STEAM Quartet

Description

The STEAM quartet takes its name and inspiration from Chicago native (by way of Doolin, County Clare) John Williams' 2001 ground-breaking album of the same name. A dynamic blend of traditional Irish and Celtic melodies with modern rhythmic ideas and chord structures, this album explored the themes passed down to him from a family deeply rooted in Irish traditional music. STEAM carries this forward even further by incorporating musicians with backgrounds in the classical and jazz genres.

Unpretentious and accessible, their deceptively "simple" music is both emotionally evocative and engaging. Re-imagined arrangements of exuberant jigs and reels as well as quiet, soulful melodies from the West coast of Ireland and beyond create a unique expression of the ever-evolving folk music tradition.

The STEAM Quartet also offers workshops in rhythm, melody and folk dance to all ages and levels, from toddler to senior citizen, and from beginner to experienced artist.

Work Sample

A sizzle reel from our most recent performance in Chicago as part to the Rendezvous Arts 2021-2022 Concert Series.

A selection of an hour long performance recorded for the Irish American Heritage Center's 2021 Virtual St. Patrick's Day celebration

History

The STEAM quartet takes its name and inspiration from Chicago native (by way of Doolin, County Clare) John Williams' 2001 ground-breaking album of the same name. A dynamic blend of traditional Irish and Celtic melodies with modern rhythmic ideas and chord structures, this album explored the themes passed down to him from a family deeply rooted in Irish traditional music.

Artistic Vision

STEAM carries this forward even further by incorporating musicians with backgrounds in the classical and jazz genres. Unpretentious and accessible, their deceptively "simple" music is both emotionally evocative and engaging. Re-imagined arrangements of exuberant jigs and reels as well as quiet, soulful melodies from the West coast of Ireland and beyond create a unique expression of the ever-evolving folk music tradition.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

We are able to teach workshops to people of all ages and experience levels. We are versatile musicians and proven educators on each instrument that we play. Irish music is meant to learned by ear, so we are able to teach those basic melodies to individuals without previous music experience on inexpensive instruments such as the tin whistle, or even the rhythms on the back of pizza boxes. Irish music is also meant to be moved to - and can teach basic Irish dance movements to audience members without any dance experience.

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

Irish music is designed to be communal - each of us host jam sessions with musicians of all levels on a weekly basis in areas around the city and beyond - (for example: Naperville, Evanston, Chicago proper, Oak Lawn). All of us were mentored by musicians within the Chicago community and we deeply understand how music is passed on by sitting amongst and learning from others. We firmly believe in exposing new people to our music and generating interest by demonstrating the innate passion we possess for the music that we play. The four of us interact organically with each other while making music together, whether we are just rehearsing or on stage, and hope that audience members will feel in the joy that we are feeling as well!