Coyote Run

by Sarah Meador

Coyote Run can't hold back their enthusiasm for the holidays. The opening track on Tend the Fire, "Somerset Wassail," strikes a galloping pace and plays with the traditional arrangement enough to introduce our merry balladeers. There are attempts to regain some sense of holy solemnity. The traditional "A Sail!" is delivered with steady, austere vocal harmonizing. "The Bells," performed with the title instruments, along with accordions and others, is a snow-crisp rendition of the familiar tune. But try as they might to keep a straight face, the Coyotes and their friends can't maintain it for long, and soon they're swinging through "The Christmas Song" and inserting tongues in the cheeks of overly familiar carols.

That enthusiasm, along with a varied song selection, makes Tend the Fire more flexible than most holiday albums. "Greensleeves" is a fine traditional song, at home any time of year. The dreams of peace on Earth in "Wise Men" and "Christmas in the Trenches" are especially resonant in the Christmas season, but universal and poetic enough to sound right on a midsummer's eve. Other songs, like the decidedly Christmassy "Boar's Head Christmas Carol" and the tongue-in-cheek "Twelve Days After Christmas" are boisterous enough to fit any holiday, from New Year's Eve to May Day.

Despite its flexibility, Tend the Fire is still very much a Christmas album. There are meditative, almost holy moments, in many of the chosen carols, enhanced by Coyote Run's choir-like vocal layering. Contrasting their elegantly streamlined vocal arrangements with extravagant and varied instrumental assortments, Coyote Run perfectly captures the mix of rejoicing and contemplation that is the holiday season at its best, and delivers it in one fine CD.
- Rambles.net December 24, 2005

16 February 2006, Knoxville TN

by Kevin Crowe

Celtic craziness is the term press releases and ho-hum music reviewers have stamped on the quirky [five]-piece group from Williamsburg, Va.; however, this succinct stamp doesn't do much to describe the vastness of the music, which takes Gaelic ballads and sentimental maritime jingles and updates them with a tinge of modern risque. It's a bit tongue-in-check, the way they approach playing in a historical genre; it's a bit over the top too. But that kind of unconstrained frivolity is what makes their live show one of the best - albeit unconventional -- Celtic bands ever to don fancy plaid kilts.

"At first I thought it was the band version of River Dance," Scott West says. But he was later informed that his biggest concern should be how much Coyote Run would out-rock any other band that's unfortunate enough to share the stage with these [five] certified virtuosos. "They say that they rock live," West adds. And with songs ranging from a jig in celebration of a loose-pantied girl named Mairi Mac to a strange hymn about brave Ulysses, we're inclined to agree. Funktabulous infused Gaelic rock-esque folk with a big barrel of mead sounds more apt then Celtic craziness, for sure. - Metro Pulse, Knoxville's Weekly Voice

Review by Naomi de Bruyn, April 2002

The packaging of this disc caught my eye first off -- it is different, but beautifully done. The pictures blend well with the text, as well as the cultures that are joined here on this disc -- both Celtic and Native American. It is an adventure, and one of great music and wonderful energy. According to the liner notes, "In the American Southwest, there comes a time of day when the coyotes run amok. They appear in twos, threes or more, to yip and race and play. This display of energy and playfulness, incredible in the desert heat, is called the Coyote Run." This is a name which seems quite fitting for this group.
Coyote Run consists of David Doersch (vocals, accordion, bass guitar, djembe), Steve Holliday (vocals, bass, 6- and 12-string guitars), Les Kayanan (vocals, 6- and 12-string guitars, bass guitars, percussion), Arthur Rosenberg (vocals, keyboard, recorder) and Gabriel Stone (vocals, flute, tuba, mandolin, recorder, cittern, bagpipes, percussion). This is a talented and rather eclectic group of musicians who make the differences work very well.
"Off to Madagascar" is a lively song about smugglers and the life they lead on the open sea. Carrying their cargo from the supplier to the buyer, running from the Navy, being greeted by whores in port. A life of danger and romance, one which has caught more than one young man's fancy over the years. The lyrics are imaginative and capture the simplicity of such a life, while the music contributes to the whimsy.
There's a wonderful a cappella piece contained on this disc titled "Back to Galloway." David handles the lead vocals, with the rest contributing vocal support. It is a faultless piece, conveying the love of home. Their voices build and twine about each other, only to fall silent before repeating the experience. This is a commanding track, and one which caught me by surprise -- I wasn't expecting such a blend of wonderful vocals...
There are some exquisite original tracks on this disc that will appeal to many people from many walks of life. From Celtophiles to pagans, to those who believe yet in the magic to be found deep in the forest, all will find something to their liking on this first release. I certainly hope that there will be more, with as much originality and talent as is found here. - Rambles - a cultural arts magazine, April 2002

C. Nathan Coyle
published 8 May 2004

Coyote Run is an excellent example of cultural diversity. They hail from historic Williamsburg, Va.; their name is from the American Southwest; they perform traditional Celtic and folk music; and they record their music in Canada. While the roots of their inspirations are all over the map, they have a focused talent for narrative music. Coyote Run's songs range from serious and somber to light-hearted fun, and the continuity of strength is in their ability to convey a story.

If you want direct storytelling, there are gripping adventures such as "The Dragon of Cabo San Lucas" and "The Hunley." If you want subtlety and double-entendres, listen to "The Coyote Polka," which employs a goofy polka sound to expose the silly yet sad nature of prejudice, and "Dammit, Man," a funny look at addictive aggression leading to political revolution. Or if you prefer to wrench out your heart, you won't leave wanting. "Goodnight, Innocence" is a heart-breaking ballad about the juxtaposition of a man's innocent child to the horror of Sept. 11, 2001. There's also a tragic imagining of a possible victim of the 1999 sinking of the Russian submarine, the Kursk, in "Peter & Anya."

I have to admit that as you listen to this album, if you have any complaints, they will be obliterated by the absolutely wonderful rendition of Stan Rogers' "Northwest Passage." Steve, Dave and Gabe [and Les] start off strong enough, but the arrival of the chorus will blow you away. The chorus is so fantastic that if I keep writing about them I'll need a thesaurus for more positive descriptions. This song alone is worth buying the album. - Rambles - A cultural arts magazine

Folkstage - nationally broadcast live radio concert
WFMT Chicago, Rich Warren, July 2003

"The audience levitated three feet off their seats during the performance, that's how good Coyote Run was. Our crowd is usually enthusiastic, but they really went wild tonight." - Rich Warren - WFMT, Chicago

Michael Farragher
(Irish Voice)

Coyote Run, a tireless touring band out of Virginia that travels Ireland and the East coast extensively, thrilled the crowd with a funky blend of hard driving Irishness. If the Red Hot Chili Peppers wore kilts instead of socks over their genitals, they might look and sound something like this. Backed by a band that blends traditional sounds with hard driving rock and lyrics stuffed with literature references, lead singer David Doersch kept the crowd entertained with stories of witches being burned at the stake (honestly, it was entertaining! You had to be there, I guess). Doug Bischoff stole the show with a tour de force performance on familiar instruments like guitar, bagpipes, whistles, and mandolin, as well as exotic instruments like the long horn known as the didgeridoo and the dulcimer. For more information on this great band, log onto www.coyoterun.com. - Celtic Lounge

Art Ketchen

When I heard them last at Celebration of Celts though I enjoyed them I thought that Coyote Run might be losing their center-getting outside of what they do best. This new CD has allayed my concerns.

This is the old Coyote Run, but at a new level, better. Coyote Run is great on a couple of levels, instrumentally and vocally, but they also give insights to literature, time and place, and history that often are forgotten today mainly because of the dumbing down in education. "La Pucelle" is magnificent with it's vocals and chorus, but it also serves to make those in their audience ask
"Who is Joan Of Arc."
The first cut "Finnean's Dance" is a great rollicking rant in
the otherworld. True to Coyote Run there is an emphasis on the Pagan. And on a repertoire that could be used in a Joseph Campbell lecture. This includes "Wintry Queen" and a splendid "Tam Lin" where story telling and music are wonderfully inter-
twined and where the chorus as in "La Pucelle" is put to maximum effect.
One strong cut and a most impressive modern rendition of a traditional standard is "Matty Groves" where the instrumentals give a wonderfully sinister cast to the story of what happens to he who makes time with the wife of the "merciless MacDonwald of The Western Isles."This I nominate as one of my favorites, not only from Coyote Run, but from the field of Celtic music today.
"Queen Of Argyll" which I last heard Coyote Run perform live, is a rockin' but legible straight up perform ance here as well.
"In The Service of The Crown" is a trio of which "We Be Soldiers Three" originally a French tune is great poetry and irony combined with "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye"-gaiety dancing with the Enkou,and "Falcon's Mouth" is a powerful picture of yearning for home in the midst of the terror of war.
"The Tiger" is another venture into education. I remember in school reading this William Blake work. Perhaps Coyote Run's grand rendition of this poem will move somebody to read or reread Blake.
"Whalesong" is a melding of the modern song of the extinction of the species with a forwarding chorus of the ghosts of the whalers singing"Rolling Down To Old Maui."Another collage is the joining of "Health To The Company" with Andy M. Stewart's"Blackbird." Both of these are haunting.
Coyote Run makes you listen and makes you think. In the current climate that is a very, very good thing. And I am very happy to see that they haven't lost their vision! - Celtic Beat Magazine

If your concept of Celtic music is dulcet soprano tones on PBS, then brace yourself. Get ready for your hair to blow back and your blood to pulse when these warrior poets start to rock. Thoughtful storytelling is always key to their brand of muscular, fresh folk rock honoring Celtic traditions and infused with Native American, Civil War, and Aboriginal strains. Storytelling reached a new level with anecdotes shared by previous band members at this fun reunion. The almost full house brimmed with warm affection from followers who recognize the depth and breadth of talent that has led to Coyote Run’s national and international success.

There’s one more show tonight at 7:30, so call for your $18 ticket now: 1-800-HISTORY. Be sure to visit www.coyoterun.com for more info on the band’s fascinating history and watch their videos (especially Whalesong and Oak and Ash and Thorn).

You’ll be amazed, as was I, at the versatility of the vocalists and musicians. First, there’s lead vocalist David Doersch, who also played the accordion and trombone. Yes, I said “trombone.” Part of the joy of this retrospective was seeing the many styles brought to the band by each new member over the years. The group’s evolution took a side trip through New Orleans jazz and blues. I suspect there’s no style of music this talented group could not play; it’s Celtic Rock where they’ve found their bliss. David’s vocals are clear, expressive, and potent.

All of the band members contributed strong vocals and striking harmonies, but the variety of instrumentation really caught my attention. Imagine my surprise when Doug Bischoff, who modestly told me he “played pipes” for Coyote Run, switched to the didgeridoo, guitar, drums, tambourine, and yes, trombone! I know from conversation with him on a sound engineering project that he also plays keyboard, so what’s left? Amazing.

Drummer Cathy Hauke’s complex polyrhythms were incredibly powerful, yet also subtly nuanced, the sign of an artist’s spirit at work. Her vocals should not be understated. One of the most magical moments of the show was the a capella interlude in Whalesong.

It was bass guitarist Michael Kazalski who transitioned the band from acoustic to electric. Until now, I never knew the bass line could evoke so much emotion. Thanks for helping me to hear with new ears, Michael!

Paul Anderson’s lyrical fiddling made several tunes soar. David Doersch says that Paul “is a gifted player who idiomatically steps in and enhances any song of any style.”

When asked his favorite part of the concert, David replied “it’s a one-time thing, a wonderful chance to see old Coyotes together again.” The band is looking forward to touring Scotland for the second time in September, where 80 of their fans will join them. Next year it’s on to Wales.

Locals can look forward to seeing the Coyotes back at the Kimball Theater for their annual Thanksgiving weekend show. - Williamsburg Native

Rich Warren
The Midnight Special & Folkstage
WFMT Radio (98.7 FM) & XM Satellite Radio
5400 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625

Winter 2005

Coyote Run started as four guys making high-energy music and enjoying the process. Their third CD attests this remains the case, but David Doersch, Steve Holliday, Les Kayanan and Gabe Stone now reveal subtleties and refinements missing from their earlier efforts. Their close harmonies sound more secure, their energy more focused and their songwriting, mostly by Doersch, more poetic and interesting. Producer Paul Mills contributes mightily to the coherence and sophistication of this recording and adds his nimble fingers (as Curly Boy Stubbs) on a variety of string instruments on most of the tracks. The Coyotes, based in Virginia, recorded in Canada, and perform with a Scots-Irish influence. They offer an ample selection of 14 songs on this CD, eight by Doersch, one by Stone, a Hawaiian song by Taylor and Flanagan, the well-known “The Last Leviathan” by Andy Barnes, the traditional “Over the Hills and Far Away,” and Andy Stewart’s lyrics for “Blackbird” as a medley with “Here’s a Health to the Company.” To conclude this CD of grand ballads, they take on a risky song for any one other than its composer; Stan Rogers’ “Northwest Passage.” They acknowledge this by employing a choir that includes Stan’s widow, Ariel, not to mention the production by Stan’s friend and producer Mills. They succeed admirably on this giant iceberg of a song. The Coyotes fascinate beyond their engrossing sound because of the nature of their songs. All the songs tell involving stories that draw you in, including “The Hunley,” the true story of one of the first submarines; “Peter and Anya” takes the listener to the doomed Russian submarine Kursk, that sank August, 1999; and “Goodnight, Innocence,” a song for Doersch’s daughter occasioned by September 11, 2001. This CD contains all the right stuff: energy, intelligence, and memorable music. Don’t hold back, buy it. - Sing Out! Magazine

September 2006

And now for something a tad more centered in the traditional. Coyote Run is very eclectic in it's musical approach. Here it is a good thing. They begin with Peter Bellamy's arrangement of Rudyard Kipling's poem "Oak & Ash & Thorn." Likewise Coyote Run runs with Robert Louis Stevenson's "Glory's Call." A most interesting combination of traditional Irish tunes with nineteenth century British literature(and in the case of Kipling very ironic indeed). Another song in this vein is "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
"The Dragon of Cabo San Lucas" instrumentally has a distinctly Breton quality to it, albeit with a Calfornia of old locale to the lyrics. Everywhere on this CD the musical craftsmanship is flawless.
"Wee Be Souldiers Three" is one of the best renditions of this I've heard. "Mairi Mac" is also here. And for something totally unexpected "Bye Bye Blues"/"Bill Bailey" in the midst of all this combination of British literature, traditional tunes, and Celtic instrumentals. Another digression is Carl Franzen's "On The Road" which fits just fine here.
"Boardin' The Train" is an interesting takeoff on Welsh folklore written by David Doersch and sung boldly here. Coyote Run certainly is adept in it's own way with taking from all walks of Celtic tradition.
This holds right to the end with an unabashedly pagan "Lord Of The Dance."
Listening to Coyote Run makes me think of a large fascinating library, where every book you open gives you a view of something fascinating. - Art Ketchen - Celtic Beat