This
trio plays traditional Delta blues, rags, jug-band music, and 20th century
popular songs. An adventuresome ensemble that thrives on interplay and
spontaneity, these talented musicians draw on a deep repertoire ranging
from Robert Johnson to the Beatles, from Tin Pan Alley to Tangos. Years
of experience and rich musical backgrounds allow the trio to infuse their
selections with jazz, rock, soul, eclectic, and ethnic influences. If the
combination of guitar, bass and accordion isn't unique enough in itself,
layer in good-natured chestnuts, obscurities, and originals (both sincere
and tongue-in-cheek), drench it all in great musical skill and showmanship,
and you have an unforgettable evening's-worth of entertainment: Pat
Donohue, Dan Newton, and Gary Raynor.
| Listen to Donahue Newton & Raynor |
|---|
| 1. Your New Buddy The Blues |
| 2. Who Walked In |
| 3. Rolled & Tumbled |
| 4. Downtown Strut |
| 5. Step It Up & Go |
 |
Accordionist Dan Newton has been a full-time performing musician since 1980 and a resident of the Twin Cities since 1987. Dan spends most of his time playing accordion with his fabulous group, “Café Accordion Orchestra”, performing French, American and Latin ballroom dance music. He frequently appears as a guest on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. He also performs regularly with the bands Jumbo Ya Ya (Cajun and Zydeco music), Rockin' Pinecones (Louisiana R and B) and Guys Can Talk (square and contra-dance music).He has appeared on recordings by PrudenceJohnson, Peter Ostroushko, Peter Mayer, Ann Reed, The Proclaimers, Son Volt, and Neal & Leandra. In 2004, Dan released his 11th CD, “ Le Disque Francais” with Café Accordion Orchestra.
Bassist Gary Raynor is a member of the “Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band” on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show. He has toured with Sammy Davis Jr. for several years and has performed with the Count Basie band, the original Carlton Celebrity Room Orchestra, the Minnesota Pops Orchestra, the Plymouth Music Series, as well as for The Guthrie Theater and dozens of Broadway touring shows. Raynor is featured on Janet Jackson's hit single, "Again," performs with the New York-based "Soul on Fire," and has recorded and performed locally with the original Rio Nido, Debbie Duncan, Prudence Johnson, Adi Yeshaya, Klezmerica and others. Gary teaches at MusicTech College in St.Paul.
Guitarist Pat Donohue has earned prominent recognition for his mastery of acoustic fingerstyle guitar, which he exhibits weekly as the guitarist for the Guys All Star Shoe Band on Garrison Keillor’s radio program “A Prairie Home Companion.” Chet Atkins called him one of the greatest finger pickers in the world today; Leo Kottke called his playing “haunting.” Though he considers himself foremost a folk guitarist, Pat manages to blend jazz and blues with folk, and the mix is seamless. Over the years he has captivated audiences with his unique original compositions, dazzling instrumentals and humorous song parodies.