The Long Notes

The Long Notes are a powerhouse traditional trio who play a heady mix of jigs, reels and heartwarming airs from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Canada as well as self-penned compositions. Following their rapturous reception at Glasgow's International Celtic Connections Festival, The Long Notes launched their eponymous debut album in February 2008.

One of the UK's top traditional acts, the band unites the revered talents of Irish-born accordionist Colette O'Leary (Bumblebees/multiple All-Ireland champion), Glaswegian fiddler/guitarist Jamie Smith (finalist BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year/Beneche) and London Irish banjo/mandolin maestro Brian Kelly (Shane McGowan and the Popes/multiple All-Ireland, All-Britain champion). All three musicians have played festivals in Brittany, Milwaukee, Denmark and Canada and have toured in the UK, Austria, Germany and France.

They came to know each other through the ever-vibrant and constantly shifting music scene in Camden Town and they are delighted to be joined at this year's RtCT by guitarist Paddy Gallagher, one of London's most respected accompanists.