Clandestine

About the Artist

Clandestine evolved out of a pipe and drum ensemble founded in 1991 in Houston, Texas. Highland pipes, fiddle, acoustic guitar, hand percussion, and vocal harmonies combine to create a sound that brings the brilliance of Celtic culture alive for the aficionado and the curious. Clandestine is a high energy band with a diverse repetoire which is firmly rooted in the Celtic tradition.

The band features the talents of E.J. Jones on Highland bagpipes, Jennifer Hamel on guitar and vocals, Gregory McQueen on fiddle, and Emily Dugas on percussion and vocals.

E.J. Jones has played the Highland bagpipe since age eleven and has been in the prize lists of the U.S. Piping Foundation and the Nicol-Brown Chalice. He attended the World Pipe Band Championships with the Hamilton Pipe Band when they placed first in the Grade Three Competition. E.J.'s playing is the result of years spent in traditional study; his imagination and orchestration open up new avenues for the band in Celtic music.

Jennifer Hamel has been captivating audiences with her voice and guitar work since 1994. She adapts traditional songs and writes contemporary and traditionally-based pieces for Clandestine.

Gregory McQueen has been playing the fiddle longer than he will admit. When offered the opportunity to play with the pipes and collaborate with Jennifer's songwriting and vocal ability, he joined Clandestine in 1994. The challenge of playing with the Highland pipes and crossing the bridge of Jennifer's original songs has been a very rewarding experience for both Gregory and the audience.

Emily Dugas joined Clandestine in 1996. Her talents in percussion and vocals add a unique depth and richness to the band.