Jessica Rhaye with Bill Preeper and Sandy MacKay (aka Preeper Rhaye MacKay) is a folk trio comprised of songbird Jessica Rhaye, guitarist Bill Preeper, and multi-instrumentalist Sandy MacKay. They began working together in the folk-rock band The Ramshackle Parade. This trio has developed a Maritime Appalachian Folk sound with a unique mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation. The singers deliver lush 3-part harmonies, weaving and sharing lead and harmony parts for their own compositions, along with simple, yet elegant arrangements. It's new folk music at its finest, pulling together inspiration from the likes of Woody Guthrie, Ian Tyson, and Bob Dylan. This group gets compared to a modern Peter Paul & Mary, creating an intricate vocal blend.
Wood & Wire is Preeper Rhaye MacKay's first album as a trio. It’s a collection of new original works and includes a special cover from the Kate and Anna McGarrigle catalogue that helps define their provenance.
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“Rocky Hills” written By Jessica Rhaye, “Jared’s Mountain” written by Jessica Rhaye & Bill Preeper, “Waltzing To Paradise” & “Stealing Time” written by Sandy MacKay, “Red Rocks and Timothy” written by Bill Preeper, “Sweet Night” written by Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay, Goin’ Back To Harlan” written by Anna McgGarrigle
Bill Preeper: singing, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, 12 string & high strung acoustic guitars
Jessica Rhaye: singing, acoustic & high strung acoustic guitars
Sandy MacKay: singing, electric & upright bass, upright bowed bass, mandolin, banjo
Dale Murray: dobro, banjoProduced by Dale Murray with Bill Preeper, Jessica Rhaye and Sandy MacKay
Recorded on the Capitol Theatre stage Oxford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Recorded & Mixed by Dale Murray
Mastered by John McLaggan at Parachute Mastering
Photography by Jordan Mattie
Design & Layout by Jessica RhayeWe recognize the support of the government of New Brunswick and Music·Musique NB. Nous reconnaissons l’appui du gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick et de Music·Musique NB.
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“Wood and Wire is a gorgeous album from start to finish.” - David Reed, the Belleville Intelligencer
"This is traditional music at a very high standard." - Americana UK
“Rocky Hills is a lilting original that feels timeless.” - David Reed, the Belleville Intelligencer
"an album that fans of folk music would very much enjoy" - Americana UK (Wood & Wire)
"Goin' Back to Harlan" (Anna McGarrigle) opens the record and immediately transfixes the listener." - David Reed, the Belleville Intelligencer
“Stunning tune” - Great Dark Wonder (“Rocky Hills”)
"Rhaye’s vocals are beautifully clear and her singing throughout is a highlight of the album." - Americana UK
“Opening track ‘Goin’ Back To Harlan’ written by the mighty Anna McGarrigle is the only cover on the album and serves as a fine introduction of what’s to come, beautifully judged playing, bell like recording qualities and pinpoint harmonies.
’Rocky Hills’ showcases the timeless, ageless quality of Jessica Rhaye’s marvellous voice, the deceptively melancholic ‘Waltzing To Paradise’ has subtle vocal nods in the direction of Townes Van Zandt to my ears, before the understated, yet quietly expansive tones of ‘Red Rocks & Timothy’ completes the opening quartet of songs.
The remainder of the album maintains these lofty standards with standouts for me being the lovely acoustic guitar figure and warm vocal of ‘Jared’s Mountain’ which leads nicely into the heavily reverbed electric guitar and rhythmic swagger of ‘I Feel More Like I Do Now’, before the courtly elegance of instrumental last track ‘Sweet Night’ brings the record to a close.
Apparently the album was recorded ‘live off the floor’ on the Capitol Theatre Stage in Oxford, Nova Scotia, Canada, which makes the quality of the recording and musical virtuosity on display here even more impressive.” - Fatea Records UK Magazine -
• ECMA 2025 Nomination - Roots Release of the Year (Rocky Hills)
• Canadian Independent Music Video Awards 2025 Nomination - Best Folk Video (Rocky Hills)
SINGLES
MUSIC VIDEOS
