By TR Robertson
The popular Highland Way Celtic Band will return once again to the Escondido Performing Arts Center on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17th, bringing their high-energy “Scirish” sound to the multitude of people who love their traditional Celtic, Scottish, and Irish music. Founded in 2002 in Escondido, California, by Brian Caldwell, the group has performed in numerous cities both in the United States and beyond, performing in everything from large theatre complexes to Scottish and Irish Faires. The following is a quick look at these talented musicians and a chance to “get to know” the group before you join them at another St. Patrick’s Day event. Tickets are still available at www.artcenter.org, www.tickets-center.com, www.ticketsales.com, and www.vividseatss.com. Also, on stage that night will be dancers from Rose Academy of Irish Dance.
Highland Way
Sharon Whyte – accordion and keyboards. Sharon has a musical background in everything from Celtic to Rock to Zydeco. As a studio musician she has backed legends like Kenny Loggins and Juice Newton. She says, “When I was nine years old, I had the opportunity to play “The William Tell Overture”, as a duet (for four hands) with a bunch of other students. It was at The Starlight Bowl and there were many pianos on the stage. We all played together and something clicked in me. It was the most wonderful feeling, playing music with others, and I knew I wanted to do that more. It’s a very deep connection with everyone in ear shot, that needs no explanation”.
Glen Fisher – Bass. Referred to as “the Heartbeat of Highland Way” by Brian Caldwell. The San Diego based bass player is said to have unmatched groove, dedication and brings his talent to every stage Highland Way performs on. Brian said, “Thanks for keeping the low end tight and bringing fun to our Scottish/Irish tunes”. Glen said, “Brother Keith played piano, brother Mark played guitar. One day Mark says to 10-year-old me.’Glen, you should play bass’”. He has been called the “posterchild of versatility” by KSDS Jazz radio.
Jim Soldi – Guitars. If you know Celtic rock and country music, you know Jim Soldi. He is a longtime member of Highland Way and toured for years with Johnny Cash, Kenny Loggins, BJ Thomas and Ricky Skaggs. Johnny Cash once said, “Jim Soldi is the best guitar player in the business”. Ever since he heard the raw power and soul of the British invasion on the radio as a kid, he realized music wasn’t just entertainment, it was a calling. The guitar became more than an instrument, it became his voice, setting him on the road to a lifelong career of performing, recording and sharing the stage with some of his heroes. Jim has also played on the Grand Ol’ Opry Stage and at Royal Albert Hall.
Paul Graham Castellanos – Fiddle/Mandolin/Guitar/Banjo. Paul is also a longtime member of Highland Way. His virtuoso fiddling and mastery of mandolin, banjo, and guitar bring an authentic, high-spirited flair to the Highland Way sound. He brings magic to the stage. Paul says, “I took an interest in music when instruments were offered in six-week courses. My Grandmother was willing to pay for violin lessons since her family played violin on both of her parents’ side of the family. My Grandfather, John Graham, had six uncles that played the Country Dances together, all fiddlers”. Paul went to school to study writing and arranging and received three scholarships along the way. He has played with numerous groups such as The Chieftains, Young Dubliners, Jethro Tull and many more. Paul was also a regular performer at LA’s oldest Irish Pub, Molly Malones.
Bob Sale – Percussion & Drums. It is said that when Bob isn’t playing drums he’s thinking about drums. He brings energy and enthusiasm to every show. Bob discovered drums at around the age of three or four. He was addicted to AM radio, listening to it every morning as his older siblings went to school and began to identify with and memorize the classic drum parts of Hal Blaine, Ringo Starr and others. It never crossed his mind to make a living playing drums until it became his job when he was 14. He has played with the music artists Rick Elias, Eric Johnson, Albert Lee, Peter & Gordon and Ben Vereen as well as playing on the soundtrack for the Tom Hanks movie, “That Thing You Do”.
Brian Caldwell – Rhythm Guitar – Brian says, “People often ask me how a lad from Glasgow ended up fronting a Celtic band in sunny San Diego. Spend one winter in Glasgow, you’ll understand. As a 10-year-old child lying in bed in our semi-detached house, I couldn’t help but hear the singing coming from next door. My neighbor, originally from the Isle of Lewis, hosted the Gaelic Choir rehearsals and folk singing nights with my mother. I must have subconsciously picked up the emotion and rhythm of that Celtic music. Fast forward 20 years, after having spent my youth and young adult life pursuing a veritable active outdoor lifestyle which landed me not unexpectedly in California, my roots come calling…I picked up a guitar, started singing and playing. Let’s start a band, Highland Way, and here we are.” Brian specialized in sound engineering at Strathclyde University. When he’s not playing with Highland Way he’s shooting photos, walking his dog or riding waves. Brian’s especially happy to say they have played in numerous theatres in the United States and beyond.
That’s Highland Way. A spirited, fun, talented band that will get you addicted to Celtic, Scottish and Irish music the minute you hear them play. Tuesday, March 17th, at the Escondido Performing Arts Center, is a chance to see them perform and if you’re willing to join in, you will find yourself singing along and being asked to sing along with many of the songs. For a good time, go to a Highland Way concert.
