Press Kit — Rachel Bell

A musical adventurer…

Rachel Bell is an accordion player based in Brattleboro, Vermont. This performer, tunesmith, and teacher’s playing spans an enormous range of emotion, from nuanced and sensitive to exhilarating and powerful, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from an accordion. Rachel draws her inspiration from Celtic, French, English, and Québécois traditions, creating scores of innovative tunes while deeply respecting traditional melodies. She thrives on collaborative musical work, especially with her bands Eloise & Co., Peregrine Road, Alchemy, and Old World Charm School.

In demand throughout North America and abroad for concerts, contra dances, French BalFolk dances, English country dances, workshops, and festivals, Rachel is a musical adventurer at heart.

“Rachel is an incredible musician and tunesmith. Every band she is in becomes stronger and more fun with her in it. She understands how to play for dances across several genres by writing wonderful tunes and playing in ways that enhance the dancers experience in the moment.”

— Rob Sullivan, Radio DJ and Dancer, & Nancy Spero, Dance Caller and Dancer

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Listeners say…

“For my part, Peregrine Road has been continually ‘upping your game’ every time I have seen you perform. You and Karen are a delight to hear in performance. You two are so well in sync that when you play together it is not so much that you are playing the music as simply letting it out - it was thoroughly enjoyable.”

—Joseph Tecza, Photographer, Wellsville Howe Auditorium

“Peregrine Road was wonderful! Beautiful and unique music performed by a pair of total virtuosos, enlivened with anecdotes and explanations that made the concert fun for everyone—kids, students, faculty, and community members.”

—Dr. Joshua Groffman, Assistant Professor of Music, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

“It would be difficult to overstate the sheer joy experiencing Eloise & Co. brings. It exhibits my favorite combination of exuberant, even virtuosic playing with loose precision- a favorite oxymoron- and earthy, vulnerable vocals. Having recorded a great deal of Celtic, acoustic, Americana, et. Al. Over the years, ‘Eloise’s’ qualities make its performances instantly accessible.”

—Alfred Grunwell, recording engineer and sound technician