Stunning music. That's how Vancouver Province critic John P. McLaughlin describes Shearwater Bluegrass Band's debut release. "These are the three best bluegrass players on Vancouver Island ... Together they make music that stuns," McLaughlin wrote in a review in the Province Sept. 2. "(Dave) Clarke's guitar is gobsmacking," he went on, in a review that gave the album a B+ rating.
The trio--singer-bassist Tammy Fassaert, guitarist Clarke and mandolinist James Whittall --launched Shearwater with a high-octane concert in Victoria in early September, followed by shows in Vancouver, Gabriola and Courtenay.
Imagine a seabird skimming the surface of the water to the sounds of blazing instrumental duets and passionate vocals. That’s the essence of Shearwater Bleugrass band, the energetic trio from Vancouver Island that blends fine harmonies with driving acoustic picking.
With the traditional bluegrass "drive" firmly embedded in their sound, Shearwater's groove takes on essences of country and folk, Celtic and Caribbean for a more varied and interesting musical journey….