Distant Havens
Author: Tim Woodall
View album and artist detailsAlbum and Artist Details
Artist/band: |
The Foxglove Trio |
Label: |
Foxglove Trio |
Magazine Review Date: |
December/2017 |
This inventive British folk trio bring together influences from across Britain and Ireland – five songs here are sung in Welsh by Ffion Mair, who also plays Irish bodhrán and whistle. Distant Havens is their second album, after 2015's These Gathered Branches. The unusual choice of lead instruments – Cathy Mason's cello and Patrick Dean's melodeon – create a subtle supporting texture for Mair's elfin but powerful singing.
The music they create is often composed to lyrics found by the trio, who search them out from a range of sources. The result is a fresh, modern folk sound with words written long ago, a beguiling combination. The ensemble's music is full of varied rhythmic and melodic ideas, bringing to life the tales in the stories collected. The Welsh-language songs, like the lullaby ‘Si Hei Lwli’ (sung a capella) add a further layer of interest. This is a group that uses tradition in the best way possible – to create something new and beautiful.
The music they create is often composed to lyrics found by the trio, who search them out from a range of sources. The result is a fresh, modern folk sound with words written long ago, a beguiling combination. The ensemble's music is full of varied rhythmic and melodic ideas, bringing to life the tales in the stories collected. The Welsh-language songs, like the lullaby ‘Si Hei Lwli’ (sung a capella) add a further layer of interest. This is a group that uses tradition in the best way possible – to create something new and beautiful.
