Firelight Trio : Firelight Trio Review

Firelight Trio plays European folk music that is evocative, imaginative, and endlessly thrilling. Firelight Trio is their debut album of driving fiddle, and stately nyckelharpa meet deep accordion grooves in a vivid embroidery of lively Swedish polskas and Scottish reels, lilting French waltzes, toe-tapping klezmer, and impressive original tunes. Firelight Trio brings musicians from Moishe’s Bagel, Gavin Marwick’s Journeyman, and Bellevue Rendezvous to create a mighty, exciting sound, wide-ranging and richly textured. Ruth Morris’ resonant nyckelharpa is matched by Marwick’s powerhouse fiddle, all backed up by Phil Alexander’s groovily inventive accordion and piano, all to create eleven beautiful songs.

“Chasen Senem/ Filthy Lucre/ The Latvians March” is the opening selection of a series of melodies. The first melody is a traditional Romanian melody. The second melodies are originals by Marwick. The three melodies are seamlessly joined and performed with attention to detail and a trio sound that is balanced and energetic. The resonant nyckelharpa is stunning as Marwick’s fiddle weaves between the sounds with Alexander’s steady support on the accordion.

“The Wages of Gin/Java St.Andrews” are two more Marwick originals that are incredibly catchy and soul-feeding. The three musicians layer in as the melody rises to the top to warn us how gin will sneak up on you. The chord progression moves beautifully in the later part as the energy increases. “Java St.Andrews” paints an emotion of the joys of coffee and dancing. The melody notes paint a picture of dancing, and the three musicians bring this out wonderfully.

Firelight Trio has all the elements of a beautiful world music release with Swedish polskas and Scottish reels, lilting French waltzes, toe-tapping klezmer, and striking original tunes. The energy on Firelight Trio is one of friendship, respect, and camaraderie of three very talented musicians.

Firelight Trio: Website