Matching Ties is a professional, in Germany-based Irish and British folk, and related Celtic bluegrass and American folk group.
With international members from the U.S.A., England, Ireland and Germany, this group has performed since 1986 at every imaginable event and venue where acoustic and folk music can be heard.
The core of the band is the duo, which expands to line-ups from trio to sextet with some of the best multi-instrumentalists in the European scene on stringed instruments, flutes, pipes and percussions; all of them excellent singers and entertainers as well. It’s authentic, it’s virtuous, it’s fun!
Paul Stowe
Trevor Morriss
Thomas Kaemer
Peter Corbett
Colm OTuama
Konrad Stock
Current
Visit the website of Matching Ties sister band Grass Root Ties,
Bluegrass, Blues, Swing.
Matching Ties is a Munich area and southern Germany based international Irish, Celtic and American folk and acoustic group. The name and the matching ties they wear on stage are symbolic of the ties between these musicians of different nationalities, united in their international, above all Irish/Celtic and American blend of music. They perform as a duo with founding members American Paul Stowe and Englishman Trevor Morriss (guitars, mandolin, Irish bouzouki), and in line-ups from trio to sextet with Dublin flutist and tin whistle player Colm O’Tuama, Irish fiddler Peter Corbett, Munich bodhrán (Irish drum) and bagpipe player Konrad Stock and Bayreuth, Germany upright bass player Thomas Kaerner. They are also joined on occasion by select international guest musicians who are among the best in the European scene (see . A pool of musicians not only virtuous on their, in Europe seldom to be heard instruments and styles, but most of them are also excellent singers, and seasoned performers. Since 1986 they have brought their blend of Irish and British folk, bluegrass, newgrass, and acoustic country, blues and swing to a wide variety of venues throughout Europe and in the USA. In 2011 the group split into 2 groups, Matching Ties will focus mainly on Irish and British folk whilst the new group Grass Root Ties is to take over the American bluegrass, blues, swing and country repertoire (click here for information about Grass Root Ties). From smaller stages such as cabarets, folk clubs, and music pubs to larger city, cultural, folk, guitar, bluegrass and country festivals they adapt to any performance situation. Their show is full of spontaneous sketches and humor finding the right balance between their love for the beauty and complexity of the music, but showing the audience at all times that they are having fun. Their music has been represented on 4 CDs to date. Their latest production, the live DVD “25th Anniversary Performances” was released on the occasion of their 25th anniversary in August 2011.
They also perform as a dance band accompanying Irish dancers at Irish folk nights in larger halls and venues organized in cooperation with various cultural promoters by Paul Stowe, often joined by a 2nd or 3rd band in an unforgettable evening of Irish and Celtic folklore. Please click here for more information about Irish Folk Nights.
The Duo - Paul Stowe (USA) & Trevor Morriss (GB)
The Duo - Paul Stowe (USA) & Trevor Morriss (GB) acoustic and steel-bodied guitars, mandolin, 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. As accomplished stylists in many folk directions, they blend Irish, English, Scottish and American folk, bluegrass and blues into their own unique mixture. Paul and Trevor founded Matching Ties in 1986, and have since played the incredible sum of some 3000+ concerts together. 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 20 or 2000 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 a part of the elite circle of musicians in the European acoustic and folk music scenes.
The Trio- Paul Stowe (USA) & Colm O'Tuama (IRL) Trevor Morriss (GB))
The Trios
The Duo plus Colm O’Tuama (IRL) or Peter Corbett (IRL)
As a trio Matching Ties becomes a “small band" with either Dublin bred Irish flute, tin and low whistle player Colm O’Tuama or Irish violinist (fiddler) Peter Corbett. Colm and Peter are the perfect musical partners and a perfect addition to the established team of Paul and Trevor. Their wide knowledge of various music styles expands the musical possibilities of the duo. Colm O’Tuama and Peter Corbett are virtual walking encyclopedias of Irish and Celtic tunes (melodies) and songs. Having grown up in the heart of the Irish folk boom, their playing is virtuous and authentic. Besides playing brilliant Irish/Celtic music, they also play witty and very musical solos to Matching Ties bluegrass and other American numbers, baffling audiences who are probably hearing these styles for the first time on their respective instruments. Colm is also an authentic Irish singer with a warm voice and great at lilting, a form of Irish ”scatting” or rhythmic, nonverbal singing. Peter Corbett on the violin (fiddle) is not only one of Europe’s top Irish folk fiddlers, but is also accomplished in bluegrass and other American styles. He is also a great team member adding rhythmic support with long-bowing and “shuffling” techniques on violin, and a third vocal part.
Please see the Musicians page for more information and biographies of Colm and Peter.
The Quartets, The Quintets, The Sextet
The Duo plus Colm O’Tuama (IRL), Peter Corbett (IRL), Konrad Stock (D) and/or Thomas Kaerner (D)
Out of this pool of excellent musicians Matching Ties becomes a quartet, a quintet or a sextet. Though each of the combinations of musicians differs slightly in musical emphasis, the underlying current is Irish and Celtic as well as its connection to American music. Traditional and original Irish, English and Scottish songs, ballads and lively dance tune sets as well as bluegrass and old-time country songs and fiddle tunes are played with acoustic instrumentation, combining traditional and modern Irish and American interpretation. The odd “surprise number” may suddenly appear in their set from 60s to 70s country and folk classics to Beatles and beyond. Joining the quartet, quintet and sextet line-ups (in addition to Colm O’Tuama and Peter Corbett) are:
Konrad Stock on bodhrán (Irish drum), washboard kit and various percussions, tin whistles, and Scottish Highland and Bourdon bagpipes. His main duties are to keep the rhythm on the bodhrán, not only to the Irish/Celtic music, but uniquely to all the other styles such as bluegrass and swing either on the bodhrán or his crazy washboard set, a folk drum kit with wood blocks, bongos, cow bells and cymbal. He is also an accomplished piper (his main instrument) and player of tin whistles and ushers the crowd in with a set of Scottish bagpipe tunes, or picks up the whistles to play duets and trio with Colm and Peter on tunes sets or ballads.
AND / OR Thomas Kaerner on upright bass and vocals, who is a great team member with years of experience with various U.S. and European artists. Adding tasteful bass lines and solos to every style that Matching Ties plays, Thomas holds up the bottom end of the sound spectrum, creating a more powerful and full band sound. As a solid singer he adds a 3rd and 4th vocal harmony parts. Thomas is a bit the dark horse in Matching Ties, adding subtle, but very musical accents to everything he does on stage. He is also a multi-instrumentalist playing mandolin, dobro and piano. Thomas is also a member of the new split-off band from Matching Ties, the bluegrass and Americana band Grass Root Ties.
Musicians
Paul Stowe (Salt Lake City, USA) acoustic & steel-bodied guitars, mouth harp, vocal
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Paul grew up in a classical music family in Hartford, Connecticut (USA), and began playing the guitar at the age of 12. After moving to Salt Lake City, Utah (USA) at the age of 16 he began to play street music, festivals and clubs in the Rocky Mountain area. After two years of touring throughout Europe with folk and blues bands, he toured Italy living in Florence for 1 year before moving to the Munich, and later the Munich, Germany area to join the country and bluegrass band "Kentucky Bluefield" and founded Matching Ties in 1986. Paul also teaches guitar and plays as a solo artist, and lives southeast of Munich near Rosenheim, Germany.
Trevor grew up in southeast London and in Cornwall, England. As one of the first Englishmen to play bluegrass and American folk in a string band with his brothers, he was influential in bringing American music to the English folk circuit. He lived for 2 years in the U.S.A. and Canada, playing in bluegrass and folk bands, sitting in with many name acts, before returning to Europe and eventually settling 1980 in the Munich area. Trevor also played with Paul in "Kentucky Bluefield”. Trevor fills in on occasion with various country and Irish folk bands, works as a studio musician, and teaches mandolin and guitar. Trevor lives south of Munich near Starnberg, Germany.
Colm O’Tuama(Dublin, Ireland)Irish flute, tin and low whistles, vocal
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Colm grew up in a large musical family in Dublin in the center of Irish music culture and in the prime years of the Irish folk revival of the 1970s. Throughout his childhood he learned and absorbed the music of his homeland, collecting countless tunes and songs which he plays on the Irish flute, tin and low whistles. He sings an occasional song or adds a harmony part with his very authentic Irish vocals (he sings and speaks Irish Gaelic). A highlight of the set is when he “lilts”, a form of Irish rhythmic, nonverbal vocal or “Irish scatting”. Colm also plays in Munich based “Burning Biscuit Band” as well appearing on many local Irish studio productions (including “Matching Ties” CD “Across the Sea”). He lives in Munich, Germany since 1989, touring throughout Germany and its neighboring countries.
Konrad Stock (Munich, Germany) bodhrán, scottish and border bagpipes, tin whistles, percussions
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Konrad was born and raised in Munich. Although his duties as a doctor are very time consuming, he finds time to play folk music at a very high level. His main instrument is the bagpipes, but he is also a very accomplished bodhrán and tin whistle player. A friendly and familiar face in the German folk music scene, he plays on occasion in the well known German rock band “The Seer” and in the “Paul Daly Band”.
Peter Corbett (Ireland) fiddle (violin) and vocal
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Peter was born in Dublin, and grew up in central Ireland near Mullingar in County Westmeath. In the early 1970’s he began to learn folk fiddle in sessions with the O’Connor family and other well-known Irish musicians in the legendary music villages of Murroe and Dundalk, Ireland. Moving to Germany in 1983 Peter has since played in many bands including a duo with Steve Shorrock “Devil’s Dilemma”, and the Berlin band “Shanahan and Co.”, as well as working as a studio musician. Peter lives in Fuerth next to Nuremberg, Germany. He joined “Matching Ties” in 2011.
Thomas Kaerner (Bayreuth, Germany) upright bass, vocal
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Thomas was born and raised in the northern Bavaria area. Following lessons on piano and music theory, he discovered his love for bluegrass and folk at the age of 14. Starting out on guitar and mandolin, he later picked up the electric and upright bass which he developed as a member of various acoustic music bands. Since the year 2000 Thomas has toured with many name folk and bluegrass acts, including “The Fox Tower Bluegrass Band”, "The Mickeys", John Moore and Slavek Hanzlik gaining international experience. Thomas lives near Bayreuth, Germany.
Guest Musicians
Christian Hedwitschak (Munich, Germany) bodhrán
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Christian is one of Europe’s finest and most accomplished bodhrán (Irish drum) players as well as an accomplished bodhrán maker, whose instruments are sold all around the world and played by several famous Irish master bodhrán players. As a veteran of the German Irish folk scene, Christian plays a very solid traditional style of bodhrán with excellent timing and tone. Christian appears on several clips of the Matching Ties DVD “25th Anniversary Performances”. Christian also organizes various bodhrán seminars and weekends inviting various bodhrán master instructors.
Georg Baehr (Aschaffenburg, Germany) fiddle (violin), mandolin and vocal
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Georg, who was a regular member of “Matching Ties” from 2005-2011 on fiddle (violin), mandolin and vocals, continues to join the band for selected concerts. Georg is virtuous on various styles including Irish and Celtic, but especially on American bluegrass, blues and swing of fiddle. Georg can be heard (and seen) on Matching Ties CD “Across the Sea” and the DVD “25th Anniversary Performances”. Georg is a member of the new split-off from Matching Ties bluegrass and America band Grass Root Ties together with bass player Thomas Kaerner and 5-string banjo player Thilo Hain.
Performances
Matching Ties is a concert band and prefers audiences that listen. That doesn’t mean that the audience shouldn’t have a good time or participate in their show. Private and company parties engagements are also possible, but we advise that you be sure that your guests desire to hear our styles music.
Equipment and publicity materials
Photos and press text can be downloaded from the Download page of this website. Posters (DIN A2, Duo also in A3) for all Matching Ties line-ups can be delivered free of charge (generally 50 per engagement). PA system and lighting can be provided for 20 to 500 listeners. For larger events, larger PA systems, lighting and stages can be rented. Playing acoustic without a PA is also possible and welcome if the venue and audiences allow.
Selected performances
USA – Pennsylvania, Folk Festival
USA – Boston, Club Passim
USA – Tour Oct-Nov. 2008, 12 concerts in the northwestern U.S.
D – Nürnberg, Bardentreffen (World Music Festival)
D – Balve, Irish Folk Festival, Balver Höhle
D – Homberg, Hessen Folk Festival
D – München, Tollwood Festival
D – Singen, Hohentwiel Burgfest
D – Eschwege, Open Flair Festival
D – Hirschberg, Saasemer Folk & Shanty Festival
D – Taunusstein, Folk Club, Celtic Night
D – Stuttgart, Stadtfest (City Festival)
D – Bonfeld, Folk im Schlosshof
D – Kempten, Jazz Frühling
GB/IRL - Kreuzfahrtschiff / Cruise Ship (England, Scotland & Ireland)
I - Friuli, Folkest Festival
I – San Marino, Castle Concerts
I – Verona, Concerti Caligeri (Piazza Dante)
I – Udine, Folk Club Buttrio & Madame Guitar Festival
I – Lecce, Salento Guitar Festival
A – Waidhofen, Musikfest
A – Finkenstein, Burgarena, Irish Folk Festival
A – Mayrhofen, Country, Folk & Blues Festival
A- Klagenfurt, Altstadtzauber (City Cultural Festival)
A- Spittal, Guitarena Concerts, Castle Porcia
SK - Trnava, International Dobrofest
SLO – Bled, Okarina Folk Festival
SLO – Maribor, Lent Music Festival
F- Craponne, Country Rendez-Vous Festival
H – Tatabanya, Blues Festival
H – Balaton, Countrynental Festival
CZ – Prague Culture Palace, International Dobro Festival
CH – Schaffhausen, Over Easy Bluegrass Festival
CH - Zürich, Albisguetli Festival
CH – Thun, Bluegrass Festival
CH – Stetten, Bluegrass Family Festival
CH – Col-des-Roches, Country & Bluegrass Festival
Matching Ties is a concert band and prefers audiences that listen. That doesn’t mean that the audience shouldn’t have a good time or participate in their show. Private and company parties engagements are also possible, but we advise that you be sure that your guests desire to hear our styles music.
March 2012
01. March 2012 - 20:00 -22:00 hrs.
D-81737 München-Neuperlach, Kulturzentrum Ramersdorf-Perlach, Foyer, Hanns-Seidel-Pl. 1,
Paul Stowe-solo, www.kulturzentrum.neuperlach.info
D-80992 Muenchen, Pelkovenschloss, Moosacher St.-Martins Platz 2, St. Patrick's Day / Irish Night + 2nd band tba
Matching Ties-Quintet, http://www.dielinie1.de/
13. March 2012 - 20:00 -22:30 hrs.
D-85646 Anzing-Obelfing, Weinbeisser, Parkstr. 42, St. Patrick's Day
Matching Ties-Duo, www.weinbeisser-anzing.de
D-83410 Laufen, Salzachhalle, Briouder Platz 1, Irish Folk Night with "Tir na nÓg"Irish dancers & "Shamrock"
Matching Ties-Quintett, www.salzachhalle.de
21. April 2012 - 20:00 -0 hrs.
D-82362 Weilheim, Greiter 9, Greiterstr. 9, Tel. 0881-2252
Paul Stowe-solo
22. April 2012 - 20:00 -23:00 hrs.
D-85625 Glonn, Gut Sonnenhausen, Restaurant
Matching Ties-Duo, www.sonnenhausen.de
May 2012
12. May 2012 - 20 hrs.
83522 Altenmarkt, Kloster Baumburg, Kultursommer, Irish Folk Night mit "Pipeline" (IRL/SCO)
Matching Ties-Quartet www.baumburger-kultursommer.de
June 2012
15. June 2012 - 20:00 -0:00 hrs.
D-82152 Krailling, Schabernack, Margaretenstr. 14,
Lange Nacht der Musik/pub festival (our playing times 22:30-0 hrs.)
Matching Ties-Duo, www.gruene-krailling.de
D-86609 Donauwoerth, Irish Folk Open Air, Heilig Kreuz Garten, with "Bachelor's Walk" & "Tir na nÓg Irish Dance Troupe" if rains inside in tent on site
Matching Ties-Quintet, www.donauwoerth.de
27. July 2012 - 19-23 hrs.
D-90403 Nürnberg, Bardentreffen, vor O'Shea's Irish Pub, Am Wespennest 6, if rains inside in pub
Matching Ties-Quartet, www.osheas.de
D-77866 Rheinau-Freistett, Kultur im Stall, Kronenstr. 33
Matching Ties-Duo, www.kultur-im-stall.de
27. October 2012 - 20:00 -23:00 hrs.
D-83308 Trostberg, Postsaal, Irish Folk Night / Halloween mit/with Tir na nÓg Tänzer/dancers
Matching Ties-Quartet, www.trostberg.de
November 2012
03. November 2012 - 20:00 -23:00 hrs.
D-71384 Weinberg-Struempfelbach, Alte Kelter, Zum Streitbarg, handicrafts bazaar with evening concert
Matching Ties-Duo? tba, www.werkstatt-galerie.de
16. November 2012 - 20:00 -23:00 hrs.
D-84524 Neuoetting, Stadtsaal (town auditorium), Irish Folk Night with "Tir na nÓg Irish Dance TRoupe" & "More Maids"
Matching Ties-Quintet, www.neuoetting.de
17. November 2012 - 19:30hrs.
D-83512 Attl, Stiftung Attl, Irish Folk Night, with "Ivy Leaf" dancers
Matching Ties Quartet, www.stiftung.attl.de
23. November 2012 - 19:30 -22:30 hrs.
D-82140 Olching, KOM-Kulturwerkstatt, Hauptstr. 68, Irish Folk Night
Matching Ties-Quartet, www.kom.olching.de
December 2012
18. December 2012 - 20:00 -23:00 hrs.
D-75174 Pforzheim, Prisma Folk Club, Bottich, am Rathaus, Marktplatz 1
Matching Ties-Duo, www.folkclub-prisma.de
Oktober 2013
02. Oktober 2013 - 20:00 -23:00 Uhr
D-86871 Rammingen, Braustadel, Am Bahnhof 4, Irish Folk Night
Matching Ties-Quartet
Booking/Contact
DVD & CDs Buy/Listen
DVD "25 Year Anniversary Performances"
1) The Cuckoo’s Nest / St. Anne’s Reel
2) The Holy Well
3) Carrickfergus / The Water is Wide
4) My Little Fiddle
5) The Skye and Mingulay Boat Songs
6) In the Summertime
7) Red is the Rose
8) Ragtime Annie / Golden Slippers
9) Summertime
10) Keeping the Boat Afloat
11) Let’s Make a Baby King
12) Rout of the Blues / Bonaparte’s Retreat
13) Colm’s Lilt
14) Drowsy Maggie
15) The Flowing Bowl
16) Antics
17) The Jolly Beggar Man / The Wise Maid
Extras:
18) The Jolly Beggar Man / The Wise Maid
19) Wild Mountain Thyme
20) Photo Gallery
Musicians & Performers: Paul Stowe, Trevor Morriss, Georg Bähr, Colm O'Tuama, Thomas Kärner,
Konrad Stock
Guests: Christian Hedwitschak, Dermot Hyde, Tom Hake, The Tir na nÓg Dance Troupe
Musicians: Paul Stowe, Trevor Morriss, Georg Bähr, Thomas Kärner, Paul Richards, Colm O'Tuama, Dave Bell, Michael Franzelin
MATCHING TIES "Across The Sea" MT-CD-04 . produced by Matching Ties 2006
Musicians: Paul Stowe, Trevor Morriss, Uwe Zeeb, Claudio Della Penna
MATCHING TIES "Live - Funky Folk & Swingin´ Blues" . MT-CD-03 . produced by Matching Ties 1999
Musicians: Paul Stowe, Trevor Morriss, Uwe Zeeb, Claudio Della Penna
Guests: Lodi Van Vlodrop, Jaroslav Tomes, Offer Singer
CROSSING THE BRIDGE . MT-CD-02 . produced by Matching Ties 1997
Musicians: Paul Stowe, Trevor Morriss, Uwe Zeeb, Horacio Cantu
Guests: Mark Stoffel, Wil Maring, Tony Ramos, Andi List, Offer Singer
MATCHING TIES No. 1 . MT-CD-01 . produced by Matching Ties 1994
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