Biography
Formed in 1991 by Phil O'Flaherty (vocals, guitar) and Greg Hooper (flute, whistles, harmonica, bodhran), Scatter the Mud was a Celtic Pop band based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
After a couple of additions and subtractions (Charlie Chiasson - fiddle, Marc Dubord - banjo), the band settled on a lineup featuring O'Flaherty, Hooper, Conan Daly (bass, vocals) and Cam Keating (bagpipes, whistles).
In 1994 the band released their debut CD, "In The Mϋd" (Mud pronounced "mood"). The recording featured their innovative hybrid of traditional Celtic music, mixed with a pop influence, and a sprinkles of jazz thrown in.
The CD was brought to the attention of BMG Canada, who re-released it with different cover art in 1995.
During 1994, 1995, and 1996 the band played primarily around their Western Canada base, but did manage to tour Eastern Canada each of those years. Highlight performances included playing on the same bill as the Rankin Family in Summerside P.E.I., Great Big Sea in Calgary, and a feature concert at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
The band released their follow up recording, "Never Time To Play" independently in 1997, and secured cross Canada exposure via a distribution deal with Festival Distribution out of Vancouver. This recording featured guest appearances from Thom Moon (drums) and Prairie Oyster guitarist Keith Glass, and Dave Horrocks (congas) - who would end up joining the band during the recording as their full-time drummer.
"Never Time To Play" saw the band writing more original material as they continued down their innovative path. In addition to their Celtic Pop stylings, this CD sees the band explore the realms of reggae, country, and even surf!
The band continued to tour regionally throughout 1997 and 1998, playing primarily at folk festivals and clubs. Daly left the band in late 1998.
The band went through a few incarnations over the next two years, adding a new bass player (Greg Sinclair), a fiddler (Fiona Coll), and a cellist (Lillian Penner) before dissolving in 2001.
As of 2011, most of the band members still dabble in music, but not under the 'STM' banner.
Phil O'Flaherty lives in Macau, and released a solo CD "Too Fond of Walking". He plays solo gigs there, and has also recently performed with his group "Wallop the Spot".
Conan Daly currently plays with Calgary popsters "The Beagle Ranch". The band released a 5 song CD entitled "Christmas Time" in 2008, and a full length CD entitled "A Moment Away" in 2011.
Cam Keating lives in Vancouver, B.C. and is a past member of the Alberta Caledonia Pipe Band.
Greg Hooper lives in Calgary and still partakes in the local traditional music scene.
Charlie Chiasson is based in Calgary and plays in his own band, Charlie Chiasson and the Heartless Thugs.
Dave Horrocks is an Emmy nominated Sound Engineer. He also plays drums alongside Daly in the Beagle Ranch.
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