Singer and Fiddler Kelli Trottier

I am excited to celebrate the release of my new CD, 'Feel It' which is now in and will be on my official website at www.kellitrottier.com soon! You can order it through Indie Pool and it is currently available at Renaissance Music in Kingston, Ontario. In the meantime, if you would like to purchase a copy, simply email me at bookings@kellitrottier.com.

'Feel It' brings a folk/swing feel to my music and features many original songs and instrumentals. It also includes traditionals such as "Tennessee Waltz" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." I have posted three tracks from the new album on the MySpace player (more to come) including "Exactly Like You", "Calvinish", and "Tennessee Waltz." I'd love to get your feedback and read your comments, so stop by when you have time and let me know what you think!

I'd like to thank the wonderful CHARLES EDE for the new promotional photos for 'Feel It'.

I have written and transcribed a book of fiddle tunes called Now That's Original: a book of original compositions inspired by my musical background and influences including jigs, reels, waltzes, airs and two steps all with written music and accompanying audio CD. For the first time ever, outside of fiddle camps, you can purchase a copy of Now That's Original for $30 via PayPal. If you would like to order, simply email me at bookings@kellitrottier.com with your mailing address and I'll direct you to my PayPal account.

Thanks!
Kelli

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Around the world and back again

Posted By KATHLEEN HAY
Posted 22 hours ago

CORNWALL - Kelli Trottier's fiddling talent has taken her many places she never expected to be, but she still remembers what the people like at home.

Dancing and a lunch.

"When people come out in Glengarry, they want to dance," she said with a knowing laugh. "And they're going to expect a lunch, too.

"They're just getting the concert in Kingston and they don't flinch."

In younger days, she was one of the popular Trottier Family entertainers, well-known throughout the area for their performances at places like the Bonnie Glen Pavilion, where she's launching her latest CD, "Feel It!," Saturday at 8 p. m.

The next evening, it will have its second kick-off at the Vimy Officers' Mess in Kingston, where she currently resides.

"It's been three-and-a-half years since my last one, and I had been doing a fair bit of writing," said Trottier. "People had been asking about a new CD, and then when I did record it, they were asking if there was going to be a release party, which is really scary.

"I'm excited about it, but it feels like I'm kind of throwing my own birthday party."

Trottier's talent has carried her to stages across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Canada's far north. Although she hadn't studied music at Queen's University (she actually majored in mathematics and received a teaching degree), life had other plans for her when a producer from SwingStep came calling to cast her in the Toronto musical production.

She performed in it as the lead female for nine months. Then, seven years ago, producers from the fiddle extravaganza production, Bowfire, knocked on her door and she's been touring with them ever since.

But that's not all, far from it.

Trottier has performed for Canadian troops overseas, and also a busy career as a fiddle and step dance instructor and adjudicator across the country. She is a featured recording instrumentalist who has been nominated three times for Fiddle Player of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association, and she's performed in concert before thousands of people.

Still, she gets nervous performing at home.

"When I'm with Bowfire we usually play houses of 1,500 to 5,000 people," Trottier explained. "But I'm on-stage with other performers.

"I find it much more intimidating to play for crowds of people I know, like at CD releases."

The performer has been on-stage really as long as she can remember. As a youngster with the Trottier Family, she and her parents, Rene and Sherrill, as well as siblings, Lori and Traci, performed at numerous engagements, near and further afield. As she grew older, she also taught step dancing and fiddle, and when she was in Grade 13 at Glengarry District High School, she recorded her first CD, "Glengarry Fiddle".

"I have a feeling mom and dad felt it might be the end of my music career," she recalled. "I think they felt it was more or less capturing a moment."

Oddly enough, even though she was an accomplished musician, Trottier never considered music as a concentration when she applied to Queen's University.

In fact, the very thought of an audition process terrified her.

"It freaked me out," she admitted. "I thought, 'I can't possibly get up in front of people and audition.'

"I remember in public and high school being asked by teachers to play for an event, and it scared me. I was too shy and too scared."

Eventually, she began saying yes to performance requests, but then she'd find herself in a quandary.

"It was so flattering to be asked," she laughed, "but then I would think, 'What have I gotten myself into?'

'"Even when I got a call from SwingStep looking for fiddlers and step dancers, I gave them a list about other people I knew. Then the producer called me back and said, 'Don't you do this, too?'"

Trottier was actually supply teaching in Kingston when that occurred.

"A career in music happened in spite of myself," she said. "I'd always taught fiddling and step dancing.

"I've just been really fortunate that when I finished one thing and closed a door, others thankfully opened up for me."

When she left SwingStep after nine months, it wasn't long before she got the call for Bowfire.

"It's really a great show, I'm really proud to be involved with it," she said.

When she's not touring with the show, she's a sought-after instructor and adjudicator throughout the country. In March, for instance, she'll be in Hope, BC, as a fiddle instructor, then two months later in May, she's off to instruct in Parrsboro, NS. Later on, next summer, she's instructing at the Grand Master's Fiddle Camp, in Manotick.

"It's completely humbling, it really does seem surreal," Trottier said. "It's the third year I'm going out to a different part of BC, and I ask them, 'How did you get my name?

"I feel so honoured to even be recognized and reaching some of these places."

This past summer she had the opportunity to judge at the famed Shelbourne fiddle festival, something that left her equally incredulous.

"It boggles my mind how people see me," she said, trying to get her own head around her exemplary reputation.

Her latest release "Feel It!" contains eight original pieces, in addition to three others -Tennessee Waltz, Bye Bye Blackbird and Exactly Like You.

"The numbers have been influenced a little bit with swing music and jazz," she said, of the vocal and instrumental pieces on it.

The CD will be available for purchase at the release party, and at other locations after the Nov. 14 gathering, so stay tuned for further details.

Tickets for the Bonnie Glen party are $15. To reserve tickets, call 613-525-3078 or email glen.bonnie@hotmail.com

"I was talking with mom about what we should do. People just don't want to sit and listen, in Glengarry they want to dance, so we're setting up the tables that way. And they're going to expect a lunch, so we're having a lunch. It's what we do at home!" Trottier said.

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Fiddle camp keeps Bernie's joy alive

Posted By Natalia Martinelli-Luengo
Posted: September 17, 2009

Article in Kingston This Week

Photo Caption: Champion fiddler Kelli Trottier is one of the guest instructors at Bernie'%u2122s Fiddle and Guitar Camp and Keep it Simple Fiddle Concert being held Saturday in Tamworth. The camp is in memory of the late Bernie Jaffe a prominent local fiddler who died at age 58 in 2004.

Fun and good music are guaranteed this Saturday at Bernie's Fiddle and Guitar Camp and Keep it Simple Fiddle Concert in Tamworth.

The all-levels, all-ages, one-day workshops and evening concert are held in memory of Tamworth-area fiddler Bernie Jaffe, who passed away from cancer at the age of 58 in 2004.

"The camp is special because it began from loving Bernie and his music," said Jaffe's wife Faun Bank. "When the camp is on we do feel close to Bernie. And the music and atmosphere of the camp, which starts from love and good memories, has a joy to it that is special to all of us."

Jaffe was a "centre of his community," according to his obituary in the Kingston Whig-Standard, who "brought music, laughter and love to everyone he met."
"It seemed fitting to keep the music Bernie was teaching in Tamworth, so we decided to have a little camp with all of Bernie's former students, and from there we grew," said Bank. "It's just a continuation of Bernie's theory and philosophy of music, which was just to bring joy to people. And that's what he does, that's what the camp does, it's quite wonderful and most people who come, come back."

Bank organized the camp along with Jaffe's old friend, Gordon Stobbe from Nova Scotia, one of Canada's master fiddlers and the day's primary instructor. Workshops are available for beginner (minimum one year playing), intermediate, and advanced players.

Other instructors include renowned fiddlers Sherryl Fitzpatrick from Ottawa and Kelli Trottier from Kingston. Greg Simm, also from Nova Scotia, will lead a guitar workshop for fiddle accompaniment. The instructors play together for the concert and Stobbe puts together a fiddle orchestra from the camp to open up the show.

Proceeds from the day go to the Bernie Jaffe Music Fund, which makes the camp's high-quality instruction affordable, and provides scholarships for select students, usually under the age of 18.

Also keeping the cost of the camp low, at $50 for adults and $30 for students under 18, are the volunteers who work sound, door and kitchen, and the donation of the Tamworth Legion space for the concert.

"It's a really nice feeling because we're all working together and then we hear all this beautiful music," said Bank, who does African drumming with friends but doesn't play fiddle herself. "And it's very comforting for me because it helps me keep Bernie's memory alive and kind of feel his music. It's a really sweet day, it's a very magical day."

Jaffe was part of the 1970s music scene in Toronto, after immigrating to Canada from the U.S. in 1967. He played with musicians all over Canada, including The Whiteley Brothers and David Wilcox, and can be heard on Stan Rogers' album Fogarty's Cove.

February 5-7
Instructor at Shivering Strings Music Camp
Oak Island Resort
36 Treasure, Drive, Chester, NS B0J 3M0
http://sites.google.com/site/shiveringstrings

Tuesday,February 9
East Coast CD Release of FEEL IT
With Gordon Stobbe, Greg Simm and Geoff Horrocks
St. John's Anglican Church
1215 Main St. Dartmouth, NS B2Z 1B2
7:30 p.m. $10.00
902-464-1997

Saturday, February 27
House concert with Geoff Horrocks
145 Central Park Dr., Ottawa, ON K2C 4C1
Tickets $20 8:00 p.m.
For tickets email: gcrate@rogers.com

Sunday, February 28
Kelli Trottier with Geoff Horrocks
MacNeil's Landing
790 King Street East, Gananoque, ON K7G 1H3
Dinner and show $35.00 Inclusive
Carved Roast Beef and Seafood Lasagna buffet

March 5-11 - Hope, BC
March 6, fiddle and dance workshops
Saturday evening show
7-11-Fiddle Camp Instructor

March 12 - 20
U.S. Tour with Bowfire
(Dallas, TX/ Florida)
For more information see http://www.bowfire.com/bowfire-live

Friday, April 16
University of Hartford - Wilde Auditorium
200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117
7:30 p.m. $19.00
http://www.musicforachange.com
860-768-4228, 800-274-8587

Saturday, April 24
Westfield on Weekends
School Street Bistro Restaurant
29 School Street, Westfield MA 01085-3092
7:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 1
Healing Garden Music Fest
French American Victory Club
193 Elm St., Waltham, MA 02453
8:00 - 11 p.m.; Tickets $17 in advance; $22 at the door
http://www.patiorecords.com/events.html - to see line-up

Friday, May 14
Maritime Fest with the Mushy Peas
Vimy Officers' Mess, 1 Princess Royal Avenue, Kingston, ON

May 21-23
Fiddle Camp Instructor
Parrsboro, NS

July 23, 24
Stepdance Judge, Bobcaygeon, ON

August 22-26
Grand Masters' Fiddle Camp - Instructor
Manotick, ON

INTRODUCING KELLI'S BAND, THE MUSHY PEAS!

ANDREW AFFLECK

(Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Comic Relief)

Andrew studied music for 9 years at the Ontario Conservatory of Music and privately with John Gowan of the Toronto Symphony. He is a 2 time winner of the Ontario League Accordion Championships, (a well guarded secret), and is a 5 time nominee for "Bassist of the Year" by the Canadian Country Music Association. His many tours abroad include "The Human Rights World Conference" in Vienna, Austria, "The Melbourne Music Festival" in Australia, and "The Davi Suuva Festival" in Karesuando, Sweden. Andrew has backed many international artists. Among these are: Susan Aglukark, George Fox, Bob Newhart and the Arrogant Worms. Andrew is one of the most sought after bassists in Canada for recording and live performance work. Not only for his professionalism, but for his famous and relentless dry wit!

BURKE CARROLL

(Pedal Steel, Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Vocals)

Burke (alias: "Bunkysteel") studied music at the University of Toronto earning himself a Bachelor of Music Degree, which makes him the most "legit" member of the band. Like Andrew, he too has toured the globe extensively backing such artists as: George Fox, The Good Brothers, Shania Twain and The Wilkinsons. A record producer in his own right, Burke brings a level of excellence and knowledge of music and arranging, that makes him an invaluable asset to any project. His credits exceed the amount of space available and his humility would limit the credit he is due. We are honored and blessed to have him as a fellow member of the band.

JERRY "Dirt" CLANCY

(Drums, Percussion, Vocals)

After an extensive career in Toronto backing artists such as Charlie Ekstein, Long John Baldry etc., Jerry moved to Kingston where he studied music at Queen's University. His current performance credits include, among others, Memphis Blues Hall of Famer "Georgette Fry" and is without question the most casual member of the band (which, as a drummer makes him an oddity), and his reluctance to "blow his own horn" made getting a comprehensive bio liken to "pulling teeth"! However, it is widely known that Jerry's ability to "lock" in to a click track while maintaining fluidity, has put him in good stead for recording session work. Apart from his dexterity on anything that one might "hit" Jerry brings another lead vocal to the band equation and his wide vocal range is an invaluable complement to any vocal arrangement.

ANDY THOMPSON

(Keyboards, Accordion, Autoharp, Vocals, Musical Director)

Andy attended St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto for 10 years where he studied piano, music theory and harmony, choral arranging and conducting. His early introduction into electronic music lead to a career in film scoring and to date b> His live performance activities include backing artists such as Susan Aglukark, George Fox, the late Colleen Peterson and the Arrogant Worms, for whom he wears the Producer's hat. Andy loves to tinker with stage effects and has recently increased his life insurance policy as he is looking into designing a pyrotechnics display to be used in the finale of Kelli's show.

Well established across Canada and Europe, Kelli Trottier is a three time CCMA instrumentalist nominee and award winning French Canadian style step dancer. Currently touring with the international fiddle super-group, Bowfire (and a former member of the Bobby Lalonde Band), her four independently produced CDs feature her vocal, fiddle and composing abilities.

Greg Simm is a long time mainstay in the Nova Scotia music community. As a much sought after guitarist and bassist, Greg is recognized in both musical and theatrical circles. He and Gordon Stobbe have collaborated on a number of projects over the past 15 years.

Gordon Stobbe is best known, to Maritime audiences, as the co-creator, host and musical director of the long running t.v. variety show, "Up Home Tonight". His appearances include radio, television, theatre and live venues across Canada. His fiddle compositions are being recorded by players across Canada and he is constant demand as a fiddle workshop leader.

This new trio gives Kelli, Greg and Gordon an opportunity to blend their many talents - from fiery twin fiddles to electrifying step-dance, soulful ballads to songs of heart and country and, above all, to share their songwriting and performance skills with spellbound audiences. Their stage show is thought provoking, spontaneous and intensely funny, spiced by virtuosity on their instruments and their profound commitment to their art.

"Kelli Trottier, Gordon Stobbe, and Greg Simm

The evocative, lyrical, energetic and authentic music spun by these three masters of their craft will lift spirit and body like the spray blown up from the sea. Original fiddle tunes inspired by places and people and times, renditions of classic Canadiana, some you will know in a heartbeat, others gorgeously crafted tributes to unsung folk heroes. Shimmering vocal renditions of songs that simply need to be heard by all of us, full on, inspired entertainment that sticks with you for months after witnessing a live performance. Always with Humour and Love of the art, Always with respect for the origins of the genre and you, the audience, Always Entertaining, Always with humble virtuosity,

Trottier, Stobbe and Simm will inspire the dance in your soul."