Tarras

biography

TARRAS

“I’ve loved Tarras for years, so great to hear their new album ‘Warn the Waters –it’s a phenomenal piece of work!” John Renbourn

“Tarras are one of the best bands ever!” Mike Harding

Tarras have had to re-schedule a number of 2013 dates and apologise for any inconvenience -it is due to their singer Ben Murray having  just been invited to be part of the cast of the West End Show ‘War Horse’ (as The Song Man) for the next 14 months. Ben has found out he cannot be released for all planned shows as first thought. The band have been considering options- and have decided they do not wish to appear without Ben- for fear of disappointing in any way and will  be back in full force with a new album and summer tour in 2014. Ben has expressed his concerns: “Please apologise on my behalf and let them know we will blow them away next year x”

The date for the rescheduled performances will be fixed when we have clearance for the tour period.

As old as time and as modern as the hour, the music of Tarras is impossible to pigeonhole. It draws heavily on the roots of folk and traditional music but reinterprets those themes with a freshness that is entirely contemporary. Through driving rhythms and soaring melodies, the sound of Tarras expresses the essence of an ancient countryside and a people who still confront the same human challenges as generation upon generation over the centuries.

This is Tarras (3 min edit)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ny5MF61NF8

Tarras concert highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay2L7MeITjw

First formed in 1997 the six-piece band from the north of England borders region released two albums to great critical acclaim. 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 - were nominated for the BBC Folk Awards, and toured Europe and America amid rumours of short-listing for a Mercury Music Prize, before moving on to other projects in 2002.

 Now having successfully re-launched themselves with the long-anticipated third album, Warn the Waters, their vision is more clear and coherent than ever. It is being distributed by Proper with full PR backing and will no doubt bring their groundbreaking music back to where it deserves to be. Recent live performances have gone amazingly well – appearances at top festivals including Cropredy and Celtic Connections have shown the new line up is indeed a sound to be reckoned with!

IN 2013 – plans are to get the full band to festivals, arts centres and venues in the UK and Europe. They plan TWO new albums (one concept-based and one to build on the previous album) and also to embark on a Pennine Way Tour! This will see them walking the route and playing at anywhere possible on the way!

 The group are also launching their ‘Tarras Minor’ (Acoustic trio version). Here the core of the band can offer their music for more intimate venues, folk clubs acoustic clubs etc. Performing with minimal PA or even totally acoustic, this puts the group affordable for all! A spring tour of this line-up is in the pipeline but it should also be available throughout the year when the full band is not operative.

 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 Louise 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 own right. Michael Woodward’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 is the driving force behind this exciting sound