KINNFOLK

Deeply rooted in tradition, particularly Scottish and Irish, they are also inspired by the bluegrass and old-time music found in this Appalachian region. After releasing two albums in 2020 and 2022, they are back with their third opus, Star Above The Mountains. Ten tracks of traditional and original compositions, a collection of Celtic music that explores the history, geography and traditional legends of their home town of Roanoke, Virginia. An album that draws on local themes to tell the stories of their community.

Josh and Julie are both composers, Josh on music and Julie on lyrics. This gives us some charming tracks: The Greenway Set, The Triple Crown Set and The Star Above The Mountains, which gives the album its title. With her delicate, sensitive voice, Julie sings The Water's Rising, Old Gabriel and Song For The Valley. We are surprised to find Highland Laddie, written by the great Scottish poet Robert Burns, as well as Gwendal, a song composed by the Breton Pierre-Yves Moign. Josh and Julie also perform Roanoke Puirt À Beul, a song entirely in Gaelic. The album ends with the traditional Irish song The Parting Glass.
Finally, for the first time, the duo called on a few other musicians to accompany them in the studio. The fiddle, uilleann pipes, wooden flute, tin whistle, banjo and bouzouki join Josh's guitar, mandolin and bouzouki and his partner's bodhrán.
A fine album from a duo that is no less so. Let's wish them a long career with other albums of the same quality.

Autoproduit - www.kinnfolkmusic.com