Scott Nygaard and Crow Molly

Scott Nygaard and Crow Molly

Scott Nygaard and Crow Molly, an exciting new addition to the contemporary string band scene, is the result of a collaboration between Grammy-winning guitarist Scott Nygaard and young string virtuosos Joe Walsh (mandolin) and Lauren Rioux (fiddle). Designed to showcase Nygaard’s original material, a unique and seamless blend of bluegrass and jazz with Celtic and Scandinavian folk influences, the trio has created an infectious, melodic sound that will appeal to Celtic, folk, and bluegrass audiences as well as open-eared fans of contemporary acoustic instrumental music. Crow Molly’s debut album can be heard on Spotify, Apple Music, and all the usual streaming services.

Joe Walsh
Mandolinist Joe Walsh plays with some of the best acoustic acts in New England; teaches a full roster of guitar and mandolin students near his home in Portland, Maine; dodges questions about the Eagles’ guitar player; and is continually searching for the perfect burrito. Originally from Minnesota, he moved to the Northeast to enroll at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, as the school’s first mandolin student (and graduate). After his arrival he helped start the modern string band Joy Kills Sorrow and joined two of the Northeast’s finest bluegrass-based acts: Northern Lights and the New England Bluegrass Band. These days Joe splits his time between the Gibson Brothers and Scott Nygaard and Crow Molly. He’s had the pleasure of working and performing with a number of amazing musicians, including Darol Anger, Tony Trischka, Scott Nygaard, Margot Leverett and the Klezmer Mountain Boys, Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, and Gillian Welch.

“Fabulous mandolinist. The Sam Bush of Boylston Street”—Matt Glaser, Chair of the String Department at the Berklee College of Music.

Lauren Rioux
A rising star in the national fiddle scene, Lauren Rioux has performed with Darol Anger’s Republic of Strings and the StringNation Orkestra. She is a highly sought teacher and workshop clinician, leading classes at Mark O’Connor’s Fiddle Camps and the National Conferences held by the American String Teacher’s Association (ASTA). Lauren plays an active role in her native state of Maine’s music education network and has served two terms as the state president for Maine ASTA.  A classically trained violinist and violist, Lauren discovered the joys of traditional fiddle music five years ago, and has devoted herself to it ever since. Her sweet, sensuous sound; vibrant rhythmic sensibility; and comfort with old-time, Celtic, and Scandinavian fiddle styles make her the perfect fiddler for Crow Molly’s expansive contemporary string band sound.