Vinyl Café Host, Stuart McLean has described Allison as having "... a beautiful, clear singing voice,… and the ability to tell a story with her flute."
Her interest in music began in the community of West Zorra Township where she learned to sing in church choirs. She went on to study music in university and soon after helped form the highly acclaimed group "Killiecrankie". Allison has performed on CBC Radio's The Vinyl Café and most recently was honoured with a nomination in the "Traditional Singer of the Year" category by the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Allison and band mates Ian Bell, Denis Rondeau, Geoff Somers and Jay Weiler captivate listeners with their beautiful renditions of traditional and original songs and tunes. The band features exquisite, three-part vocal harmonies and captivating arrangements highlighting flute, fiddle, guitar, accordion, mandolin, banjo and acoustic bass.
Band Members
Denis Rondeau Acoustic bass, vocals
Denis Rondeau has been involved with music ever since his childhood days of jamming around the kitchen with his family. Since then he has freelanced as a bassist performing with many rhythm and blues bands, bluegrass bands, symphony and chamber orchestras, and theatre shows such as Five Guys Named Moe. When Denis isn't busy playing bass, he continues to share his talents as a music teacher at the Brantford School For The Blind.
Ian Bell Guitar, mandolin, button accordion, vocals.
Always a part-time musician, Ian Bell has performed professionally across Canada and in the United States for over a quarter century. On his own, and with groups like Muddy York he has appeared at folk festivals across Canada, and accompanied legendary songwriter Wade Hemsworth in a stint at the Folklife Pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver, BC. Ian’s repertoire has always focused on Ontario traditional songs and dance music but in recent years has expanded to include original material as well. As well as performing solo, Ian is also a member of the venerable Friends of Fiddlers Green.
Ian appears on dozens of recordings as sideman as well as several under his own name. Ian's most recent CD is Shallow Water which was released in November 2006.
Jay Weiler Fiddle, vocals
Jay Weiler is an impressive performer and an amazing talent for traditional Irish and Scottish music. He completed his music degree and moved into performing professionally thereafter.
His most recent musical travels have taken him through Australia, Singapore, India and all across North America with world beat musicians of the group Rivertribe. His time spent in Ireland and Scotland exploring his roots, enhanced his personal style with a blend of cultural influences. Seasoned in small sessions and intimate venues, it’s on the large stage that he truly shines with fiery, energetic sets.
Geoff Somers Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals
Geoff Somers holds an honours degree in music, played as a first violinist
with the Kingston Symphony Orchestra and was a member of the bluegrasss band Blue Mule for 18 years.
Geoff's work on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin has been described as "technically polished, rhythmically sharp, and oozing creativity."
Geoff is also well known as a perennial sideman, and co-producer for Juno award winner, David Francey.
Band members (opposite page from left to right): Denis Rondeau, Ian Bell, Allison Lupton, Geoff Somers and Jay Weiler