Narthen are Jo Freya, Fi Fraser Sarah Matthews and Doug Eunson. They present an orchestra of sound between them, via whistles, saxes, fiddles, viola, hammer dulcimer, accordion and hardy-gurdy as well as four magnificent voices.

 

Their aim is to sing and play the songs and tunes that reflect their individual personalities and tastes. From the tradition through to modern times, anything goes, and that material is expressed through vocal harmony and a large variety of instruments. There’s a huge amount of warmth and humour in every show from four people who together create a new sound.

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They'll be playing on the Folk Stage on Friday afternoon and then leadng the late night Ceilidh. There is a compendium of experience here where the Narthen individuals have played with some of the most influential bands of all times, both on the English Ceilidh scene and Bal folk scene. To hear that you might usually have to see Old Swan, Blowzabella, Polka Works or Cupolla, separately but here you get all of those influences in one happy, joyful, driving dance sound. Calling is done by Jo and Fi to ensure that the music and dance fit perfectly together.

 

Jo Freya – Soprano Sax, Clarinet, Whistles and vocals

Fi Fraser – Hammered Dulcimer, Fiddle, Vocals

Sarah Matthews – Violin, Viola, Vocals

Doug Eunson- Diatonic Accordeon, Hurdy-Gurdy, Vocals