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Piper's Crow is an innovative new band formed by veteran musicians Dick
Hensold, Bruce Bowers, Laura MacKenzie and Karen Mueller .
Their diverse backgrounds are united through solid musicianship to realize a
fresh new approach to Celtic music. The band specializes in traditional music
from the Celtic regions of Ireland, Scotland, Galicia, Cape Breton Island and
Northumberland, artfully blended with original compositions in the traditional
style. The group's repertoire centers on the lush acoustic synergy of
smallpipes, fiddle, flute and guitar, with their musical palette ranging from
MacKenzie's lovely vocals to dramatic greatpipe duels.
Listen to the sounds of Piper's Crow About the members:
Dick Hensold: Northumbrian smallpipes, medieval greatpipes, low whistle, recorders. Hensold is currently one of the foremost Northumbrian smallpipers in North America, and has performed in both Scotland and Northumberland. He is also recorder soloist with the Twin Cities-based baroque orchestra Lyra Concert, and performer in a traditional Cambodian ensemble. In demand as an accompanist, arranger and theater musician, Hensold has appeared in many major Twin Cities productions.
Bruce Bowers: violin, percussion. Bowers' musical backround runs the gamut from American old-time music to swing, jazz and Celtic. He has played with MCA world music recording artists Ancient Future and Queen Ida's Bon Temps Zydeco Band. Currently he is a featured soloist with the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua and on Tent Show Radio. He is also a film composer, and has recently had a film score nominated for an Emmy award.
Laura MacKenzie: wooden flute, whistle, Scottish smallpipes, medieval greatpipes, concertina, vocals. MacKenzie has been a member of many Twin Cities Celtic groups, including Boiled in Lead and Macha Tri. She has toured nationally with Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra, and has appeared with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt. Laura has been recognized as a Master Folk Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board, and is sought-after as a studio musician and producer.
Karen Mueller: guitar, bouzouki. Mueller draws from over 20 years of guitar experience to supply sensitive accompaniment and driving rhythm to the band. She is a former member of the Kansas City-based Celtic band Newgrange, and author of Mel Bay's Celtic Autoharp book. Besides maintaining an active touring schedule as a solo artist, she is in demand as an accompanist in a number of different styles, including French Canadian and old-time music.