Video 1: Rob Curto said, “ I’m very excited to share this second new video from my group Fish Harmonics! This track “Jack’s Jig”, features beautiful arco bass soloing from my Philly cumpadre Chris Coyle! (check out 3:28) and beautiful playing by Doug Hirlinger on drums and Brennen Ernst on guitar. Thanks to these great musicians for helping me getting this new music together.

The tune was inspired by the experience of meeting Martin Feeney of Atlantic Sheepdogs Co Sligo, Ireland and seeing his wonderful, award-winning pup Jack in action. That visit also included the honor of discovering the Coleman Music Centre and meeting the great musicians Junior Davey and PJ Hernon. Yes to County Sligo!! Thanks to Jesse Gimbel for audio engineering, Koofreh Umoren for the video filming and editing, Jennifer Rajotte on production and Philadelphia Folksong Society for the beautiful space.

On Friday, January 25, 2019, from 7:30 to 10:PM, the Philadelphia Folksong Society (PFS) Co-op Presents: Fish Harmonics EP Release with Mike Block. Fish Harmonics are a Philadelphia-based ensemble, led by accordionist Rob Curto, that plays adventurous American roots music.

Excerpts from their website: Influenced by modern bluegrass, old time and celtic sounds, the band brings a unique free-wheeling and improvisational energy to both classic tunes and original compositions. Featuring Curto’s mastery of the piano and diatonic accordions, coupled with rhythmic arco bass playing and groove-oriented drumming, the band is creating an exciting blend of sounds, both familiar and new.

Location: Philadelphia Folk Song Society
6156 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Pennsylvania 19128

$10 for Members *While Supplies Last* | $12 Not-Yet-Members | $15 Doors
PFS is a BYO venue. $2 BYO Wristband (21+ with ID)
TICKETS AT: www.oneepfishharmonics.eventbrite.com

Join PFS as they celebrate the release of “ONE,” an EP of original music by Rob Curto with his ensemble, Fish Harmonics, featuring adventurous American roots music that takes you on a whirlwind, toe-tapping ride.

Influenced by celtic, old time, and modern bluegrass sounds, the band brings a unique free-wheeling and improvisational energy to both classic tunes and original compositions. “ONE” features Curto’s mastery of the piano and diatonic accordions, coupled with rhythmic arco bass playing by Chris Coyle (bass); old-timey strings by Brennen Ernst (banjo, guitar), Isaac Stanford (dobro), and Mazz Swift (fiddle); and percussion by Saantis Fenmu Davis with groove-oriented drumming by Doug Hirlinger.

“ONE” is a musical journey in itself, documenting the discovery of a new place, new music, and new collaborations in Philadelphia. Listening to the album will leave you with no doubt that you’ve just heard some of the best players around make something special. The irony? “One” listen isn’t enough. (Handy note: CDs of “ONE” will be available at the show for $10!)

Special guest Mike Block (Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble) will start the evening off with a solo performance on cello. Block is a cello player, singer, and composer who is a Grammy Award-winning member of the Silk Road Ensemble. Block’s solo show features a mixture of original compositions and songs, arrangements of traditional folk music, and classical selections that draw inspiration from his diverse collaborations with artists such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, fiddler Mark O’Connor, Indian tabla player Sandeep Das, and pop stars such as will.i.am, Stevie Wonder, and Bon Iver. www.MikeBlockMusic.com

About Rob Curto and Fish Harmonics: Rob Curto (composer, pianist, and accordionist) has spent the last 8 years touring extensively with his band Matuto, known for its distinctive “Brazilian-bluegrass” sound. Mixing the roots Americana stylings of the great Bill Monroe with rhythmic and melodic elements from Brazil, Curto has been part of a movement to establish the accordion as a versatile and important instrument in contemporary roots music.

In addition to Brazilian music, Curto has gained a reputation as an all-around master of the accordion and has been in high demand across genres. His musical collaborations include performing and recording with Latin Grammy award winner Lila Downs; Klezmer clarinetist David Krakauer; trumpeter/composer Frank London; Punjabi Indian singer Kiran Ahluwalia; and icon of Brazilian Forró, the great accordionist Dominguinhos. Curto is also an enthusiast of Irish button accordion and studies with acclaimed B/C box player, Billy McComisky.

Curto has toured internationally including across parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and has represented the United States State Department abroad. He has been a staple at festivals like Wintergrass, Red Wing Roots, and Rhythm and Roots, and made his Philadelphia Folk Festival debut with his band Forró for All in 2018.

Fish Harmonics is the new project of Curto, featuring an exciting and unusual blend of roots influences and deeply informed by Curto’s own rootings in jazz and improvisational mastery. True to form, the accordion is at the forefront of the group’s sound and there’s no denying the excitement of Curto’s flying fingers once the band starts a groove–and groove they do, with an impressive line-up of some of Philadelphia’s best musicians including Chris Coyle on acoustic bass, Doug Hirlinger on drums, and Brennen Ernst on banjo/guitar. The combination of arco bass with groove-oriented drumming and old-timey strings played with dizzying skill along with the accordion create a sound that’s somehow both familiar and new… and always an adventure. www.fishharmonics.com