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Sample Track 1:
"Alison House" from Coffee & the Mojo Hat
Sample Track 2:
"Farewell" from Coffee & the Mojo Hat
Layer 2
Bio

More About Neil Pearlman

Pianist Neil Pearlman is rapidly distinguishing himself as a uniquely innovative artist in the contemporary traditional music scene and his newest project continues that trend. Drawing on a musical influences from Latin, Funk, Jazz, and other genres, the group infuses traditional Scottish melodies with new ideas without losing their essentially Scottish spirit.

At the age of 22 Neil is already recognized in many Celtic music circles for his approach to piano accompaniment. Rooted in traditional Cape Breton piano styles, Neil brings in ideas from the many other genres and the result is an exciting new sound that remains true to its traditional roots. It was this fresh approach that led legendary Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland to say "watching Neil's hands on the piano was like watching two spiders on crack!"

The other members of the group are all active players in the New York city music scene. Doug Berns plays bass in countless projects in the city, including the increasingly popular Afro-Beat band "Emefe." Javier Ramos, another member of Emefe, brings a distinctly Cuban flair to the band with his conga playing, and Alex Cohen is one of the most in demand session drummers in the city for his superb technical chops and precision on the drum kit.

An accomplished Cape Breton step dancer as well, Neil grew up in the family band Highland Soles, led by father and mother Ed Pearlman and Laura Scott, both influential figures in Scottish music and dance. Through this time Neil has performed with many of the best musicians on the traditional music scene today, including Natalie MacMaster, Alasdair Fraser, Seamus Connolly, Kimberley Fraser, Maeve Gilchrist, Frank Ferrel, Laura Risk and Mike Vass. He has also opened for Archie Fisher, split a bill with Jerry Holland and worked with many others, including Natalie Haas and Hanneke Cassel. Some highlights of Neil's career so far have been performances at Carnegie Hall and the Iron Horse, and teaching at Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Fiddle Camp.