ceilidh, Indianapolis, USA
- SchottenRadio, Spall, Germany
- Highland Fling, The Hawk 101.5, Port Hawkesbury, Canada
- The Celticset Radio Show, Hebrides, UK
Performance Highlights
- Canadian Folk Music Awards, Calgary, Canada
- Glenaladale Festival, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Celtic Classic, Bethlehem, USA
- Sask Sampler (Regina Folk Fest), Regina, SK
- Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils Showcase, Regina, Canada
- Arts Touring of Alberta Showcase, Edmonton, Canada
- National Music Centre, Calgary, Canada
- Saskatchewan Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies- Moose Jaw, Canada
- Saskatoon Folk Festival- Saskatoon, Canada
- Mid-Winter Celtic Festival- Regina, Canada
- Saskatchewan Highland Games- Regina, Canada
- Edmonton Pipers' Club- Edmonton, Canada
- Canadian Forces Base Wainwright- Wainwright, Canada
- All Folk'd Up Music Festival- Montmartre, Canada
- Craik Music Festival- Craik, Canada
- Mosaic Music Festival- Regina, Canada
- Cathedral Village Arts Festival- Regina, Canada
Hi-Res Press Photos
Photography by Christina Bourne
Contact
For all bookings and inquiries please contact:
info [at] westofmabou.ca