Korda
Linda Rankin’s fresh new line-up, “Korda”, is certainly making their presence felt in the South Australian folk circuit.
Showcasing the new band and wowing audiences at the 2008 and 2009 Fleurieu Folk Festival and at the Frances Folk Gathering in February, 2009, Linda has fused her Scottish and Celtic roots into an eclectic combination of trad-folk and folk-rock, with a touch of Blues, more than a hint of Jazz and tastes of Indian and Latin which make for a musical experience unlike any other.
Chris Finnen’s guitar genius combines expertly with Linda Rankin’s atmospheric and hypnotic fiddle playing. While Stephen Morabito’s dynamic, yet highly interpretive percussion, Phil Vidinis’ electric Keys and Peter Franche’s funky bass lines provide a tight musical combination, Korda will take you on a musical journey through a diverse range of original and contemporary tunes and songs that will have your heart soaring or make you get up and want to dance.
Linda Rankin - fiddle, keyboards, vocal
Korda's founder and fearless leader, she is one of the country's foremost fiddle players. See more on Linda here.
Chris picked up his first guitar at the age of eight which started an extraordinary musical journey that continues 47 years later.
Chris has become one of the most accomplished musicians in Australia winning numerous awards and sharing the stage with many musical greats.
With roots in Mississippi Delta Blues he now draws on diverse influences including Jazz, African, Indian, Celtic, Folk and of course the Blues.
A virtuoso guitarist, accomplished percussionist and world musician Chris strongly believes in sharing his craft and knowledge to enhance communication and harmony among people.
Chris met Linda through mutual musical friend, composer and pianist Richard Chew who had invited them to be involved in his Various People venture, the album was released in 2006.
Since then Linda and Chris have continued to work together and Chris’s guitar genius can be heard on Linda’s album Threads, released in 2008.
Korda is a wonderful platform for Chris to explore this musical friendship.
Peter Franche has been playing Celtic music since the 1970's, starting with the accordion.
Then, inspired by King Crimson’s John Wetton, took up bass guitar. Whilst living in London he played in a variety of bands from progressive rock to Irish ceilidh bands and is influenced by all types of music.
Since living in Australia he's continued to play Celtic music and is a recent addition to Korda.
He also plays guitar and bazouki and of course the accordion (but only on Tuesdays after dark).
Phil Vidinis - Keyboards, vocal
Phillip commenced learning piano at the early age of seven and for roughly ten years he learnt classical, basic theory and technique. However, over the last five years Phillip has really looked beyond the scope of classical and into other fields of music.
He has developed a unique passion for blues, alternative country and rock and has been exposed to many forms of music from around the world. In saying that, Phillip’s real admirations come from the music that looks at the Australian way of life and experiences.
He is heavily inspired by Don Walker’s music, songwriting skills and technique and wishes to develop further in his own musical skills and songwriting, especially in his lyrics.
Phillip has found his experiences working with Linda Rankin most rewarding and fulfilling and he wishes to continue developing his own unique ‘Australian’ sound within Korda.
Stephen is an integral part in Korda’s unique sound.
Stephen borrows influences from all many styles of music: Funk, Latin, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Jazz, Soul, and Motown to give Korda’s music a driving, yet grooving feel.
Stephen has played in numerous live bands around South Australia, and has played at such venues as the Adelaide Festival Centre, the Fleurieu Folk Festival, Celtica and the Norwood Town Hall.