Harem Scarem's music reflects the nature and personalities of the band members. In the main, it is bright and outgoing, but also capable of calm, refelctive, and often moving moments.
Tracks on this CD range from traditional instrumentals and further afield, to original compositions. There is a fine mix of expertly arranged tune sets and lusciously harmonised songs, all executed in a polished but relaxed and individualistic style.
This band is made up of 5 fantastic celtic musicians who are leading lights on the Scottish music scene. By this CD and smile.
Media Reviews
bustling with ideas and variety.
Harem Scarem, a four-fifths female line-up featuring twin fiddles, flute, accordion, guitar and vocals, variously hails from Shetland, Orkney, the west Highlands and Dundalk. Casting their musical net wide, they mix traditional, contemporary and self-penned tunes, drawing from Scandinavian, French, Cape Breton and Balkan sources. In addition to the vivacity, brio and close-knit ensemble empathy that immediately sings out from the album, the arrangements throughout are bustling with ideas and variety. Though a few of the songs are sketchily realised, others reveal chief songwriter Inge Thompson as a highly distinctive talent, her honey-sweet yet edgily tart delivery backed up by some harmony vocals from her colleagues.
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