Dale and Nell Russ, a husband and wife fiddle duo from Seattle, play "pure drop" traditional Irish music. They have an affinity for the older, wilder side of Irish music, reflecting the deep connection of the tradition to the natural world. They encourage you to listen to the sounds of their music, rather than just the notes. They also share an uncanny ability to read each other's minds while playing - many people have commented with awe that their bows often seem to unconsciously sync with each other!
Known from Japan to Ireland and across the United States, Dale has been a highly respected fiddle player, teacher, and keeper of the tradition for over fifty years. He has recorded a dozen albums, two of them solo, and worked with such luminaries as Kevin Burke, Gerry O'Beirne, and Paddy O'Brien. Dale played in a band, The Suffering Gaels, with fellow fiddle player Conor Byrne (for whom the pub is named) for twelve years. The Gaels or remaining stateside band members Tom Creegan and Dale Russ have played Paddy’s Day at their home pub every year from 1991 to 2024 and Dale is honored to carry the tradition forward with his lovely wife Nell.
Nell is newer to the scene, falling in love with Irish music (and her fiddle - love at first sight!) and joining the community in the mid 2010s. She was drawn to Dale's music and mentorship, sharing his deep belief in the beauty of the raw, unadorned heart of the music, and was honored to begin studying with him in 2020. Her unique musical style is characterized by a color and vibrancy not heard in many modern players - Dale once commented that she sounds like she just crawled down from the hills of Clare! Nell is a stalwart of the northwest session scene and has been performing and teaching since 2023.
The duo's recent appearances include the Irish Pipers Club Tionól concert in Seattle, WA; the Bellingham Celtic Festival; Conor Byrne Co-Op Irish Music Mondays; Lark Camp in Mendocino; the Northwest Portland Hostel; and house concerts, Irish céilís, set dances, and contras around the Pacific Northwest. Dale and Nell also organize monthly Irish Music Mondays, a combination performance and traditional public session, in collaboration with The Conor Byrne Collective. They welcome you to come out and see their carefully curated, amazing lineup of local traditional Irish musicians every fourth Monday at the pub!
Website and first duo album coming soon!
