Bio

Kejafi’s music stems from their love of traditional folk tunes and songs that celebrate our cultural traditions and the deep connections between Australia and Scotland. Their music re-imagines older tunes and songs, some of which have strongly influenced folk music in Australia and bring original material that contributes to the living tradition that is folk music in Australia.

Interwoven dual fiddles, playfully switching between countermelody and unison accompanied by octave mandolin bring a fresh and modern interpretation to traditional folk music, connecting to the present time and place.

The band released their first album ‘Coast’ in late 2019 and have performed widely, including at the 2022 National Celtic Festival in Victoria, 2021 Baltimore Fiddle Fair filmed live in Sydney Harbour, the 2019 Australian Celtic Festival and multiple times at the St Albans Folk Festival, Yass Irish and Celtic Festival and Sydney Folk Festival. They have also shared the stage with fiddle player Manus McGuire, piper Chris Gray and Susan O’Neill.

Meet the band

Kejafi brings together the musical styles of three accomplished and respected musicians from Gadigal Country (Sydney, Australia) with Fiona McVicar on fiddle and vocals, James Gastineau Hills on fiddles and Ken O’Neill on octave mandolin. The trio formed in early 2018 after successfully establishing a monthly Scottish music session in Sydney in 2017. The tunes and songs session is inclusive and all are welcome.

Fiona McVicar, a fiddle player and singer, is a highly-regarded musician and teacher with extensive experience performing traditional Irish and Scottish fiddle music both in Australia and Ireland. She is an active member of several traditional and folk groups, including Seanchas and Blackwater, and has also performed with string quartets and orchestras. Drawing on her experience as a former bagpiper in pipe bands and highland dancer, Fiona infuses her fiddle playing with west coast and piping rhythms. Her unique style is in demand, making her a sought-after performer and teacher.

James Gastineau-Hills is a fiddle player and music teacher who fell in love with Scottish dance music. He has spent over twenty years playing traditional music in Scotland and Australia in sessions and for ceilidhs and country dances. His recordings include an album “Burns with a Fiddle” with performer Neil Morrison, an album collaborating with Scottish Trio “Luce Women” and most recently with Sydney world/jazz group “Broadland Trio”. James is passionate about sharing the tunes and craft of Scottish fiddle playing on both violin and viola, and currently leads the Sydney Scottish Fiddlers.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Ken O’Neill is an accomplished musician skilled in guitar and octave mandolin/Irish bouzouki. Hailing from Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Ken started his musical journey playing guitar in rock bands Uforia in Clonmel, blending a mix of covers and original songs in an alternative/rock/blues genre. Since relocating to Australia in 2001, Ken has shifted his focus solely to traditional and folk music. He accompanies Irish and Scottish sessions and musicians on DADGAD guitar and octave mandolin, and is a valued member of the folk bands Kejafi and Seanchas, having performed at numerous gigs and festivals over the years.

Kejafi+

From time to time, Kejafi expands to invite other musicians to perform with our ensemble.

Elsen Price

Elsen Price is a double bassist from Sydney Australia. Career highlights include solo album ‘Descent of the Free’ (ABC Music/Universal) 2019, winner of ‘Best Soundtrack’ Award at the 2016 International Independent Film Awards, and recording on numerous Film/TV Series for Netflix, Japanese Anime, Australian Film/TV and Game Soundtracks. Elsen grew up in Tamworth, NSW, and started an early appreciation of good folk and country fiddle music, and during the 2020-2021 lockdown period, began engaging in the local Irish sessions in Sydney.