Turquoise
/Bluegrass09/headlining_acts/turquoise2_web)
If there is a really ‘international Bluegrass band’ it is Turquoise, who joined forces in Paris to emphasise vocals and original material, while utilising fine instrumentalist talents.
The members of Turquoise are veterans of Bluegrass, known for their work with Freewheelin’, Bluegrass 43, The Bluegrass Rendez-Vous, Four Wheel Drive, Transatlantic Bluegrass, Detour Band and others.
Turquoise presents a balance of original and traditional songs and instrumentals. Always in touch with their roots, they play acoustic string music the way it is meant to be – soulful, dynamic, rhythmic and precise. They combine taste with ability and balance breakdowns with excellent vocal harmonies. Interplay between the instruments – banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and electric bass – is stressed and each tune is guaranteed to set your feet in motion. They have captured the hearts of acoustic music fans worldwide, making traditional music sound fresh and vital while never straying far from its roots.
Whether singing songs from long ago or the present day, they always deliver
music with passion. This rare combination of talent-stunning vocals
and inventive instrumentals presented in a relaxed and good-natured format
creates a musical experience you will not want to miss.
Jean-Marie Peschiutta is one of the most celebrated singer-guitarists to
have made his way into the European music scene and he has turned an
awesome facility on acoustic and electric guitar into a far-ranging career
as a singer/guitar player. Born of Italian parents in a family of musicians, Jean-
Marie grew up in Le Havre, a French port city in Normandy. Together with
Natalie Shelar, he was the co-founder of the renowned groups The Detour
Band and Freewheelin’.
/Bluegrass09/headlining_acts/Turquoise3)
Equally at home in the Bluegrass and Country worlds, his distinctive singing and guitar lends a special dimension to Turquoise. He has shared stages with such notables as The Nashville Bluegrass Band, The Del McCoury Band, Bill Monroe, Vince Gill and The Osborne Bros.
From Tucson, Arizona, Natalie has a rich and velvety voice. Daughter of a jazz singer, she has always been inspired by a variety of music, including the cowboy harmonies of the great southwestern plains. In 1979, Natalie joined forces with Jean-Marie to form a country-rock group called Detour, which has since given way to Turquoise in which she provides the feminine voice and plays bass. Banjo
player Jean-Marc Delon will delight us with his musical talents and backing
vocals whilst mandolin maestro and good friend of the festival over the years, Martino Coppo, will make a welcome return to Omagh. Turquoise has released one album, Something That We Do.