 Atlantic Union, an acoustic music trio based in St. John's, Newfoundland, has existed as a group since 1995. Atlantic Union currently consists of Andrew Lang
(vocals, mandocello, accordion),
Sally Goddard
(vocals, guitar, bodhran, bass) and Dan Rubin
(vocals, mandolin, bouzouki, violin, guitar). Andrew and Sally are originally from England, while Dan is a transplanted American who previously made his home in Western Canada. Dan joined the group in 2003, after the departure of Scott Schillereff, who played banjo and hammered dulcimer on the group's debut album.
Between them the current members of Atlantic Union have released 6 albums, and have two new albums in progress. Atlantic Union was nominated for a Music Industry Association award in 2001.
The group's second CD, The Whole Dance, was released in March 2005. Since then the group has appeared locally on radio and television and on national CBC radio. Upcoming appearances will include several Newfoundland festivals during the summer of 2005, and touring in Europe and Australia in 2006 is planned.
Atlantic Union’s sound is characterized by new approaches to traditional material that are rhythmic and harmonious, utilizing unusual instrumental and sound combinations.
Based on an eight-year history of local musical presentations, including appearances at the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival, participation in a range of local cultural initiatives, albums, fund-raisers and collaborative projects, Atlantic Union has a solid local reputation. The arrival of a new member for the group has sparked an expanded vision of the group’s artistic potential and new directions for cultural and economic development within the local music scene.
A recent article on Atlantic Union, Three Friends Making Fun Music, was published in The Telegram and is reprinted here. |