Ambrose Wise Band

Ambrose Wise is a new duo that plays traditional Newfoundland folk songs (and a few Irish jigs and polkas).  Being of Newfoundland decent, brothers Al Soper (on the button accordion) and James Soper (on the guitar) create a vocal and instrumental blend of this genre. A lot of Newfoundland music has Celtic roots so the music can played as  sets of jigs, reels, and hornpipes.

   Throughout the late 20's and into the 50's Maud Karpeles, Gerald Doyle, Kenneth Peacock, and others wrote down and/or recorded the folk songs and sea chanties sung by the folks living in the Newfoundland outports. Songs like I'se the B'y, Mussels in the Corner, and The Feller from Fortune tell the tales of fishermen and life in those outports.  "Our father played these songs on the button accordion while we were growing up in Rhode Island". Ambrose Wise is taking these songs we have heard around the house and bringing them back to life.

  Al's musical experience began early with the piano and later playing brass instruments. Moving his family to the Midwest, he sang and played rhythm guitar in church choirs, bands, and functions. He even has some acting during the annual Easter and Christmas productions.  After returning to Rhode Island, came up with the idea to play and record traditional Newfoundland music on the button accordion. He then enlisted the help of his brother James to form Ambrose Wise.

   James has many years of experience playing the acoustic and electric guitar. His most recent involvement has been the lead guitarist for a church and a gospel band in Minnesota. Since moving back to Rhode Island he has become a part of Ambrose Wise to recall those old-time Newfie songs.

  Ambrose Wise comes from the name of a sailor on board the FV Joseph O. that was based out of Gloucester, MA, and was lost off Georges Bank in 1888. God Bless all those taken by the sea.