Sugar Babe
http://www.kateandhollis.com/songs/sugarbabemp3Clips/sugarbabeWeb.mp3
The Last Chore
http://www.kateandhollis.com/songs/TheLastChoremp3Clips/TheLastChoreW.mp3
Kate and Hollis are a husband and wife duo who perform original and traditional folk/roots music with a toe tapping bluegrass edge. Their show is energetic, warm and inviting. They share their stories with well written songs that range from historical to fanciful. Their music is presented with sweet, tight harmonies and sparkling instrumentals on guitar, dobro and banjo.
Having met in the fall of 2004 their musical chemistry was an instant magical combination. Their personal chemistry kicked in as well and they were engaged three weeks later and married August 13, 2005. They have since opened a recording studio in their home called Constant Sound Studio which is keeping them busy between performances.
More Biography...
In 2005 they recorded their first Cd "The Last Chore" and in 2007 "Sugar Babe". Both Cd's give you thirteen songs, two are traditional and eleven are originals.
Kate received her first guitar at the age of nine and never looked back. "It was worn out in a matter of months." Growing up in a small Eastern Ontario town called Smiths Falls her home life was filled with music. Her father is an old-time jazz and blues buff and believed a home should be filled with the sounds of music rather than the sounds from a TV. He was also a jazz and boogie woogie piano play for many years.
Kate formed a folk duo in the early 1990's which lasted for several years and while searching for a dobro player she met Hollis through mutual friends and a new duo and musical direction was born..
Kate's early musical influences were Joni Mitchell, Emmy Lou Harris and Ellen MacElwain. She discovered a passion for Bluegrass (Newgrass) and Appalachian mountain ballads from such talented artists as Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss. Her strong song writing skills and guitar playing support her love of harmony singing. "I had a desire to sing, play and write for as long as I can remember. I couldn't imagine spending a day without doing something related to music. It is in my soul as naturally as breathing."
Enchanted by family friend, Pete Seeger, Hollis at the age of twelve, purchased his first five string banjo. A twelve string guitar quickly followed. "It was an old Stella that didn't have a bridge; so I carved a new one out of maple with a pocket knife, it worked pretty well!"
As a young adult Hollis was musically active in the American mid-west and in Toronto forming two rock bands: The Creeps and Amontillado. In Ottawa he founded the folk-rock group called "Ironwood". As well as being in a duo he is also a member of the Ottawa based quintet Hurry Up and Wait.
As a masterful wordsmith, Hollis' songs reflect life's common hardships as well as its many humorous moments. Early influences were Pete Seeger, Huddie Ledbetter, Phil Ochs, and Merle Travis. Current influences are Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas, Django Reinhardt, and Lenny Breau.
More CD Reviews...
"The husband/wife team of Kate and Hollis Morgan have produced a low-key winner here. This Ottawa-area duo met when Kate needed a Dobro player. She got herself a husband and someone to make beautiful music with, literally. There's a strong Appalachian influence here, but that's just the start. They take journeys into swing, modern folk and even newgrass and I'll eat the liner notes if Hollis didn't listen to a lot of Lightfoot at some point in his life. Songs like "Jennie Wore White" show a heartfelt poignancy, while "Skinny Legs" is pure old-time silliness. Their voices blend well, the picking is solid and augmented by the addition of mandolin ace Emory Lester, bass player Ken Kanwisher and fiddle player Sarah Hill. A comparison to Robin and Linda Williams would not be too far from the mark."
"Low-key arrangements...light, sweet vocal harmonies distinguish this debut album of mountain and bluegrass-rooted tunes by Ottawa's Kate and Hollis Morgan. The duo's bright guitars, dobro and banjo...Ken Kanwisher's stand up bass...their carefully crafted and paced tunes make the duo's easy-going sound pleasant to return to... The album of mostly original tunes, including finely executed instrumentals by Hollis Morgan, holds its own quite comfortably."
This Cd is a collection of eleven original tunes, true to the style of traditional sounds...fresh and inviting to those who are looking for something different. The title song, "The Last Chore", has the banjo setting the mood in a bold but supportive way. The strong story lyrics, sung by Hollis, whose voice is certain, warm and clear, are accentuated by Kate's harmony blend, a skill which seems to come to her naturally...something some singers never achieve. Each song has its own personality, giving the collection what it takes to be interesting and keep you listening to the end. The instrumentals are sparkling. The songs are well written, the singing is warm and tight, and the instruments bring it all together. Guitar, dobro, and banjo in Hollis' hands give this duo a full, bright and interesting sound. Kate holds it together with her rhythm guitar - and when singing lead, she uses her strong voice to draw you into the lyrics, with traditional folk grace. Watch for them!"
"It's not hard to like Kate and Hollis. They exude warmth. It's the same kind of feeling you get when you listen to their buttery smooth lyrics and their sweet acoustic styling. Their's is a mountain-roots-folk sound born out of a passion for the music and for each other. It's new. It's old. It's a contemporary take on traditional creations that get toes 'a tappin' and emotions rollin'. They describe their original material as music "pinned against old tradition." Kate and Hollis are accomplished musicians, each in their own right. But there is a freshness about them. They are a new and sought after duo."
Karen Secord, Ottawa Valley News
More Show Reviews...
"Kate and Hollis played a performance in my home and I would like to tell you about it. They are both warm and friendly individuals. They introduce their songs with interesting stories about the characters in the songs or the history surrounding the writing. As many of their songs tell a story, I found this background very informative and entertaining. With Kate playing guitar, and Hollis on dobro or banjo, our guests were treated to outstanding playing and vocals as both sing and harmonize. If you are considering having a home concert and would like a warm, down-home evening with close friends and family, I would highly recommend contacting Kate and Hollis. If they are ever back West, I hope they would consider playing another concert in our home."
"You guys are terrific. You're a perfect team. Your voices join in perfect harmony. We are instant fans and we bought both CD's and they'll be traveling in the cars with us a for quite awhile. Keep up the good work and keep us informed of your schedule. We wouldn't want to miss your opening at the Scotia Bank Centre."
"Wonderful storytellers and musicians breathing fresh life into both original and traditional Appalachian mountain ballads. A night of great entertainment immenseling that you are part of their family"
"I felt as if I was sitting in their kitchen soaking up their love of music, and feeling the delightful warmth between them."
"If you like great stories, warm voices with a natural harmony blend, traditional sound with fresh new songs...then you're bound to like Kate and Hollis."
"Kate and Hollis are a treat to watch. They have the total package. They bring excellent instrumental work, be it on guitar, dobro or banjo ,along with the stories in their songs which range from humorous such as in "Jackie" or very touching as in "When I Grow Up". Their voices match like butter and hot fresh muffins. Their singing, combined with their lyrical stories makes for a great evening. GO SEE THEM!"
"Last night we had a folk/roots traditional husband and wife group named "Kate and Hollis" who were so in sync musically and spiritually that it felt as if we were invited into their living room. It was also a treat to listen to great instrumental work, harmonies and their stories."
"Kate and Hollis' love of music and of one another is apparent in their strong connection on stage and with their audience. Their music is extremely warm and entertaining."
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Familiar songs to which both novice and experienced singers will learn to harmonize with confidence.
Where does all that rhythm come from? This workshop introduces the basic skills of clawhammer or frailed banjo. Starting with the basic strum, we cover hammer-on's and pull-off's and finally top it all off with double thumbing.
More Workshops...
Most folkies know about roundneck dobros from blues musicians where it is often played bottle-neck style. But the squareneck dobro with its clear distinctive sound is now stretching out beyond its bluegrass roots. This workshop explains how this instrument achieves its unique sound.
This workshop follows several "Child Ballads" on the long journey from the British Isles to the Appalachians where multiple additional versions evolved.
Kate & Hollis are an acoustic duo using the following instruments:
Vocal mics should be about five feet apart. Kate uses a DI on her guitar and dulcimer. Hollis uses a mic for both of his instruments (preferably a good condenser on a boom below his vocal mic). Kate requires a tall stool. Hollis stands.
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© 2008-2009 Kate and Hollis Morgan
National Arts Center photographs by Frank Dugal Photography
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