The Celtic, Folk and World music duo Four Shillings Short are just what California and Ireland sound like when they're married together with the influences of India and the Renaissance. Living as modern day gypsies on a perpetual tour since 1997, the duo of Aodh Og O'Tuama from Cork in Ireland and Californian Christy Martin have just returned to the California after two years touring the rest of the US and Ireland. Their 2006 tour itinerary will include concerts from California to Montana and everything in-between.
With a wide array of instruments including hammered dulcimer, tinwhistle, mandolins, North Indian Sitar, Renaissance woodwinds, percussion and vocals, Four Shillings Short "bring a fascinating mix of material, spirit and wit to the stage."
(Dave Humphreys/Two Way Street Coffee House, Downers Grove, IL).
"A California duo you must see to believe. The arrangements of this husband-wife team are utterly delightful, filled with traditional instruments of both Celtic and Eastern Indian cultures and the familiar sound of American folk. Four Shillings Short is a band riddled with child's play, yet rich in the wisdom of old-timers who know better than to take themselves too seriously. Their musical virtuosity makes old songs sound new and new songs sound like time-worn Celtic spells."
(City Pages, Wausau WI)
Like a medieval fair in New Delhi, the music of Four Shillings Short is intriguing and worth investigating. Their music is a global potpourri where keening vocals meet lilting North Indian Sitar and Renaissance woodwinds. (New Times, Miami FL)
They "stretch the boundaries of folk music. Their music is a delight, performance style unexpected and their instrumentation is a kick." (Phil Shapiro/Bound for Glory/Ithaca, NY)