Bio 1Early Spirit is a group of diverse musical misfits, each armed with their own instrument and a truckload of talent. Jay Knutson (from Spirit of the West) on guitar and vocals, Gabriel Dubreuil on fiddle, Ben Kelly on percussion, and Aidan Goheen on bass form a dynamic team that will leave you laughing, dancing, and wanting more.
With their eclectic West Coast "Rockin' Folkin’ Rollin’ Jazzin’ Celtic Swing-Grass" style, Early Spirit will take you on a groovy musical journey that defies convention and leaves you simultaneously wondering what the heck just happened and wanting more. They've toured from Victoria to Inuvik, and Winnipeg to Moncton, getting folks up out of their chairs and dancing like nobody's watching. And they want you to join in on the fun and let your hair down with Early Spirit. Their debut album "Unrelated" (2018) was produced by the Grammy and Juno award-winning musician and producer Leonard Podolak (The Dhuks), and featured some of the most talented musicians in the industry, including Natalie MacMaster, Geoffrey Kelly, Leonard Podolak, and Michelle Campagne. The album was a hit and helped launch Early Spirit onto the folk club and festival stages around the Pacific Northwest, including the Mission Folk Festival, Northwest Folk Life, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, and the Rogue Folk Club, and all across Canada. Their latest album "The Hollow Tree" (2022) takes the band's sound to new heights with brilliant lyrics and vocals from Knutson, fiery fiddle parts from Dubreuil, and exciting collaborations with guest musicians like Andy Hillhouse, François Houle, Geoffrey Kelly, Michelle Campagne, and William Chernoff. The twelve-track collection of songs and instrumentals is a sonic journey that blends the band's folk and traditional roots with fresh new influences and experimental sounds. The result is a musical masterpiece that will leave you smiling from ear to ear and tapping your toes. |
Bio 2Early Spirit is a Canadian Celtic folk-rock quartet comprising of Jay Knutson (from Spirit of the West) on guitar and vocals, Gabriel Dubreuil on violin, Ben Kelly on percussion, and Aidan Goheen on bass. Their musical virtuosity and eclectic backgrounds have brought forth an enthralling and stimulating live experience. Their music is a fusion of Folk Rock with Celtic & Canadian influences that is both distinct and captivating.
Since their debut album "Unrelated" in 2018, produced by the Grammy and Juno award-winning musician and producer Leonard Podolak, Early Spirit has been captivating audiences from coast to coast, covering a considerable swath of the Canadian landscape. Their performances have stirred the masses from Victoria to Inuvik and Winnipeg to Moncton, with their unique sound and infectious energy. Early Spirit's second album, "The Hollow Tree," released in 2022, is a collaborative effort that showcases the band's exceptional musical talent. The album boasts brilliant lyrics and vocals by Knutson, compelling arrangements and fiery fiddle parts from Dubreuil, and engaging bass lines and percussion by Goheen and Kelly. While remaining true to the band's folk and traditional roots, the album explores new influences and includes exciting collaborations. This twelve-track collection of songs and instrumentals features guest appearances by renowned musicians such as Andy Hillhouse on guitar, François Houle on clarinet, Geoffrey Kelly on whistle, Michelle Campagne on vocals, and William Chernoff on bass, creating an immersive and vibrant musical landscape. The result is a musical masterpiece that will leave you smiling from ear to ear and tapping your toes. |
What they're saying
"After catching Early Spirit at the 2018 Mission Folk Festival I immediately hired the group for the 2019 Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. This is one inspired quartet that delivers superb stand alone concerts and one that can help take the process of collaboration and spontaneous interplay to a most memorable level in workshops and side stage settings. Exceptional instrumentalists, fine singers armed with a deep songbook that draws on all sorts of influences, makes Early Spirit is a festival programmers dream." "This is a hot example of Celtic music and jazz fused together by superb musicians." - The Celtic Connection |
"The sound is a unique blend of rock and roll energy, of folk lyrical conventions centered around various facets of Canadian life" - Vancouver Province. "The sound is a unique blend of rock and roll energy, of folk lyrical conventions centered around various facets of Canadian life" - Vancouver Province. "A delicate balance between electric and acoustic songs,dark and catchy rhythms, soft and the ethereal" -The Ottawa Citizen |
