Artist Name | Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy |
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Album title | Élan |
Album cover | |
Any more information you would like to tell us? | Two of Scotland’s most in-demand traditional musicians Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy have joined forces once again for their second duo album Élan, set for release on Friday 19th May 2023. The instrumental album combines Rachel’s skilled playing of the Scottish harp (clarsach) with Ron’s talents on acoustic guitar, making them the only duo at present to combine the oldest instrument in Scottish music with the newest. The result is a refreshing and uplifting sound. Élan – an ancient French word meaning ‘with energy, style and enthusiasm’ – follows the pair’s 2019 album SPARKS, and marks their sixth year performing together. The new record showcases just how far they have come as a duo in that time. The tunes on the album span a wide range of tempos and moods, but all allow the harp and guitar to shine together as equals. The instrumental pairing links each track, providing a far more rich and complex sound than you might expect from just two instruments, and lending a fresh take to some traditional tunes. Adam Brown (RURA, Ímar) also plays bodhrán on three tracks. Six of the ten tracks on Élan include original tunes composed by Rachel, with the remaining tracks carefully selected to complement them from traditional tunes and more modern compositions by the pair’s contemporaries. The original tunes were heavily inspired by Scottish traditions and the country itself; Rachel grew up in the Highlands and moved to the central belt in her late teens, and believes it took leaving the culture and traditions behind to make her realise how precious they are. The pair are also inspired by the thriving music scene in Glasgow, the city they both now call home, with its world-class venues and live performances of all genres available on their doorstep. Ron Jappy added: “Although Élan looks and sounds like a Gaelic word, it’s actually an old French word that has been used in the English language since the 19th century. We feel its meaning really describes how we both are as performers and our approach to life. We love being on stage, we love being on tour and meeting people, and we can’t wait to do that again with our new album.” |
Release Date | 08/05/2023 |
Website | rachelhair.com |
Album link 1 | bandcamp.com |