Reviews

English Fiddle Ensemble
Album: Engrained
Label: Selwyn
Tracks: 8
Website: https://theenglishfiddleensemble.bandcamp.com/album/engrained

The English Fiddle Ensemble was formed to celebrate the richness of England's fiddle traditions. Each member brings a distinct regional style and musical background:

Bryony Griffith - a renowned folk fiddler and singer, known for her work with The Demon Barbers and her solo projects.
Jim Boyle - a versatile player with deep roots in English dance music.
Ross Grant - a fiddler with a flair for blending tradition and contemporary arrangements.
Rosie Butler-Hall - an accomplished musician whose playing emphasizes lyrical phrasing and rhythmic drive.

Together, they create a sound that is both authentic and innovative, weaving harmonies and counterpoint lines across the familiar backbone of English dance tunes.

"Engrained" is the ensemble's first full-length recording. The album containing eight tracks, each built around sets of two traditional tunes drawn from manuscripts, regional collections, and session repertoires. The group's mission was to highlight the breadth of English fiddle music, from well-known session favourites to rarely played gems and as with all things folk you may know some of the tunes by alternative names.

For me two sets stand out as emblematic of the ensemble's artistry, though it's fair to say that there isn't a weak track across the album:

"Shropshire Lass / Traveller's Joy" - As the opening track, this set immediately establishes the ensemble's ethos. The four fiddles intertwine with precision and exuberance, creating a layered texture that feels both celebratory and grounded. The tune selection nods to regional traditions, while the arrangement showcases the ensemble's ability to balance drive with delicacy.

"The Yellow Joak / White Jock" - At over seven minutes, this track is expansive, allowing the fiddlers to explore dynamic shifts and harmonic interplay. It demonstrates the ensemble's capacity to sustain energy across a long set, building tension and release in ways that mirror the experience of live dance. The performance is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, making it a centrepiece of the album.

Actually there's a third that really appealed, particularly if gin's your thing, but for that I let the video do the talking.

"Engrained" was produced, recorded, and mixed by Pete Ord, with mastering by Sam Proctor. The production emphasizes clarity and warmth, ensuring that the bite of bow strokes and the lift of rhythms are captured faithfully. The decision to record with minimal overdubs preserves the immediacy of the ensemble's live sound, giving listeners the sense of being in the room with the musicians. There is a reason that Ord has become one of the go to producers of folk albums, he knows how to bring out the best in people.

The album is more than a debut; it is a statement of intent. By focusing exclusively on fiddle music, the ensemble underscores the instrument's central role in English folk traditions. Their repertoire draws attention to lesser-known manuscripts, breathing new life into tunes that might otherwise remain in obscurity. At the same time, their arrangements highlight the communal joy of session playing, making the album accessible to both seasoned folk enthusiasts and newcomers.

The title "Engrained" reflects this dual mission: the music is deeply embedded in England's cultural fabric, yet the ensemble engrains their own artistry into the tradition, leaving a mark for future generations and giving the band a distinctive sound when placed alongside other fiddle ensembles with most drawing on the Celtic traditions

With "Engrained", The English Fiddle Ensemble has crafted a debut that is both scholarly and celebratory. It is a vibrant testament to the enduring power of English fiddle music, ensuring that these tunes are not only preserved but also reimagined for contemporary audiences.

Angie Ingrams

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