biographical info
Albert Kelsch is a music educator, (Winner of the Marshall Mcluhan Distinguished Teacher and the National Hilroy Fellowship) ,musician and mentor, that has really made a difference. Albert's work, particularly in the north end of Winnipeg at R.B.Russell High School, stands out as and example of one of the fine efforts we are capable of producing as human beings. Many of Alberts former students still play and make their living in the music business a testimony to his legacy. The music department has never been quite the same since he took his leave. The music class walls still vibrate with his energy. He is a part of R.B. Russell. A multi instrumentalist, Albert has performed all over the world. From the southern U.S. to Damascus, Syria, Russia and beyond, Albert has blown harp with the worllds finest musicians. (Not my words but I love them!!)
In fact he has sat in with The Pete Best Band at Monty's Bar as I call it in Victoria Beach MB. Not to mention that late bass player for T Rex (Steve Currrie), sat in with Atrane, unplugged (on an electric bass) in Albufeira, Portugal at Billie's Bar, (in the early 80s). This man smoked drum pipe tobacco with John Lee Hooker in a bar in Montreal and is still writing a tune about it!
Atrane aka Albert Kelsch has recently been in the home recording studio of jazz great Greg Lowe this year the results were 3 Atrane originals: Syriausly Syria, Asia In Minor and Tangle With Me. A CD will follow soon, Enchellah.
“Atrane” recently spent 6 months in Damascus Syria, where he played with the well-known band “Skallywag” at many venues around Damascus. In addition he was flown to Russia to play the Archangelesk Blues Festival (featuring, Elena Troshina) as a member of a Russian band “Northern Project” where these original tunes were very well received. He recently sat in at the Legends Corner and the Stage, on Nashville's famous "Honky Tonk Row". Also he got play with his long time band mate Paul Jeffrey and Salem Road.
Now Atrane the VB local band is back together. They have played the last two years at the Summer Winds Family Festival. Atrane is no stranger to the local population of Victoria Beach. They have played many fish fries when they used to be held in the old fire hall and several ball tournaments as well. Yes, they have played the well remembered patio gigs at the Birchwood Hotel, adult dances at the VB club, Bass and Bluegrass Festival, Lorne Anderson’s 65th birthday celebration and many other private and local parties. The band members are all seasoned music veterans, who have played in many other bands in both French and English. Who can forget the band “Rugburn”. Each of the band members has a vast musical biography in their own right.
Recently Atrane has sat in with "The Fabulous Fat Band", "The Division Slaves", Buschwhacker" and Mike Lauze.