Boreas

Boreas is four accomplished performers who, while distinguished in their own traditional specialisms, have a passion for new and experimental forms of music.

Explorers of the creative spaces between their respective musical traditions, Boreas is an entrancing musical union between Scotland and Norway, making waves across the North Sea and beyond.

Their album, Ahoy Hoy made the top 5 folk albums of the year in the UK Daily Telegraph newspaper and included Ewan MacColl’s “North Sea Holes”.

“Is it possible to grow tired of sea-themed albums? There’s certainly a plethora of them about, but new band Boreas challenge the very idea in their debut album Ahoy Hoy, which brings together the traditional music of Norway and Scotland.

“A new formation Boreas might be, but new to folk they are definitely not. The band comprises Britt Pernille Frøholm, considered one of the finest Hardanger fiddle players in Norway; award-winning accordionist Irene Tillung; harpist and singer Rachel Newton, who has toured with too many bands to count; and Lori Watson, widely known as a player, singer, researcher and educator of Scottish folk music and song.

“With such a strong foundation, it is a joy simply to listen to the musicality and fusion of traditions on offer. What’s nice about the arrangements, though, is how entwined the tunes and songs are; a burst of song will rise naturally out of a rousing tune set, or an instrumental interlude will form part of a song.

“The album gives us a a captivating rendition of Ewan MacColl’s “North Sea Holes” (possibly the highlight of the album, though there’s many to choose from). The harp really comes into its own here, and together with shivering strings and airy vocals evokes the harsh, cold life of the fishermen in the song. You’ll find yourself listening over and over again to appreciate the nuances – and also because the melody is incredibly catchy.

“Ahoy Hoy is an inseparable fusion of Scottish and Norwegian music and a true work of art from four exceptional musicians. If this is Boreas’ debut, we can only speculate what they will treat us to next.”

[Taken from: http://www.brightyoungfolk.com.]

A note on the name: Boreas = The Greek God of the cold North wind, the bringer of winter.

Not to be confused with the Belgian folk dance band or the U.S. rock group of the same name.