SYNKOFA Celtic Jazz

The Celtic Jazz instrumental ensemble SYNKOFA builds upon violinist Theresa Ellis’s innovative arrangements of folk songs and original compositions of guitarist Eric McKenna. The 4-piece acoustic band also features the upright bass soloist Steve Wesson and the skillful violin and viola lines of Mary Otterstrom. They play Celtic and world roots music with a gypsy flair, carrying listeners to the misty Irish Highlands, the hot jazz clubs of 1950’s Paris, to the porch steps of Appalachia, and beyond! The Celtic Jazz approach is just a springboard for the SYNKOFA Ensemble as they pluck pieces from the vines of Praetorius, Eric Satie, and David Grisman before infusing them with juxtaposed melodies, and extended improvisations. Upright bassist Steve Wesson, equally competent with fingers or a bow, traverses syncopated lead lines to deep resonating sustained tones while holding down the groove. Maestra Mary Otterstrom captivates audiences with her passionate delivery showcasing both the violin and lyrical beauty of the viola. Guitarist Eric McKenna artfully employs harmonics and pulloffs with rasgueado flamenco strums to craft his chords and solos. Masterful techniques underpin fiery leads and stirring melodies by violinist Theresa Ellis. The name SYNKOFA is a play on the West African concept of “Sankofa”, meaning that we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us so that we may use it to reach our highest potential as we move forward. A distinctive feature of the group is their employment of “Verdi” or “Pythagorean” tuning of A to 432Hz. SYNKOFA – Celtic Jazz seeks to transport listeners to distant times and places only to bring them back again to the present with a better outlook to the future.