Ancora

A Dutch folk trio that specializes in a spirited mix of melodic pop, traditional Irish and European folk, and sea shanties, Ancora was formed in 2012 around the talents of Patrick Jongschaap, Harm Wolters, and Martin Dams. Taking their name from the Latin word for "anchor," the group has drawn comparisons to similarly Celtic and nautically minded folk-pop practitioners like Germany's Santiano, Canada's Great Big Sea, and Ireland's Celtic Thunder. The trio issued an eponymous debut album in August, 2013, which also included a DVD. Ancora's sophomore studio album and DVD, Vrij als de Wind, followed in 2015 and debuted at the number one slot on the Dutch album charts. ~ James Christopher Monger