Oh summer! How I long for it now, in March, when the Finnish winter refuses to exit…
That’s what I thought when listening to Flock & Fly, this music played by concertina and fiddle, with British and Swedish tunes mostly trad (I think), no extra frills and unnecessary fuss.
The music paints in my mind a vivid picture of our Nordic summer nights: a gathering by the lakeside, easy laughter, drinks, evening sun bright on the water, two musicians playing old tunes by the trees, some folks dancing to them.
It’s a very romanticized image, of course, but sometimes not too far removed from reality. And this expertly performed music is a perfect soundtrack to it.
Rob Harbron – whose recent collaboration with Emily Portman was stunningly brilliant – was in a fine roots form when this album was recorded (in Sweden), but it’s Emma Reid with her Swedish background and feel of the instrument who really shines.
Her playing here is rooted in the Swedish fiddle tradition and its earthy sound, but there are plenty of moments when she displays her formidable skills.
Flock & Fly is not a loud album; it comes with the relaxed flow of that imaginary summer night. In my impatient wait for spring finally to arrive, this music helps a lot.
FolkNotes 