Kan is a union of some of the finest and most influential performing artists from the traditional Celtic music world. A unique blend of beautiful flute virtuosity from Brian Finnegan and daring fiddle deftness, cemented by intuitive drumming and unfettered, playful guitar reinventions. Marcos comes from their critically acclaimed 2012 debut album Sleeper.
Brian Finnegan (born1 969) is an Irish flute and tin whistle player from Armagh, Northern Ireland. Finnegan began playing whistle at age 8 and flute at age 10 as a student of the Armagh Pipers Club under the tuition of the Vallely family. He first came to public attention with the Irish group Upstairs in a Tent.
Niall Vallely (born 1970) is also an Irish musician from Armagh. In1966 his parents, Brian and Eithne Vallely founded the Armagh Piper's Club, but he chose to learn the concertina instead. His brother Cillian plays the uillean pipes and low whistle, another of his brothers, Caoimhin, plays classical piano, tin whistle and fiddle. In 1990, they formed the group Nomos, which released two albums before breaking up in 2000.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.
