Sheesham and Lotus & 'Son
From Ontario, Canada this trio has become one of the most popular Old-time Roots acts on the circuit. Tunes played on jaw-harps, gourd banjos and homemade instruments add depth and absurdity to their amazing sound as well as providing a visual delight for all.
The end of the 20th century saw the formation of Sheesham and Lotus, a simple musical duo whose main concern was to revive fiddle music and good-time songs of years past. At the core of their ragtime and blues show is a repertoire based on their love of the American fiddle tune, joyously played with banjo and before long, a startling array of traditional and non-trad instruments make appearances.
With the addition of ‘Son, the trio have established themselves as an act that has it all, combining astounding musicianship and fearless grooves with a show that is dynamic and entertaining. Noted for their highly original presentation, Sheesham and Lotus and ‘Son have created a sonic and visual language that is very much their own, utilizing instruments of their own creation such as sepia-phonic Monophone, and the Contrabass HarmoniPhoneum. Such inventions have been instrumental in building a show that is vividly antique in both sight and sound, along with their excellent musicianship, setting them apart as true innovators of their craft.
In 2012 Sheesham and Lotus and Son recorded the critically acclaimed album ‘1929’. The record was quickly nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in the category of ‘Best Traditional Album’. This was followed by the "The High Stepping Music" ablum in 2014 and they will soon be releasing their latest offering 78rpm recorded on the same 1937 Presto 78 rpm recording lathe disccutter used by the Lomax family.
