"The Bombadils from Montréal, Québec captured my attention with their energetic playing, catchy melodies and interesting combination of styles. From classical, jazz, bluegrass and celtic; the mix will keep listeners engaged until the last track is played."
-The Celtic Music Fan blog, Baxter Labatos
"Sarah Frank’s vocals are beautiful! And her violin playing is always jaw dropping."
-The Celtic Music Fan blog, Baxter Labatos
“A great live band...as well as a professional studio group”
-The Mirror, Kit Soden in interview with Rupert Bottenberg
"After D'Angelo, The Bombadils, a celtic-jazz fusion band, performed seven Irish folk numbers. Vocalist and violinist Sarah Frank led the group with her energetic and melodic voice. In addition, flautist Anh Phung incorporated her jazz background into the celtic folk songs, lending the songs an interesting and virtuosic layer. The men loved it: they clapped uproariously." "After the concert, I approached one of the men who sat in front of me. His name was Carl Pelton, and he was a resident at the Drop-In Centre. Pelton had attended most of the CMWB noon-hour recitals: he'd liked the variety this time. 'I liked the Celtic band the best today; they were great,' Pelton said as he walked towards the east-side exit back to the unforgiving Montreal winter, and another afternoon on the streets."
-Thomas Quail, The McGill Tribune
"This is a great band that should be seen. Had them [perform] last November and they will be back."
Adrien Doucette, ADDA Music Works
The Bombadils are a ridiculous and kind-hearted bunch of rascals disguised as a five-piece folk band. Originating from Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Halifax, they met in 2009 at McGill University, in Montréal, where they are completing their studies in jazz and classical music. These musical influences carry over into their love of folk music which includes Québecois, Irish, and bluegrass styles.
Anh Phung, on Irish whistles and flute, is a stunning presence and spunky improvisor. She has twice been awarded the Galaxie Rising Star Award as well as 1st place in the Canadian Music Competition. She performs regularly with notable artists such as blues man Carl Tremblay and John McGale, of Offenbach. Anh plays as though through telepathic communication with kooky and happy-go-lucky fiddler and vocalist, Sarah Frank. Sarah has travelled the continent performing and studying with key figures of traditional folk music such as Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Laura Cortese, and Pierre Shryer. Luke Fraser on guitar, mandolin, and lead vocals grew up on the musical traditions of Nova Scotia, where he has performed as part of the vibrant Maritime music scene, including The Rankins' own Red Shoe Pub and the Halifax Jazz festival. Evan Stewart, upright bass, has performed at the Montreal Jazz festival and has shared the stage with award-winning musicians such as Steve Turre (Best Trombone and Best Miscellaneous Instrumentalist in JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz), Jim Head and Kent Sangster (Juno nomination, Western Canadian Music Award). On percussion, Noam Bierstone is the recipient of various awards such as the Grand Prize at the 2009 Canadian Music Competition, and 3rd prize at the Standard Life Competition, an international competition hosted by l'Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.
Coming together as The Bombadils, these five diverse musicians perform a combination of traditional and original music, both instrumental and vocal, both English and French, both improvised and through-composed. For the past two years they have been performing regularly throughout Québec at pubs and cafés, local dances, weddings and concerts. Upon graduation in April 2012, they will be releasing their first album, and touring Canada.