Danish folk music's super duo of Andreas Tophøj (fiddle) and Rune Barslund (accordion) released Trails and Traces in 2020 but I just discovered it. Really, there's so much good music and so many great albums released in the Celtic, British and Nordic folk music scene that I like to highlight also older releases - there's … Continue reading Tophøj & Barslund’s “Trails and Traces” brings hygge to days leading to winter
Tag: contemporary folk music
Into the woods: Kate Young’s “Umbelliferæ” is a unique journey in the wild
"Apiaceae or Umbelliferae is a family of mostly aromatic flowering plants named after the type genus Apium and commonly known as the celery, carrot or parsley family, or simply as umbellifers." - Wikipedia You know the feeling when a movie or a book or a work of music you know nothing about comes your way, and it's a revelation. I knew nothing about Kate … Continue reading Into the woods: Kate Young’s “Umbelliferæ” is a unique journey in the wild
Amy Laurenson’s wonderful “Strands” leaves me exhilarated and emotional
"I believe the phrase 'joie de vivre' was waiting for its moment. It has arrived." Those words are from a supporter of this album on Bandcamp. I quote them here because that is exactly how I feel about this music. And it's not just that the music is brilliant. There's more to it than that. … Continue reading Amy Laurenson’s wonderful “Strands” leaves me exhilarated and emotional
Laura Jane Wilkie’s “Vent” is an essential work
With all her former and current impressive work with Scotland's A-level folk musos, it's almost incredible Vent is fiddler/composer Laura Jane Wilkie's first solo release. Then again, if you immerse yourself in a project as she has done here, things will take their time to happen... Vent is not just another very good Celtic or … Continue reading Laura Jane Wilkie’s “Vent” is an essential work
Fraser Fifield’s trilogy of trios: a remarkable achievement!
Of all the brilliant Scottish pipes and flutes masters, Fraser Fifield may be the most eager ti explore the various possibilities of his instruments. His previous deep dives into both world music and the inner life of bagpipes are now followed by the 2023-24 trilogy of trio albums, focusing very much, but not only, on … Continue reading Fraser Fifield’s trilogy of trios: a remarkable achievement!
The Fretless: Glasswing
I admit it. Me and The Fretless haven't quite met, and I have honestly tried. And I'm a bit mystified about it... Let me make this clear: I have nothing but the highest respect for the Canadian modern folk string quartet. They are excellent musicians and they have deserved their nearly iconic reputation and the … Continue reading The Fretless: Glasswing
Sunday listening at home: Alaw
Just a quick note: while doing Sunday chores around the house this morning, I have been playing music by the Welsh trio Alaw. In case you didn't know them yet, I can just say that they are skillful, fun, with loads of energy and different moods - everything you could expect from an acoustic Celtic … Continue reading Sunday listening at home: Alaw
Breen/Rynne/Murray take you on a great Odyssey
The Irish concertina wizard Pádraig Rynne has become one of my big, big favorites over the past few years, ever since I first heard his solo album Conscious (2019), a luscious and masterfully played blend of Irish traditions and jazz and prog elements - and what a psychedelic cover art, too! I was blown away, … Continue reading Breen/Rynne/Murray take you on a great Odyssey
Love fiddles? Then let The Snake embrace you!
My instrument is the drums. I can play the guitar a little, also the bass just a wee bit. Any keyboard instrument is beyond me but even more so the fiddle, or the violin, if you want to go classical. Any string instrument with a fretless neck is a completely mysterious object to me, especially … Continue reading Love fiddles? Then let The Snake embrace you!
Cara Dillon’s “Coming Home” is a great work that requires your attention
Coming Home is the latest album by Ireland's fabulous Cara Dillon. It came out already in February, but as is so customary of me, I only found time to really listen to it now in August. My first reaction was "well this is decidedly not background music or sing-along stuff". Compared to the airy singer- … Continue reading Cara Dillon’s “Coming Home” is a great work that requires your attention
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