Expanding the possibilities of classic American and Celtic string instrumentation, Matching Ties' repertoire has grown to include many standard and original Irish, English and Scottish folk songs, ballads and instrumentals continuing to present a wide cross-section of their many American acoustic music styles. Their recordings, represented on 2 MC and 4 CD productions (see discography) always contain their special mix of Celtic and American roots. Covers are never copied, but are always arranged in a distinct Matching Ties folk, newgrass and bluesy style. It is exactly this wide scope which allows them to play so many different kinds of venues, and to obtain a wide audience appeal from many different fan groups. They can lean a show in any one direction, be it Irish folk or American  music, or as in the case of their concerts, present a blend of all their styles.

With their roots in the folk revival and folk rock era of the 60s and 70s, they arrange many "west coast" and country rock standards of this era in a fresh, newgrassy style, often new to European audiences. Country blues on bottleneck and fingerpicking guitar, as well as standard and western swing numbers remain true to their origins through acoustic string instrumentation, yet take on a modern flair with original Matching Ties arrangements and interpretation. The mainstay of their music is folk, the music of Ireland, England and Scotland and its fascinating “ties” to the new world America.

Matching Ties plays as a duo with founding members Paul Stowe (USA) and Trevor Morriss (GB). They also play as a trio with Germans Thomas Kärner on upright bass or fiddler (violinist) Georg Bähr, as quartet with bass and violin. Since 2005 Matching Ties also occasionally plays as a quintet (duo plus bass, banjo and fiddle).

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*Bluegrass is a form of American folk music played on acoustic stringed instruments such as guitar, mandolin, violin, 5-string banjo and bass. Though usually played without percussion instruments, it is full of driving rhythms, highly technical yet harmonically appealing solos and expressive 3 to 4 part vocal harmonies. Bluegrass takes its roots from the music of the British Isles and Ireland as well as from black American and country music. Matching Ties adds elements of rock and swing music playing a more progressive style of bluegrass known as newgrass.

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The Duo

Paul Stowe (USA) & Trevor Morriss (GB)

acoustic and steel-bodied guitars, mandolin, mandola, Irish bouzouki, mouth harp, vocals

The common ties between the respective musical cultures of American Paul Stowe and Englishman Trevor Morriss form the cornerstone of the Matching Ties repertoire.

Well arranged instrumental parts and exact, expressive harmony vocals produce a full, round sound. Spontaneous sketches and clowning loosen up their show, and create a personal atmosphere. Whether they’re playing in a pub or at a festival, for 30 or 3000 listeners, they always manage to steal the show, often over-shadowing larger bands in this style.

Years of professional experience has molded these likeable musicians into a perfect team. As virtuosi on their respective instruments, Paul and Trevor have long been among the top musicians of the European acoustic music scene.

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The Trio

Trevor Morriss (UK), Paul Stowe (USA) & Thomas Kärner (D)

Duo & Thomas Kärner (D): Upright Bass or with Georg Bähr

 

As a trio Matching Ties becomes a "band" with the bass creating a more powerful sound and allowing for more freedom for Paul and Trevors’ instrumental parts.

Since 2004 Matching Ties is proud to play with German Thomas Kärner on the upright bass. Thomas is a very solid bluegrass, folk, country and blues stylist who has played with many name acts in the international folk and bluegrass scene. His sensibility for American and Celtic styles is a great find in continental Europe. He also adds a great 3rd vocal harmony and plays mandolin.

Matching Ties also plays often as a Trio with Georg Bähr on the violin (fiddle), mandolin, banjo and vocals, an exciting alternative to the trio with bass with lots of great solo playing. Please see the quartet/quintet sections and the biographies for more info. about Georg.

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The Quartet

Paul Stowe, Trevor Morriss, Georg Bähr (D) & Thomas Kärner (D)

Trio & violin or banjo

With the addition of the violin or banjo, Matching Ties quartet becomes the classic folk and bluegrass formation. Georg Bähr, one Europe’s leading fiddlers is the perfect violinist for the multi-stylistic repertoire of Matching Ties. His virtuous solos in the folk, bluegrass, swing and blues idioms  are a great plus for the show adding new textures and layers to the Matching Ties sound. He also plays great mandolin and 5-string banjo and sings 3rd and 4th part harmony vocals.