This Celtic inspired band is focused on giving traditional music a modern edge. They blend the varied talents of musicians whose classical, folk, rock and jazz backgrounds fuse together to create a dynamic and unique sound that instantly connects and resonates with audiences. Through their uplifting energy, tight vocal harmonies and remarkable stage presence, they weave together a tapestry of tales that evoke a nostalgic experience of days gone by.
Based out of BC's Okanagan Valley since 2009, after lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Mercer, transplanted from Newfoundland. With him he brought his passion for Newfoundland, their rich culture and most importantly, the music.
Joining Mercer are musicians Susan Aylard (fiddle), a classically trained violinist, who also currently performs with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and has performed all over the world. Sean Bray (electric guitar), a well-respected guitarist that studied at the Manhattan School of Music. CBC Radio named Bray as one of Canada’s top 50 guitarists of all time. Dan Fogarty, a highly sought after bass player for both performance and studio work, Dan also performs with a Tragically Hip tribute act called the Hip Replacements.
Photo by Keith and Dianne Hustler
Andrew Mercer
Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bouzouki, Bohdran
Born and raised in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland, Andrew has been surrounded by music his entire life. He formed his first Celtic band in high school and at age 17 released his first commercial recording with the band Ocean Skye. The band was nominated for two Newfoundland and Labrador Music Industry Awards and Andrew was selected as one of the winners of a National Songwriting Competition for the song “I Remember.” Diplomatic and easy-going, yet fiercely stubborn and dedicated, on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Andrew provides the platform for the band's song repertoire and authentic background. Driven by his traditional east coast roots, he has been heavily influenced by pioneering East Coast/Newfoundland bands like Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, Great Big Sea and The Fables. Andrew went to Memorial University of Newfoundland where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, which he uses to run the band. When he is not performing with Cod Gone Wild, Andrew is the Director of the Okanagan Celtic Choir in Vernon, BC and is an avid curler (he has represented Newfoundland at five National Curling Championships).
Cod Productions (For Bookings & Info) andrewdmercer@gmail.com
Shamma Sabir - Fiddle/Vocals
From soulful sounds to tunes filled with joy fierce joy, Shamma plays it all. Shamma has contributed bluesy vocals and haunting fiddle sounds to collaborations far and wide, including Okanagan favourites Cod Gone Wild, The Trips, Songs of the Southern Belles, and the Layer Cake Mountain Band. A passionate ambassador of Canadian fiddle music, Shamma has used her background in Clinical Psychology to craft her recently released second book in the Once Upon a String fiddle series, perfect for beginning fiddle and violin learners of all ages. Shamma’s internet homes can be found at shammasabir.ca.
Photo By Keith and Dianne Hustler
Sean Bray - Electric Guitar/Vocals
Sean Bray is a well-respected guitarist, composer and educator who has played with various artists on many diverse projects. CBC Radio named Bray as one of Canada’s top 50 guitarists of all time.
While in New York, Bray studied at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Bray has played with and/or recorded with George Garzone, Pat LaBarbera, Bob Mintzer, Jon Faddis, Liberty Silver, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, from the Blues Brothers, Mike Murley and Vincent Wolfe. He also composes for film and television and has taught at The University of Guelph and The Toronto Film School.
According to jazz guitar legend John Abercrombie, “Sean Bray is a real treat to listen to.” Possessing the ability to fit into many musical genres, while still retaining an unmistakably original voice on his instrument, has made him an in demand session player in Canada.
He also leads the popular Sean Bray’s Peach Trio. Bray is endorsed by PRS Guitars, Planet Waves and D’Addario strings.