TEYR (fiddler and guitarist James Patrick Gavin, accordionist Tommie Black-Roff and uilleann piper and whistle player Dominic Henderson) are delighted to announce the release of their second album, Estren, released on 30 April, recorded and produced by Ian Stephenson (Kan, Baltic Crossing, 422, Andy May Trio). Their return marks a new focus on raw live sound, interwoven vocals, musical collaboration and rich soundscapes. The new album melds original compositions and songs, tipping its hat to the themes of travel, immigration and identity summed up in the word ‘Estren’, Cornish for ‘Stranger’.
The record features a wealth of guest musicians, hailing from diverse backgrounds, all with strong ties with TEYR. They include award-winning cellist Abel Selaocoe (Kabantu, Chesaba), vocalist Ruth Corey (NYX Electronic Drone Choir), Cornish clarinettist Hilary Coleman (Dalla), fiddler and composer Alastair Caplin (Band of Burns, The Langan Band), BBC R2 Folk Award Nominee Sid Goldsmith (Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith, Awake Arise), violinist Holly Harman (Twisted Twenty, Pennyfiddle Records), violist Amy Jane Hosken (Rad Orchestra), bodhran player Tad Sargent (Crossharbour, Matt Tighe & Tad Sargent), violinist Flora Curzon (Fran & Flora, Gaia Duo) and bassist Nina Harries (Akram Khan, London Electronic Orchestra). The resulting expansive sound is a new chapter in TEYR’s distinctive blend of high energy and fine craft.
To celebrate its release we have a new video to share. Shannon Frisk Arrivals is a live version of Estren’s opening track. TEYR recorded this video way back in 2019 at the beautiful Welsh Chapel in central London during a heatwave. The soaring central chamber of the Chapel was practically chilly compared to the street outside, and the perfect place to capture the highs and lows of the tune. Here’s what the liner notes say:
The first few notes were written while James was waiting in the lounge of Shannon Airport. The rest wrote itself, emerging through jams on tour. Arrivals/Departures picks up where our first album ‘Far From The Tree’ left off, and unfolds into the rest of the album. The story never lingers for too long, eager for the next chapter. This is our trio in its rawest form.
There is nothing quite like musicians playing together on that intuitive level where they almost become one for a tune’s duration. This is clearly evident in TEYR’s playing and it’s such a pleasure to see the trio enjoying that in this live performance, from the fun interlude to the gorgeous flow of all three instruments exploring the melody…intricate yet playful. We’re looking forward to seeing how this works alongside the superb guests they have lined-up for Estren. Exceptional.
The second half of the tune, Shannon Frisk Departures will premier later this week on Folk Radio, so stay tuned.
Originally formed in London at the beginning of 2013, the band saw critical acclaim in their 2016 debut album Far From The Tree. In recent years the members of TEYR’s ranks have taken on their own individual journeys; producing albums of their own and taking part in musical studies in the Nordic Countries. The trio – formed of fiddler and guitarist James Patrick Gavin, accordionist Tommie Black-Roff and uilleann piper and whistle player Dominic Henderson – are thrilled to return to the fray once more as TEYR and share their new vision, Estren.
Estren is out 30th April 2021 on Sleight of Hand Records. To preorder the album head to: https://teyr.co.uk/estren/
Photo Credit: Manka Photography