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Based in the Border country, the land that
links Scotland to England, Tarras are an innovative band whose work has
already been re-mixed by Paul Birchall of M People. Although they have
a multitude of different musical influences ranging from 70's folk idols
to J.J. Cale, from Tori Amos to The Prodigy, Tarras are guided, first
and foremost, by a fierce love of authentic English and Celtic music.
Joss Clapp’s interpretations of traditional
British music are laced with experimental arrangements, but his acoustic
bass guitar playing also reflects a passion for the blues. Seven years
ago, Joss met Rob Armstrong: a master of the Cittern - an instrument long
associated with an all but lost era of North Eastern folk music. The pair
worked together intermittently for some time until they were joined by
Ben Murray, son of North East Folk luminary, Phil Murray. Ben was essentially
a pianist, but in the manner of a man whose earliest memories were of
going to a lots of folk gigs, he discovered the accordion and has barely
put it down since. Then there is Jon Redfern - no ordinary drummer. Jon
not only plays the djembe and congas, but he also plays the guitar and
flute - and he sings too.
As individuals, the members of Tarras display
great technical ability. But together, they effortlessly produce beautiful
roots music with real authority. |
