Lehto and Wright have a sound that is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. By taking cues from the Irish, English and American folk traditions and interpreting them with contemporary guitar-based arrangements, Lehto and Wright have taken fresh approach to the world of folk and folk rock.

Lehto and Wright perform either as a duo or, with the addition of Matt Jacobs on drums and percussion, a Celtic rock trio. As a duo, John Wright and Steve Lehto perform all the same material as with Jacobs, only in an acoustic, "unplugged" setting. From American spirituals to Irish tune sets, their accomplished twin guitar/mandolin approach has all the intensity and power of the trio with half the volume. As a trio, Lehto and Wright push the boundaries of Celtic Rock, utilizing all the tools of a rock band to achieve the effect of a six-piece band with three musicians. With either line up, John Wright and Steve Lehto offer an exciting live performance of traditional and contemporary folk music with an eclectic twist.

Lehto and Wright are currently performing music from their first two critically acclaimed New Folk Records releases, Ye Mariners All and The Further Adventures of Darling Cory, in addition to material from their latest effort, A Game of Chess.

Lehto and Wright have performed at the following events/venues: The Minnesota Folk Festival; The Rock River Celtic Festival; The New London Music Festival; The Black Hawk Society Folk Festival; City of Bloomington Arts in the Park; The Tree Frog Music Festival; City of Stillwater Music by the Water; The Royal Oak Pub concert series; The Bothy Folk Club concert series; City of Eagan Arts in the Park; The Granite City Folk Society concert series; City of Plymouth Art Fair; Bound to be Read Books; Kierans' Irish Pub and more. For a current schedule, see our gigs calendar.

The Players:

John Wright: Acoustic guitar, Bass guitar, Bass pedals and Vocals

With a long-standing dedication to traditional music, Wright's background also spans many different musical styles, including blues, fusion, pop, Latin and rock. By incorporating all these influences, Wright has his own unique approach to the folk and folk-rock genres. This is evident in his tasteful acoustic guitar and bass work.

Steve Lehto: Acoustic and Electric guitars, Mandolin and Vocals

With influences ranging from Miles Davis to Martin Carthy and King Crimson to Richard Thompson, Steve Lehto's impressive versatility and range on the guitar is matched only by the emotion he puts into his playing. Equally at home playing an Irish jig or a jazz standard, he is a force to be reckoned with in the folk and folk-rock world.

Matt Jacobs: Drums and assorted percussion

Matt Jacobs' resume reflects his many talents as a percussionist. From blues with Big Walter Smith, pop with The Auto Body Experience and gigs with Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Jacobs is a seasoned pro who understands the folk rock tradition and provides a solid foundation for Lehto and Wright.

Contact:

New Folk Productions
5217 North 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55430
newfolk@webtv.net
612-522-1078