The Andrew Collins Trio

Sunday May 5, 2024, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald's Corners

Mando maestro Andrew Collins finds himself – through no actual fault of his own – at the epicentre of Canada’s burgeoning acoustic/roots music scene. He didn’t invent it – but he's certainly been a contributor, having co-founded seriously noteworthy Canadian bands like the Creaking Tree String Quartet, the Foggy Hogtown Boys and, more recently, his namesake Trio. That’s not to mention the fact that this prolific, robust performer – comfortable on mandolin, fiddle, guitar, mandola and mandocello – composes, produces, arranges, writes and teaches across multiple genres, including a popular collision of folk, jazz, bluegrass, celtic, and classical.

As Collins gathers up innumerable JUNO nominations (5) and Canadian Folk Music Awards (7) won by his various ensembles, he’s zeroing in on the work he does with Trio-mates: fellow string guru Adam Shier on guitar, mandolin and vocals vocals, and in-the-pocket James McEleney holding it down on the bass, mandocello and vocals. Showcasing a dizzying number of styles and instruments on stage, Collins and Co. appear to live by the old adage, “idle hands are the devil’s workshop”, likely keeping them just ahead of his grasp. Bending and blending genres, these musical shape shifters land somewhere between the re-imagined worlds of Béla Fleck and Newgrass invader, David Grisman.

Andrew Collins, is back to challenge our perception of music once again, with the release of “The Rule of Three”. Blurring the lines between folk, newgrass, jazz, and chamber-oriented roots music, Collins and his cohorts have crafted a musical tapestry that bridges the worlds of literature, visual art, and music.

Aptly titled "The Rule of Three”, the album draws inspiration from the literary principle that a trio of elements is more impactful, intricately weaving together visual and literary art's "rule of thirds". It's an ingeniously intertwined homage to the trio's unique synergy.
"The Rule of Three" title track showcases each member co-writing and performing for one another, epitomizing the trio's collaborative spirit. From the fiery bluegrass energy of "Fleabag" to the opposing and twisty time signatures of "Contranym" (Andrew’s new favourite word!), each track takes listeners on a journey through contrasting musical landscapes. Like the literary paradox that describes words with two opposing meanings, the "Contranym" track serves as a vivid example of how The Andrew Collins Trio skillfully combines linguistic curiosity with musical innovation, further enriching the diverse landscape of "The Rule of Three."

Tickets are $35 plus fees at Tickets Please

The MERA Schoolhouse is located at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A, McDonald's Corners