Celtic Sounds from The Outside Track

March 4, 2016

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Sleder’s of Traverse City welcomes a standout Celtic act to their On The Porch concert series.

The Outside Track, a five-member group named one of the top Celtic acts in the world by both the TIR (Traditional Music) Awards and the Livies (liveIreland Awards), blends instrumental music, traditional songs and step dancing to craft a skillful and energetic show.

Bringing sounds from Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton, the touring group consists of Ailie Robertson on harp and vocals, Teresa Horgan on flute and vocals, Fiona Black on accordion, Emerald Rae on fiddle (Rae is also a step dancer) and Simon Marion on guitar.

SHIFTING SOUNDS

The Outside Track’s main group formed 10 years ago in Ireland, back when all the bandmates were students and aspiring musicians; they are still growing, to some degree, as they change out some of their members for touring and other live performances.

“Now, we all live in different countries, but we tour about five months a year, so we see each other regularly,” explained Robertson. “Each person brings their own instrumental and vocal expertise, as well as a deep understanding of their home country’s traditions.”

Those different countries and travels have brought additional audio elements to the traditional sounds on which The Outside Track has built their foundation. Rae has spent time in America (Boston), Black mixes up her native Scottish style with Irish and Swedish influences, and Marion’s guitar work includes such outside sounds as jazz and the pop music of Madonna.

But live, it’s all a seamless fit.

STYLE SHOWCASE

“We work for a long time finding and writing material that will suit our lineup and style,” Robertson explained. “Generally, there’s a lot of overlap between our traditions, so we find the common ground and work from there. I think the most important thing is that we really lock in together when we play, and find a groove that unites us.”

The Outside Track’s latest

album, Light Up the Dark, was recorded in similar eclectic fashion, in four different studios: one in Ireland, one in Scotland, one in Cape Breton and one in England.

“We recorded over a period of a few months, whenever we had a day off on tour, hence the various locations!” Robertson said.

The album was produced by the band members, working with London engineer Julian Sutton on the final mixdowns, and it presents a shifting mix of moods, carefully curated throughout the tracklisting.

“It’s a collection of songs and tunes that we really love,” Robertson added. “We spent over two years searching for the right repertoire for it, and think we found material that is really joyous to play and listen to.”

The band will be showcasing the new album, plus a few old Celtic classics, at their upcoming Traverse City show.

“And maybe even a few brand new numbers!” Robertson said.

The Outside Track will be in concert Sunday, Mar. 13, at 4pm On The Porch at Sleder’s Family Tavern in Traverse City. Tickets are $20 advance/$25 at the door; advance purchase is recommended. For tickets and more information, call (231) 947-9213.