Uncommon Ground

'Across The Great Divide' are New Zealand duo Karen Jones and Tony Burt.

Their musical backgrounds stem from differing paths. Karen's, with her Celtic roots, spent many years living, learning and playing in Edinburgh and consequently developed a love and great respect for traditional folk music. Tony's is a documentary film maker, multi-instrumentalist and composer. His love of the resonator lap steel as an expressive instrument and Americana music has led to incorporating the instrument into his diverse production music and more recently, folk compositions.

Collaboratively, they have enjoyed their journey of bringing such diverse instruments and music styles together while exploring the unique expressions created by them. Whether it be from delicate harp and resonator combination paying tribute to traditional airs or Celtic alternate chordal guitar rhythms bringing a fresh approach to Americana style tunes, the combination reflects their love for the music.

This album is a fusion of Celtic and America influences honouring the traditions and exploring contemporary themes. It offers unique interpretation and arrangements on instruments rarely found in the same soundscape. Guest musicians from different cultural backgrounds bring their own interpretations to the overall sound.
Hanna Wiskari-Griffiths (Sweden, soprano sax), Lindsay Martin Australia fiddle) Mike Vass (Scotland, fiddle), Jon Sanders (Ireland/NZ Guizouki), Yair Katz (Israel, percussion). New Zealanders; Jim Perkins (guitar), James Geluk (bass), Victoria Vigenser (bv and bodhran), Shimna Higgins (fiddle), Garrett Evans (bass)