TARRAS
Rising (Rounder)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Tarras describe themselves as a "borderlands" group, meaning they come from the border area between Scotland and England, with each side of the line represented among the members. That's not the only border they cross to make their music, though. They cross equally freely between traditional Celtic and contemporary folk music, and include various elements of their own devising as well. Violinist Emma Hancock's classical training, for instance, intrudes from time to time in a most effective and appealing way.

As the group gains further renown, and they will, it will not be missed that they are a very young ensemble, made up of five musicians still in or barely out of their teens. There's nothing juvenile about their music, though. Their songwriting, credited to the entire band, reflects their attachment to tradition and the sensitivity of the interplay between their voices and instruments could make you believe they've been together for more decades than they've been alive. Other than cittern player Rob Armstrong and accordionist Ben Murray, all are listed as multi-instrumentalists and all contribute to the rich mix of vocal harmonies. Along with Hancock (who doubles on whistle), Armstrong and Murray, the roster includes Joss Clapp (bass, guitar, mandolin) and Jon Redfern (percussion, guitar).

Tarras may not have been around for decades yet, but fans of Celtic- flavored folk music will be hoping they'll be around for decades to come. Meanwhile, they've made an album that will be listened to decades from now.

Track List:

Parsons Green * Whisky Town * Magnadoodle * Oakey Strike Evictions * Da Fields O'Foula/My Love Is A Fair Lad * Captain Grant * Rising * Be Real * The Happy Salmon * Magpie's Revenge * So Tired * Men Should Wear Their Long Hair Down * The Long Road Home

© 2000 - Shaun Dale