There seems to be a very real and genuine revival in traditional music across these islands – but with a modern twist that makes it more appealing to wider audiences who may not have ventured there before.
Then along comes Trip. Based in Glasgow, Trip is composed of six musicians who met at the city’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where they forged a camaraderie that ‘shines through in their effortlessly unified sound.’
‘In Terra’s Keep’ is their second album, taking its title from the Latin for earth and land – it is a celebration of the connection between the land and traditional music. The rich, rolling, rough terrain and landscapes of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man is where their inspiration is sourced – in other words, home (for Michael Biggins, Tiernan Courell, Craig Baxter, Isla Callister, Alaisdair McKenzie and Rory Matheson).
It’s a distinctive and energetic sound. They’ve been playing together since they were teenagers – and there’s definitely a sense of camaraderie, creativity and the joy of making music together.
Chalking up awards such as the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021, they’ve toured not just these islands but taken their sound on the international festival circuit – and a collaboration with the Scottish Dance Theatre saw them off to Colombia.
This is Trip’s second album – following ‘A Drop for Neptune’ – and sees them develop their approach to arranging music while staying true to what they love doing most – making music together.
Kicking off with ‘The 50 Reels’, the energy meets a different mood in ‘Blessed Are the Meek’, a poignant cover of a Status Quo song.
‘Pt 1 Tune for Roan’ and ‘Pt 2 An Ghrain ar Bhinn Ghulbain’ intertwine, with the arrangement following the rise of the sun over WB Yeats beloved Binn Ghulbain (aka Ben Bulbin – the dramatic landscape that dominates the West of Ireland county).
Other sets offer an uplifting spirit such as ‘Octopus Circuit’ and Alasdair’s original song ‘Sadness Passed’ – a reminder that all things are temporary – this too shall pass, as they say.
The album moves on with ‘August Ascen’, and a playful arrangement of new tines ‘Laa Lunys’ and ‘WD-50’, capturing the light hearted spirit of the band.