Presented by Soundhouse, Firelight Trio take us on a journey through European folk music, finding unity in the sounds of a myriad of cultures from klezmer to polka. Working in partnership with the Traverse as well as other venues around Edinburgh, Soundhouse is a charity organisation with the aim of promoting live music in Edinburgh. Firelight Trio are featured as a part of Soundhouse’s Summer lineup at the Traverse which holds focus on showcasing the talents of upcoming folk artists.
With weird and wonderful modifications to their instruments, an adept knowledge of their craft and a passion to share it, it is clear that Firelight Trio’s music is created with deep intentionality and expertise. The trio are highly credited, with Ruth Morris (who plays the Swedish nyckelharpa) having played on multiple television shows and featuring in multiple bands in which she plays piano, whistle, and fiddle as well as the nyckelharpa. Gavin Marwick (playing fiddle) is a well-known name in the folk scene, specifically known for his compositions, some of which have been professionally commissioned. And finally Phil Alexander (on accordion and piano) holds influence in the form of a PhD in Ethnomusicology – one which has clearly influenced the group’s style given their eclectic sound that you can’t quite place or credit solely to one origin.
Although the Klezmer influence is certainly identifiable, unsurprisingly so as Alexander has an extensive knowledge of Jewish music, currently researching it at The University of Edinburgh. The trios compositions may not exactly be “freygish” but there certainly is an unrelenting rigour to this set that shares the same feel that Klezmer produces. This unrelentingness goes hand-in-hand with the band’s Scandinavian predisposition – most notable in the repeating ostinatos and twirling, complex rhythms. Firelight Trio use this broad knowledge and experience of music to keenly blend very broad and unique sounds into something of their own. At times the music could do with some space to breathe, but given the styles the band takes inspiration from the adamance of the music does behave in accordance with the source material. The majority of the set asks its audience to dance to it, not to watch – perhaps the sit-down concert style doesn’t align very well with the persistence of Firelight Trio’s work. However certain compositions, most notably Marwick’s The Moon and the Sea, and Morris’ first composition were a wonder to sit and listen to.
With deep, illustrative layers, both pieces spoke for themselves, painting beautiful and dark scenes. Firelight Trio bring a new take to musical practices of old, bringing a skillful technicality to the music while still remaining true to the essence of folk. The trio plan to record the full set of tunes in the next coming weeks, aiming to release the album next Spring, but for anyone desperate to hear this project before then, Firelight Trio have a stacked list of upcoming tour dates which can be seen on their website: https://www.firelighttrio.co.uk/live-wav.
Reviewer: Jessie Martin
Reviewed: 10th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: