The Boston-based Celtic folk duo Twae Left Feet may have just recently formed in late 2012 -fittingly on St. Andrew’s Day – but they have already taken the local scene by storm with their danceable versions of traditional Irish and Scottish folk tunes. The duo of Galen Fraser on fiddle, and Scott Burn on the traditional, tambourine-like bodhrán are currently writing and recording for their debut album set to be released later this fall.
In anticipation, they have released their first single titled, “Guess Into Frank’s Reel”. The song is a medley of two songs, one original and one traditional and their marriage of the two is effortless. It opens with the steady beat of the bodhrán and the introspective and swaying fiddle melodies on their original tune, “Guess”, which builds slowly until the rhythm of both the fiddle and the bodhrán are joined in whiskey-soaked unison for the much livelier and danceable jig of the traditional Scottish tune, “Frank’s Reel”.
The original part of the medley, “Guess”, was inspired by their trip to the Isle of Skye during their tour of Scotland, and possesses a timeless quality, sounding like a traditional tune itself. On the other hand, their unique take on “Frank’s Reel”, showcases their ability to honor the history of the music, while giving it their own flair and a slight modern touch.
If Twae Left Foot’s infectious first single, “Guess Into Frank’s Reel” is any indication, the highly-anticipated upcoming debut album from this emerging Celtic folk duo will have listeners up and dancing as well as raising a pint and singing along with their perfect blend of original and traditional Scottish and Irish folk instrumentals all across the world.
Review by: Justin Kreitzer
Rating: 4 out 5 stars