BUFFALO – Stone Row, a contemporary Celtic/world music ensemble, officially released their debut album, Alignment, on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Buffalo Irish Center in South Buffalo.
The CD is a unique blend of “world music, folk, country and rock,” said a member of the band, and features fresh takes on traditional Irish favorites (check out “Rocky Road to Dublin”), along with hypnotic, rhythmic originals such as the title track and “Colors.”
Stone Row consists of veteran musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, including Glenn Bernadis (bass/vocals), Nick Corallo (drums/vocals), Katie Panfil (fiddle/whistle/vocals), Dave Schmeidler (lead guitar/vocals), and Kevin Auwarter (acoustic guitar/vocals), who was born and raised in Oxford.
A lifelong singer, Auwarter began playing the acoustic guitar at age 18 while attending college in Rochester.
“Performing with Stone Row is so special to me due to the caliber of the other members in the band,” said Auwarter. “It’s an original take on traditional ideas.”
Alignment is a study in musical integration, with soaring vocal harmonies, complex rhythm structures, incendiary improvisational performances and solid production. Repeated listenings consistently turn up something new, a rare and difficult accomplishment when recording an album.
On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Stone Row’s well-received, live performances. “This group puts on an amazing live show and appeals to a wide variety of age groups and musical tastes, utilizing audience participation and humor to create an unforgettable entertainment experience,” said Bernadis.
“Stone Row is one of the hottest new bands today,” said Jack Prybylski, a fellow recording artist. “They combine great musical ideas with intense live performances. Their original style of Celtic and world music is both refreshing and invigorating.”
The future looks bright for Stone Row. Following the release of their debut CD they “plan on picking up the pace of our show schedule,” said Auwarter. “This spring and summer will see us expanding outside the Buffalo area.”
Alignment and other Stone Row merchandise will be available soon at www.stonerow.com. Questions and touring/booking information may also be directed to the website.