For more information contact Janie Rothfield 518-522-7445/thejaesmusic@gmail.com
ABOUT THE JAES
The JAES (USA) are a modern/trad folk quartet blending American Old Time and Celtic music with fiery instrumentals, powerful singing, unique arrangements and stories that draws the listeners in and sets the imagination soaring-Plus they are really fun!
The JAES features two powerhouse duos- renowned American and Scottish folk duo, Janie Rothfield (fiddle, banjo) and Allan Carr (guitar, mandola,bodhran) and the “sweet singing-tune slinging” duo of Ellen Coplin (cello, guitar, concertina) and Sean Hoffman (fiddle, guitar)-aka Bobcat Opossum. The two couples met in the winter of 2023 when Janie & Allan were on tour in the American MidWest-friends suggested they contact Sean and Ellen in Fort Wayne, Indiana for a show at their Wednesday night pub gig. Naturally, Janie and Allan invited Sean and Ellen to join them for a few songs and tunes and from the first note they all realized that this was the start of something special and The JAES were born-a magical collaboration combining traditional music from both American and Celtic influences with their own prolific original material, and a desire and willingness to be fearless with musical explorations and arrangements. Magic!
Since meeting and with busy duo and other band commitments, The JAES have performed at festivals and concerts in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Their first CD recording will be released in early 2026 and is aptly called TWO PLUS TWO. It features 9 pieces of beautifully played traditional and original music that represents a new sound in Folk Music-The JAES.
Janie Rothfield (fiddle, clawhammer banjo, mandola) brings fiery and whimsical old-time fiddling/ clawhammer banjo,and a vibrant body of original fiddle tunes and songs to the JAES. She bridges the American Old TIme and Celtic traditions with ease connecting the music of the old and new world creating a new unique sound.
Allan Carr (guitar, mandola, bodhran) is originally from Aberdeen, SCOTLAND and brings a deep knowledge of the Scottish ballad traditions, original songs that sound old and new, a unique rhythmic and inventive guitar playing, and a charming Aberdeen brogue that transports the listener across the ocean and back again. Plus he’s really funny.
Ellen Coplin (cello, concertina, guitar)-Ellen’s inventive cello and concertina playing are the dynamic combination of melody, rhythm, and bass that ties the JAES twirling fiddles and tasty guitar licks together. Her angelic voice adds a depth to the songs and harmonies for the unique JAES sound.
Sean Hoffman (fiddle, guitar) Sean's lyrical and occasionally wild fiddle playing adds a distinct flavor to the JAES sound-a combination of his lifelong playing of bluegrass and Irish traditional music and his own original style. Sean bridges the bridge between American Bluegrass and traditional Irish music for a new sound and musical experience.
