"The latest band from the US to capture our attention, Stonecross testify yet again to the limitless appeal of Irish and Scottish music. And yet again, Stonecross prove that the music is capable of absorbing influences from other lands and retaining its identity. "
Pay the Reckoning Dec. 03
Susan O'Rourke, on Guitar and Lead Vocals is a native of Brooklyn NY, who now makes Michigan her home. Being a second generation Irish American herself, Susan is a driving force in the group. She believes that Celtic Music speaks to us of lives past, in a way we can connect with more so then most other forms of traditional music. She is a true alto with a Sensitivity to the music that is beyond Rare. Choosing songs in both English and Gaelic, Susan is known for singing a tune that is 250 years old then following it with one that is contemporary and somehow it all pulls together from the same Palette. Her Original songs as well are Hauntingly Flavored from Performing the Traditional Music She has loved throughout her Lifetime.
The backbone of the instrumentation of STONECROSS is a remarkably versatile and accomplished musician/songwriter, Ziggie Zeitler. It was mere chance that brought these Performers together to form this group. Ziggie who's Background had been steeped in Blues and World music was achieving quite a successful run with his Zydeco Cajun band when he hooked up with Susan. They had met while she was recording a previous CD and the pair decided to give it a go. Ziggie, a native of Hemlock Michigan, has played extensively throughout not only Michigan but all through the Southern States, including some of the Hottest spots down South like the ever famous, Bluebird Cafe. He is equally at home in recording studios as he is on stage. Having 11 CDs of his own to his credit, Zeitler has written and arranged many songs for other artists as well. He has a Wonderful open style to his leads on Bouzouki that are always fresh and draw you into the true flavor of the music while peppering it with the rhythms of Other World Music. He brings to STONECROSS, crisp leads that smack of the Zeitler flare on the Harp, Mandolin, Fiddle, Banjola, Octave Violin, and an occasional Harmonica riff thrown in for the rebels in the crowd. He is currently Part of the Michigan Arts and Humanities Lineup and Presents wonderful Workshops for both Children and Adults Alike.
This pair connects with their audiences on many levels and are not to be dismissed as yet another duo. STONECROSS is a must see and hear for any Fan of Celtic and World Music. It is truly the kind of music you can almost touch.
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