Bands
Music for me is the most fun when I’m playing it with other people, and my musical career really reflects that. I’ve to date never released a solo album, and rarely perform solo. I may do so in the coming years, but so far it’s not been necessary. Deeply honored to play music with the following groups.
KALOS
KALOS
Ryan McKasson, Eric McDonald and Jeremiah McLane are masters of tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges. Their individual artistry is enhanced when together. In short, the sum creates a greater whole. The result is an alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality. Pulling from parallel strands of influence, they create a swirling level of intensity that traverses darkness, light, and everywhere in between. An air of mystery pervades a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. Devon Leger of Hearth Music says, “This trio really shows how masterful musicians listen and play off each other." The music they create is to share, and live performance is the forte. But their mutual attitude stretches beyond the music. They have been good friends ever since they met, and this is present in their live performances, which are full of organic banter and good humor to go along with the music. They create an environment of their own design, drawing in listeners without pretense. Despite living active musical lives thousands of miles apart these musicians have committed to working together to forge a new musical path.
Syncopaths
Ryan McKasson and Colin Cotter
Ryan mckasson and colin cotter
Longtime partners in crime, Ryan McKasson and Colin Cotter find themselves in the thick of a creative collaboration spanning many years, bands, gigs, productions, late nights, tours, missed flights, fiddle camps, adventures, time away, and journeys home. Since the two met over 20 years ago at Alasdair Fraser's Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School (where they are both now faculty members), they have traveled all over the country making music together and sharing that creative spark. You can find out more about this project here.
Syncopaths
Four of my best friends! We just happen to be in a band together that is my longest running project (20 years!). We're mostly a contra dance band but we also do a few concerts here and there. We've got two terrific CD's and are working on a third. Check out our website, and visit us on Facebook.
MAC
MAC is, at its core, part the natural progression of Celtic music as it has worked away into the American consciousness. McKasson, Alexander, and Cotter are all three well-versed in the Celtic music tradition, and the music that they write and perform is steeped heavily in this timeless tradition while calling upon influences ranging from rock to classical. Their performances reveal fiery personas tempered with artistry, finesse, and virtuosity as they draw from a deep well of innovative original music and lush arrangements of traditional songs and tunes.
Ensemble Galilei
We've Partnered with the National Geographic and Metropolitan Museum of Art, and performed at the MET and National Gallery...this band has got it! From multi-media to straight music performances, the eclectic sounds and subjects are always thrilling.
The Mckassons
This is how it all got started for me. My sister, Cali McKasson-Kovin (piano and vocals), my wife, Brooke McKasson (guitar and vocals), my wife's brother, Matt Jerrell (drums and vocals) and myself (fiddle and vocals). This was a dream band...and we just happen to be related. Love these guys and love the music we made together. You can find our two albums on most streaming platforms: Tall Tales and Tripping Maggie.