The Appalachian Heaven Stringband is well known for it’s tight, driving arrangements of tunes and songs from the southern Appalachian USA mountains. The Stringband is the precursor of Bluegrass, featuring fiddle, banjo and vocal harmonies transposed from the Celtic fiddle traditions, infused with African-American cultures, and rural sensibilities.
Appalachian mountain music played with gusto and authenticity, learnt directly from the masters during regular visits to the USA. From sensitive and driving fiddle tunes, dance tunes with curly toes, to cheeky songs and disarmingly touching ballads, Appalachian Stringband delight audiences young and young-at-heart. The band loves to be participants in community music events and share their skills and knowledge through workshops (clawhammer banjo, old time fiddle or autoharp) and open jam sessions.
SALLY TAYLOR
Sally Taylor is a founding member of the bands Flap!, Dev'lish Mary and Triskel. She currently plays with Stray Hens, Nigel Wearne, Rising Tide, Triskel and the Ugly Uncles, and at the 2013 Port Fairy Folk Festival soloed for Arlo Guthrie at the Woody Guthrie 100 year Anniversary Tribute Concert to a packed house. She plays a diversity of folk styles with flare and passion including old time bluegrass with Peter Daffy and Steve Gilchrist, and at the 2013 National Folk Festival played with USA’s Mandolin legend Mike Compton.
KIM WHEELER
Originally from Geelong, Victoria, Kim started off in bands with electric bass and heavy metal. She has now moved on to a folky acoustic vibe. Widely respected as an amazing singer and grooving upright bass player; Kim has been a member of acoustic bands Little Rabbit, and Uncle Bill, as well as backing the internationally renowned Dan Hicks as one of the Innocent Bystanders.Her voice is in the alto range, rich and mellow, and is often compared to dark chocolate with its rich texture. Paired with Kat Mear (soprano) in Little Rabbit Band, Kim produces amazing harmonies and luscious solos.
GRAEME FLETCHER
Graeme Fletcher plays guitar, autoharp and sings. He has long been involved in the folk and old-time music scenes and is recognised both in Australia and the USA for his autoharp playing (finalist, Mountain Laurel Autoharp Championship, 2014).
IAN ALEXANDER
Ian has played clawhammer banjo in Australia and all over the USA with the best old-time musicians for 30 years. Ian is the founder of this band. Ian gives clawhammer banjo workshops at major festivals. Ian has won major prizes for banjo at USA festivals. (Third in Senior banjo at Clifftop WV)
CLAIRE ALLEWAY
Claire initially studied violin from 4 years of age, then piano and cello. Claire’s music education was heavily influenced by the music played in her home, particularly traditional Scottish, Irish and Australian folk music. In her teens Claire was inspired by the USA string band, "Crooked Still", who included cello in old-time music. Claire was a member of local old-time band "String Theory" and has had a long association with the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, along with both parents, playing cello. During a recent period of time living in Ireland, Claire was playing fiddle in Irish sessions, when she discovered an Old-Time jam in Dublin at the Thomas House. She began playing cello with them, which sparked her interest in USA Old-Time music again.