The Horsemen
Musical traditions, old and new, from the forgotten past to our present pleasure
Tradition and Fun
Tradition and fun are the primary touchpoints of what we do. Whether it’s a song about a comic wager with deadly consequences or the winning of a husband from the diabolical clutches of a fairy queen, our music brings the absurd, the beautiful, the tragic, and the hilarious together into the full tapestry of musical tradition. Even our new compositions keep to this basic pattern whether we are leading a chorus or providing ambience
Prophetic sounds and loud, arise forever
From us, and from all Ruin, unto the wise,
As melody from Memnon to the Sun.”
— Edgar Allan Poe, “The Coliseum”
ORIGINAL SONG: MARY MAGDALENA
written & recorded with “Elizabeth Is Missing”
MEET THE BAND
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William Acken
GUITAR (ET AL.), FIDDLE, PIANO, VOCALS
William has spent years sailing the world aboard Tall Ships, collecting maritime songs and stories along the way. His musical style weaves together traditional Celtic and seafaring tunes with original compositions. With every song, he channels the rhythm of the waves and the soul of the sailor’s life. Whether through Klezmer style fiddle or neo-medieval songs on the Oud, he is always raw, rousing, and full of heart.
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Dr. James Acken
BODHRÁN, WHISTLE, GUITAR, VOCALS
James is a lifelong student of folklore and myth with a deep love for the old songs and stories that shape our history. With years steeped in traditional music and oral storytelling, James brings a thoughtful, rooted presence to every performance—where history, myth, and rhythm come together in to raise the roof.
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Charles Acken
BANJO, ACCORDIAN, PERCUSSION, VOCALS
Charlie is a songwriter with a deep love for tradition and a sound all his own. He plays both Celtic and Bluegrass-style banjo, weaving together two rich musical lineages with skill and heart. His original songs sit comfortably alongside the old tunes—honest, lyrical, and rooted in the rhythms of both Appalachia and the Atlantic.
