The word RANT in Scots means something entirely different to the ‘ranting & raving’ variety that some of you maybe associate the word with –
Scots : 1.noun – an energetic dance or its tune; 2.verb – to make merry, to frolic.
A perfect description for the joining forces of four of Scotland’s finest fiddle players: Bethany Reid, Jenna Reid, Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren MacColl. Jenna explained that they got together after the Niel Gow Festival in Dunkeld:
We were all performing in different groups but afterwards met up for a tune. We loved the sound of just playing 4 fiddles unaccompanied and it went from there.
The combination of all four fiddle players creates a unique sound, the interplay between them offers not a wall of sound as some might expect but rich delicate layers of harmony and melodies which conjure up the celtic landscapes of the Scottish highlands and Shetland Islands. Their ability to work so well together possibly stems from their tradtional solo work which they are all well known for but to create such a rich evocative sound as this points to something beneath the surface, a natural chemistry is at play and the results are beautiful.
Their first gig will be part of a fine double bill at the Black Isle Fiddle Weekend (CROMARTY: East Church) with Mairearad Green and Anna Massie on 7th July. Tickets here
If you like this then you may also enjoy this mix we did a while ago which also features Sarah-Jane Summers playing ‘The Lewisman In Exile’: