Smart Folks is the first EP from Corner House that includes Casey Murray on cello and clawhammer banjo, and the second overall from the group. With four originals from the group and two contemporary Irish numbers, the EP is a diverse mix of sounds and textures, songs and tunes. The first cut, a collection of Irish slip jigs (Farewell to Whaley Range and Soggy’s) combines swirling lines and melodies. Following that is one of two Hawkins-penned tunes on the recording. Happy Now is a musing on family and depression, brought to life by the band. The title track, Smart Folks, penned by Setiawan, works with odd phrase lengths and a singing melody to create a unique profile, characteristic to his writing. The album closes with a banjo tune by Murray. Through the Snow-Covered Pines evokes the Appalachian stringband side of the band, finishing the album on an uplifting note. These tunes and songs came to be over a period of several months, before being committed to recordings in March, 2019. After the writing process, the whole band sits down with the music, and every voice is vital to the final product. This collection of tunes is a bright introduction to Corner House’s sound, with the promise of much more to come.
Abiding by a love for adventure, Corner House finds purpose and solace in the beauty of earth and music. Clinging whole heartedly to studied traditions, the Boston based band tends to write and arrange music liberally comprised of Irish, Scottish, Appalachian Stringband, and Bluegrass influences. The singular roots music scene of Boston, MA has long been a destination for musicians seeking level footing to build upon. On winter eves most suited for warm tea and blankets, Ethan Hawkins (guitar), Louise Bichan (fiddle), Ethan Setiawan (mandolin), found a musical home in one another. In the autumn of 2017, Corner House debuted at FreshGrass Festival in North Adams, MA, before recording an EP and touring Scotland, the following year. Returning from overseas, the three found the illustrious cellist, Casey Murray, living just down the street and invited the contra-dance influenced player to join the fold.
Artist website: http://www.cornerhouseband.com/
Single title: Happy Now
Album title: Smart Folks
Release Date: 13/09/2019
Single artist: Corner House
Single duration: 4:12
Record Label: –
Catalogue No: CHR001CD
Writers: Ethan Hawkins, Ethan Setiawan, Louise Bichan, Casey Murray
Publishers: –
Explicit?: no
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