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The Outside Track – The Outside Track
The 5 members of The Outside Track got together at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in 2005, and they formed one of the most interesting and exciting young folk bands around. The Irish World Academy event attracts musicians from the world over, and this is reflected in the make up of the band, with the four young women and one man coming from Canada, Ireland, Scotland and England. This diversity in make up is reflected in the 14 tracks on this debut disc – it’s an even mixture of songs and tunes with elements of the tradition from each individual member’s background present across the disc.
All are accomplished musicians, but rather this being an exercise in instrumental virtuosity it’s all beautifully restrained – it’s not that the playing isn’t excellent or dynamic, it is, but the way it’s executed is refreshingly laid back and confident, and it makes the disc easy to listen to. Musically, there’s lots going on, with fiddle, accordion, guitar, flute and clarsach forming the majority of the backing, it’s a traditional sound somewhat reminiscent of The Cheiftans in places, but certainly distinct enough to make them stand out.
The choice of material is as varied as the band, with songs from Karine Polwart and Dar Williams mixing with traditional songs and tunes perfectly – the Williams tune in particular ‘Fishing in the Morning’ is a revelation, and sounds more suited to this arrangement than the original reading. But it’s fitting that the strongest track on the disc is a traditional Irish track that was brought to the group by Norah, it’s Canadian member, ‘Cailin Rua’ is a beautiful song with a strong melody that is sung and played superbly.
The 5 members present modern acoustic, Irish influenced folk of the highest calibre, and the mix of tradition with material from some well chosen songwriters makes this a disc that demands attention. Expect to hear more of The Outside Track in the future…..
THE OUTSIDE TRACK - THE OUTSIDE TRACK
The Outside Track
CD (Cat No: 13275)
THE OUTSIDE TRACK - THE OUTSIDE TRACK
