Since forming in 1988, Tempest has delivered a globally-renowned hybrid of high-energy folk rock fusing Irish reels, Scottish ballads, Norwegian influences and other world music elements. The last 20 years have seen the San Francisco Bay Area based act release twelve critically acclaimed CDs and play more than 2,000 gigs. It’s also enjoyed an evolving line-up that’s enabled its musicianship and creativity to rise with each new member-something highlighted by the group’s current roster.

Hailing from Oslo, Norway, founding member and lead singer/electric mandolinist, Lief Sorbye, is recognized as a driving force in the modern folk-rock movement. Fiddler Michael Mullen, a favorite with the fans, is the original fiddler for the group. Bassist Damien Gonzalez, a native Californian, is also an accomplished drummer and didgeridoo player who may occasionally breathe fire. Native of Devon, England, and a former member of the UK’s folk-rock band Equation, guitarist James Crocker combines a deep-rooted British folk sensibility with a life-long rock experience. Cuban-born drummer Adolfo Lazo, an original Tempest member, colors the band’s sound with inventive percussion.
Signed to WEA-distributed Magna Carta Records, Tempest’s releases are acclaimed worldwide. The group’s latest studio CD The Double-Cross finds the band in peak form as it showcases inventive original and traditional material.

Tempest is regularly featured at prestigious festivals including The Philadelphia Folk Festival, Denmark’s Skagen Festival, Britain’s Cropredy Festival and The Winnipeg Folk Festival in Canada. The band is also a mainstay at countless American Celtic festivals. Tempest also hosts an annual festival of their own, called Karfluki Fest, in Northern California.

Check out the band’s web site for upcoming tour dates and anniversary news.