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(801) 598-8767

callanish.utah@yahoo.com

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Callanish is the name of a group of standing stones in Scotland, ancient and weathered, but still evocative of the culture that created them. Callanish is also a local Salt Lake City Utah band that has weathered more than 25 years with a changing cast of musicians and focus, but still turning out Celtic and Irish Traditional music. The band currently consists of five friends using their diverse musical backgrounds to create music primarily in a traditional Celtic style. We feature John Adams on violin, Soren Green on classical and acoustic guitars, Taylor Nyx on vocals, Ben Spigle on flutes and whistles and Cindy Spigle on bodhrán. We play mostly traditional Irish and Scottish tunes augmented with a growing body of original compositions as well as non-traditional tunes played on traditional instruments. We are all constantly honing our connection to the tradition, including traveling together to Ireland to soak up the culture (and the beers and whiskeys). We are thrilled to report that we travelled to the Callanish Standing Stones in Scotland, absorbing local, authentic tunes along the way. Our music ranges from soulful to rowdy, but it's all great fun.

Music and CD Sales

The Rocky Road (2023)

Callanish

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A journey through Scotland and Ireland with a small detour to England. John Adams on fiddle, Soren Green on acoustic and classical guitars, Taylor Nyx on vocals and percussion, Cindy Spigle on bodhran and percussion and Ben Spigle on flutes, whistles and electric bass.

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    Rocky Road to Dublin 3:13
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    Michael Murphy's Slide/Merrily Kissed the Quaker 2:35
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    Siúil a Rún 4:14
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    Rolling in the Ryegrass/Old Torn Petticoat/Farewell to Erin 3:05
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    Scarborough Fair 3:40
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    Dowd's Favorite 2:34
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    Oró, Sé Do Bheatha 'Bhaile 2:47
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    Morning Star/Rights of Man/Tarbolton 3:48
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    Cary Jane (Courtesy of Allan Alexander) 2:55
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    Snowy Path/Fig for a Kiss/The Butterfly 2:45
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    Parting Glass/Douglas Jig 5:32
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Callanish (2020)

Callanish

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Traditional celtic music. John Adams on fiddle, Soren Green on acoustic and classical guitars, Taylor Nyx on vocals and percussion, Cindy Spigle on bodhran and percussion and Ben Spigle on flutes and whistles.

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    Dulaman 3:04
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    Si Bheag Si Mhor 4:12
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    Tom Billy's Jig 1:49
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    Foggy Dew 5:04
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    Parcel of Rogues 4:15
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    The Wind that Shakes the Barley 3:33
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    Barack's Farewell/The Night Larry Was Stretched/Cooley's Reel 4:57
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    Douglas Jig 1:55
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    Farewell to Music 3:37
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    Lagan Love 4:35
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    Rug Muire Mac De Dhia 1:27
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    Lads of Laois 2:22
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    Star of the County Down 3:31
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Videos

Callanish records in Counterpoint Studios by Kat Aleman (Utah Arts Alliance)

Callanish is a Salt Lake City based traditional Celtic/bluegrass group consisting of John Adams on violin, Soren Green on guitars, Ben Spigle on flutes/whistles, Taylor Nyx on vocals and Cindy Spigle on percussion.   

The group has been together for 8 years except Taylor (vocals) who joined about a year ago. When asked how they landed on the current lineup, Cindy smiled and chirped in "a lot of happy accidents."   

Why did you decide on this style of music? Why is this your passion?   

"When I first heard this style of music it was peppy, and it was lively," said Taylor. "I think it really struck me hard was when I watched Titanic as a young child. They would go into the lower bowels of the ship and the Irish workers would celebrate differently than the hoity toity attendees upstairs and when I saw that contrast between the two it really drove the idea home for me how much authenticity really goes into this style of music."  

"There is simultaneous joy and pain that you hear come out in the music whether the songs are danceable or not," John chimed in. "It's a different way of showing that emotion."   

"The music is surprisingly complex. At first you hear it and it sounds like happy music but then you start digging deeper and find the layers to it and it draws you in," said Cindy.   

Why did you choose Callanish as a name for your group? Is there symbolism there?   

Callanish is a group of stones in Scotland with a rich history. The name was first chosen by the original members and we decided to keep it because we liked the symbolism and what the name represents.   

When did you decide to start with Counterpoint Studios?   

“We have been with Counterpoint for about 10 years total. We started recording here through friends and eventually this became our first place to go for recording. Kent is the guy to go to. It's a welcoming place and the technology is great.”  

How has Counterpoint benefited you?  

“We love working with Kent and it's affordable for us to get our content out there. Without Counterpoint Studios we wouldn't be able to do that.”  

Keep an eye on Callanish's social media for upcoming shows and festivals!  Follow them here!