Tarras

biography

TARRAS are a six-piece band hailing from the north of England and the borders of Scotland. They play an exciting blend of self-penned songs and traditional material, reworked in the band's distinctive style. Instruments including accordion, violin and cittern give Tarras a traditional sound, but fused with drums, bass, piano and guitar, the songs and arrangements become very contemporary in style.

The news they are back together will be welcomed by thousands of fans who felt Tarras were just beginning to fulfil their potential when they split in 2002, shortly after being nominated for the BBC Folk Awards, and amid rumours of shortlisting for a Mercury Music Prize. Back then their striking songs and vigorous interpretation of traditional material saw them snapped up by major folk label Topic. Mojo magazine named their debut 'Rising' Album of the Month. The band – then barely out of their teens – toured Europe and America before moving on to other projects.

Tarras are now reformed with a revised line-up and ready to face a world that has changed since first time round. Recent gigs indicate the climate now suits the group better than ever as they rapidly gain new fans. They are about to release a new album Warn the Waters - already receiving great feedback. It is being distributed by Proper and will no doubt bring their groundbreaking music back to where it deserves to be. The group can adapt their set to suit both stand-up or sit-down venues, and can even offer a slimmed down version for more intimate acoustic clubs etc.

This is Tarras: click here to watch

Tarras concert highlights click here to watch

The Band

Piano and accordion player Ben Murray has worked extensively in the music industry, recording and touring all over the world with artists including Seth Lakeman, The Imagined Village and Renzo Spiteri. Ben also performed in a duo with life-long friend Rosie Doonan, and their debut album gained them a nomination for the horizon award at the Radio 2 Folk Awards. Cittern player Rob Armstong's love and knowledge of music helped shape the bands style. They even decided to name themselves after a small glen in the Scottish borders where Rob's ancestors hid their cattle from the marauding English and other border families! Violinist Lou Peacock has worked with the likes of David Gray, Starsailor and Lisa Stansfield and toured for four years with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music. Guitarist Rory Conner whilst new to the line-up, has an extensive musical background and is an accomplished singer and songwriter in his one right. Michael Woodford's uncle is Joss Clapp, the original bass player for Tarras. Not only has Michael taken up the role as bass player in the band, but he also uses Joss's bass and mandolin. The line-up is completed by experienced drummer Liam Hiatt who has a background in many styles of music and is the driving force behind this exciting sound.

Ben Murray
Louise Peacock
Rory Connor
Rob Armstrong
Michael Woodward
Liam Hiatt