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| What is HarpBeat? |
HarpBeat is a musical trio featuring the only electric harp in Southern Ontario and Western New York.
HarpBeat's completey unique instrumentation also includes a guitar synthesizer, an EWI [known as an Electric Wind Instrument],plus recorders and acoustic 12 string guitar. Due to the synthesizer aspect, we have literally thousands of sounds at our fingertips. Add three-part vocals to that mix, and you have the recipe for some great music.
Our sound can be described as a unique and mellow blend of music both obscure but recognizable from both past and present. From Moody Blues to Bob Seger to Procol Harem, folk rock and jazz stylings , HarpBeat does an incredibly wide range of music representing many decades. We often hear, "Wow, I haven't heard that song in a long time, that was GREAT!"
HarpBeat is an excellent choice for private or corporate receptions and wine-and-cheese type events, [weddings , too!] providing your guests with a completely unique and memorable background vibe that you will not hear anywhere else.
Our credits include: many private corporate events, The St Catharines Vintage Car show, Patrick Sheehan's Pub, and opening for the Henley Regatta to a crowd of 2000. We joke that we are 'the ultimate wine bar band', even when we play to 2000 people!
HarpBeat consists of |
Carol Farrar
Electric harp, acoustic guitar, vocals
Carol Farrar is a harpist from Niagara Falls, Ontario. She has performed all over Southern Ontario in festivals, at wineries, corporate cocktail receptions, and well over 300 weddings. Carol's c.d., "red spirit rising" has sold over 1000 copies independently and has received airplay on Canada's national radio station CBC 3, as well as WBFO' "the Celtic Hour". Carol' television appearances include "Crossroads" on channel 13, "A.M. Buffalo" WKBW channel 7. Carol's purchase of a red Lyon and Healy Silhouette Electric harp prompted her to explore new musical avenues, and "HarpBeat" was born!
Bryan Perry
Guitar, Synth, Vocals
Bryan Perry has been performing in the Niagara music scene since the late 1960’s when he started performing contemporary church music. He has played in many bands through the years, creating a variety of musical styles from easy listening jazz to pop, rock and folk styles as well Celtic music in his other current band Ceol Cara. Playing an intricate finger picking style he adds many rhythms and textures to the sound created by the group. Now with the addition of his new electric Guitar-Synth (Godin Triple Voice Guitar + Roland GR-20) he adds many new sounds such as orchestral string accompaniments layered on top of the guitar creating what the band affectionately calls “The Orchestra Behind The Couch”. Now reunited with his old friend Steve whom he played music with as a teenager and joining Carol on Harp and 12 string guitar, they bring together an interesting and unique musical experience for all to enjoy.
Steve Boucher.
Flute, Electronic Wind Instruments, Vocals
Steve learned to play the recorder in B.C. in the early 60’s. His collection grew to include a family of wooden recorders from bass to sopranino. Moving back to his home town of St.Catharines, Ontario, Steve continued to add to his collection 2 open-hole flutes, a C-melody sax, alto sax, clarinet, several tin whistles and a digital horn.
The digital horn, shaped like a sax, was the first of his midi (musical instrument digital interface) electronic wind instruments and features 6 built-in woodwind sounds and a speaker located in the bell. The portability of this instrument makes it versatile enough to play on stage or jam along with acoustic instruments in any venue.
Steve now has 3 additional EWIs (electronic wind instruments) and several tone modules that allow him to access over 800 different musical instrument sounds and effects. He has played in bands for most of his life, adding woodwind tracks and vocals to many studio CDs and has shared a stage with musicians such as Valdy and Ron Sexsmith.
Steve has also sung lead and backup vocals in numerous bands over the years and produced his own CD in June of 2001 featuring over 1 hour of his original music. His flutes and electronic wind instruments add a unique dimension to the band and blend well with the harp and guitar synthesizer. |
