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Celtic rock band the Elders were formed in Kansas City, MO, by singer/percussionist Ian Byrne, a native of County Wicklow, Ireland, along with Americans Norm Dahlor (bass, banjo, guitar, vocals), Brent Hoad (violin, mandolin, keyboards, vocals), Steve Phillips (guitar, mandolin, vocals), and Brett Gibson (accordion). Phillips was a former member of the Rainmakers, which had made several major-label albums, but all of the musicians were middle-aged veterans of numerous previous groups, hence the name the Elders. They released their self-titled debut album on their own Pub Tone label in 2000. Drummer/percussionist Tommy Sutherland joined in August 2002. American Wake followed on April 6, 2004, and Pass It on Down a year later. Live at the Gem was released simultaneously as a DVD and CD on October 11, 2005. Joe Miquelon (keyboards, saxophone) joined the band for the next album, Racing the Tide, released January 30, 2007. ~ William Ruhlmann