MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017: The Routes Quartet

Congratulations to The Routes Quartet who have been nominated in Folk band of the Year sponsored by Threads of Sound in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. Vote now!

We asked Emma Tomlinson of The Routes Quartet the following questions.

Tell us about yourself
The Routes Quartet is an exquisite blend of the folk and classical traditions, featuring evocative arrangements of folk tunes and stunning original compositions. The Routes Quartet is made up of the classic string quartet instrumentation of Cello (Rufus Huggan), Viola (Emma Tomlinson), and two Fiddles (Gràinne Brady and Tricia Mullan). The sound is a charming concoction of classical, Scottish, Irish and English traditional music as well as their own deftness for the art of composing. The string quartet instrumentation is well established in other genres but is entirely new to the British folk scene. Routes set out to arrange and explore the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities that are characteristic of the string quartet, but with a folky, rootsy accent. Their debut album ‘Windrose’ is produced by none other than highly acclaimed fiddle player Patsy Reid.

Why are you involved in Scottish music?
We all love Scottish Music and bring different approaches from classical, jazz, blues and Irish influences to combine with our original compositions and arrangements of existing tunes. We find the innovative and fertile trad scene an inspiring place to create and contribute to. The support we have received in pursing such a unique project has been wonderful. It's a special scene to be involved in.

Any particular career highlights?
Recording a live album as a debut was bold but the outcome was worth it. Working with Patsy Reid and Keir Long was an absolute pleasure in the beautiful surroundings of Drimnin Estate, Ardnamurchan. The Glasgow album launch was exceptionally well attended and set the trend for rest of the album launch tour. Subsequent reviews of the album have all been brilliant. Not only did the tour practically sell out most nights but we covered most of Scotland and are due to tour Ireland this month. The workshops we ran whilst on tour have been warmly received and well attended.

What are your plans for the future?
Our plans are to keep adding to our existing material and to tour further afield, hitting festivals and village halls alike. To create a inspirational tune book for trad music enthusiasts and also for string educational use. Also, we seek to collaborate and experiment with other artists.

If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Paisley’s Lagoon Centre call 0300 300 1210 or to buy online visit www.paisley2021.co.uk/events/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards. Tickets can also be purchased via Paisley Arts Centre. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Elephant Sessions, The Shee Big Band, Siobhan Miller, Tidelines, Paisley Fèis, Snuffbox, The Seamus O’Sullivan Experience, Lori Watson, Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair, Songs of Bàrd Phàislig (featuring Gillebrìde MacIlleMhaoil, Sìneag MacIntyre, Màiri NicAonghais, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Ewan MacPherson, Mhairi Hall, Màiri Nic a Mhaoilein and more to be announced. There will also be a late night ceilidh after the Awards till 1am.