Còig
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
"But the most remarkable performance of the evening came from 23-year-old Jason Roach, a pianist from Cheticamp. Cape Breton pianists are superb musicians, but almost all confine themselves to “chording” – accompanying the fiddlers with pulsing rhythms, liquid runs and great sweeping chords. The only major exception I know is Dougie MacPhee, a legendary figure precisely because he is an accomplished solo performer, playing the tunes with his right hand while accompanying himself with a powerful rhythmic left hand.
Jason Roach does the same thing. He has studied with some of Cape Breton's finest pianists, notably Maybelle Chisholm, and he also has a degree in music from St. Francis Xavier. He is a dazzling performer who plays at sizzling speed, with arms and fingers of rubber. Yet he also has a musicality which serves the tunes rather than overwhelming them. I have never seen anything like him. Like J.P. Cormier on the guitar, Roach does things on the piano that I wouldn't have believed possible. "
Siver Dollar Cameron
The Chronicle Herald
October 21 - The Chronicle Herald
"His unique way of piano playing and the manner in which he embraces music, living the moment on stage like there's no tomorrow, has provided the opportunity for him to share the stage with various musicians as well as being a repeat performer with Celtic Colours International Festival.
Rosie Aucoin-Grace
October 17, 2007 - The Inverness Oran
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Coig (Ko-ig) is an exciting ensemble consisting of solo acts, and is one of Cape Bretons most captivating young bands. Originally coming together for a promotional tour for the Celtic Colours International Festival, the formation proved to be something special, and the group decided to continue to tour together as a band. Proving to be a serious force to be reckoned with in the traditional music scene with their driving tunes, haunting songs and infectious energy, Coig is a treat for the ears of every audience they meet.
Fiddler Chrissy Crowley, from Margaree, Cape Breton has an impressive list of awards, nominations, and international appearances. Chrissy embraces her Celtic roots and makes them her own, through original compositions coupled with contemporary arrangements of traditional tunes.
Darren McMullen, from Hardwood Lands, NS, is a highly sought after multi-instrumentalist. Easily switching between guitar, mandolin, whistle and banjo with Cig, this "Swiss-army knife" keeps the rhythm sound diverse, and is sure to impress with his lead playing of his various on-stage weapons.
Rachel Davis from Baddeck, Cape Breton spends her time switching from international festival stages to small local dances at home. In a genre that sees many performers pushing the envelope and testing new waters, her style of playing traditional tunes in a traditional way is a refreshing reminder of why the Cape Breton fiddle style drives so hard, and is so sought after.
Jason Roach, from Chticamp, Cape Breton is one of the most impressive piano players you will ever hear. With a style all his own, and an unparalleled intensity on the keys, you'll have to remind yourself that there's other players on the stage.
With a combined total of over 30 nominations and awards, each of Coig's talented musicians have released their own successful solo albums, and have toured both at home and abroad before coming together as this exciting super group. Coig's much anticipated debut album was released in June 2014, and earned the group a Canadian Folk Music Award, an East Coast Music Award, and a Music Nova Scotia Award, all for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year.
"...acclaimed, award winning solo musicians in their own right, in one explosive coming together...Collectively they are a Cape Breton trad triumph..."
- Davie Gardner, the Shetland Times, UK
"An amazingly talented group of musicians from the musical island of Cape Breton.
Coig were an outstanding act at Shetland Folk Festival 2013. A Band NOT to be missed!"
- Davie Henderson, Director, Shetland Folk Festival
Band Members
Links
