Robert McCourty
 
Scottish born, Robert moved to Canada at an early age. He came to Vancouver Island in the late '60's for the first time and in the late '80's to stay. Exposed to different genres of music growing up via numerous family Ceilidh's, he claims it was "The Beatles," that started it all. Also leaning towards the folk scene in Toronto at the River Boat and the Music coming out of Greenwich Village, got him through the '60's! Robert spent the 70's in Red Deer Alberta, founded a Coffeehouse, took multi-track recording engineer courses and started doing sound for folk and country festivals throughout the land. His influences include: Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Bap Kennedy, Fred Eaglesmith, John Prine, Joni, Van and the list goes on. A fair-decent songwriter himself, Robert would someday like to shop his songs to other musicians and also record a CD of his original tunes. Quote: "Being able to share music with others is such a great gift." Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six string guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica and official conductor's railroad whistle. Photo by Sandee Mitchell.

Brian Fraser
 
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and raised in Ontario, Brian made his way to B.C. and began playing guitar in the late "70's. He has recently picked up the mandolin and continues to hone his songwriting and harmonizing skills. His early influences include Steely Dan and the Beach Boys followed later by Bonnie Raitt and Annie Lennox. Brian's musical journey began around the campfire as a boy. Quote: "I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to be able to make music, but was mystified at how that would ever come about. I watched as my younger sister, inspired by Joni Mitchell, dropped her piano lessons and began writing and playing on her own. Now it's my turn." Brian's own music is a mix of folk and blues. As a founding member of the Victoria-based "Special Blend", he is thankful for his musical friends and looks forward to continuing his own mystical, musical, journey. Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six string guitar, resonator (dobro) guitar, mandolin and full three holed train whistle. (none of those fake two holers 'round here.) Photo by Sandee Mitchell.

Philip Holmes
 
Raised in Montreal, Philip often sat on drummer Dad's knee as jazz filled the house in the '50 & '60's. During high school, Philip was into the folk scene, playing open mics at the Yellow Door and Back Door, Coffeehouses. He toured Ontario, Quebec and the northern U.S as part of a folk duo during the '70's. His musical influences include: Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Phil Ochs and Jesse Winchester. After Art School he moved to northern B.C. and became a founding member of the Prince Rupert Coffeehouse. Times goes by, with convoluted moves around the country and the raising of family, music was put on hold. (for a bit) Finally with the "last move" to the Cowichan Valley in B.C., in '92, music is back on the agenda. Big-time! Ever questing for the upside of the learning curve, Philip bought himself a banjo and music became fun again! Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six and twelve string guitar, banjo, autoharp, chicken egg shaker and banjo. Did we mention Banjo? Photo by Sandee Mitchell.

 

Shelley Brown

Born in Leamington Ontario, Shelley grew up listening to Motown music as well as her big brother's hard rock record collection. She started playing electric bass in the early 1990's with the Vancouver based grrrrll grunge band 'Smart Alice.' Her introduction to Roots music happened in 2000 with the release of that Coen Brothers film "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" She turned in her electric for an upright bass, learned how to sing and has never looked back. She honed her skills playing in the Vancouver roots scene with bands 'The Boomchix' and 'Hopetown.' New to Vancouver Island in 2004, Shelley and her husband Darrell Keeler have been ecstatic about their new life and new friends in the thriving music scene of the Cowichan Valley. They can be seen locally playing with the 'Cobble Hillbillies, and have their own bluegrass group called "Wiseacre." Shelley also sings (bass/tenor) in the 'Free Fallin' Gospel Choir' out of Minstrels Music in Cobble Hill. Shelley feels herself honoured and most fortunate to hold down the groove for The Flying Accusations. Favorite Artists: Steve Earle, Vern Williams, Open Road, Charley Patton, Ma Rainey, Freakwater and Taj Mahal. Quote: "The more I learn about music, the more I realize how much more I have to learn." Photo by Sandee Mitchell.

  
Mike Nicholls
 
Michael is from hearty Irish stock. He was born in Toronto, Ontario and grew up with multiple siblings who exposed him to all genres of music. Michael is an extremely gifted multi-instrumentalist playing in excess of a dozen instruments. He is also a very strong and powerful vocalist. Mike began playing drums with R&B bands while still a teenager and has been a professional musician ever since. He most recently played with the group 'Mandolerium' out of Victoria, BC. He relocated to Nanaimo, BC, and immediately hooked up with the Flying Accusations. It was a perfect fit. Mike's musical influences include: Tim O'Brien, Motown R&B, Tom Rush, Bruce Cockburn, Taj Mahal, Joni Mitchell and almost everyone who has picked up an instrument. Quote: "This band is going places, and I'll personally nail the boxcar shut!" Instruments played: Vocals, drums and percussion, acoustic six string guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, steel resonator, pedal steel guitar, penny whistle, hammond organ, squeeze box and a unique stick instrument fondly referred to as, "The Twanger!" Photo by Sandee Mitchell.  
Lisa Burness
 
Lisa Burness with husband Chris and family in tow arrived on Vancouver Island from the UK 18 months ago, and by chance 'jammed" with the FA's at an open mic the FA's host. To say the least, her fiddle playing took our breath away and we invited her to play on our new CD. Her soulful playing perfectly fit our music. It was not long after that we unanimously decided to invite her to become our newest member. Lisa, back in her home country, has played in various bands for the last 20 years and continues to record with her husband on numerous musical projects. She is an accomplished singer/ songwriter having penned numerous songs for the successful Celtic group Skellig. Lisa plays both acoustic and electric fiddle and is an accomplished guitarist in her own right. Lisa says she is enjoying the opportunity to expand her horizons and embrace life in Canada. Hey Lisa, tell us again what "sod off" means? Photo by Sandee Mitchell.