It’s been a while since we heard from The Lasses, an Amsterdam-based folk duo comprised of Sophie Janna and Margot Merah, so when they reached out to tell us about their new single, a cover of one of my favourite songs by Karine Polwart, we were more than keen to share it with you all.
The single, Follow the Heron, featured on Karine’s ‘Scribbled in Chalk’ album from 2009 and is released tomorrow by The Lasses in a beautiful and sublime collaboration with Portland-based artist Kathryn Claire. The artwork for the single, like the song and their three-part harmonies, is simply stunning, it is also our Song of the Day.
On Follow the Heron:
If there was ever a song that celebrates the end of a tough winter, it’s this folk classic: Follow the Heron. Written by Scottish songstress Karine Polwart, the song acknowledges the darkness while saluting the light, looking forward to the days we can spend together after being alone for much too long.
Amsterdam-based duo The Lasses had been singing this song for years when they met Portland musician Kathryn Claire on a late autumn evening. Despite the 5000 miles between their homes, the musical connection between the three women was formed instantly and they decided to go on tour together in the US the next spring. It was a lonely winter for Kathryn and she was keenly awaiting the arrival of her two new music friends. From all the songs on The Lasses’ repertoire, Follow the Heron soon became the dearest to her heart: the lyrics and melody are a promise of better days ahead. When The Lasses arrived in Portland, Kathryn had added a third harmony and a violin solo to the song.
Recorded at the end of their last tour in the USA in Portland’s The Rye Room, The Lasses and Kathryn Claire think that this is the perfect time to release their version of this folk classic. The clean and modern production stands in contrast with the three women’s timeless folk sound and unadorned arrangement with acoustic guitar and violin. Less is more in this crystal-clear three-part harmony version of Follow the Heron.
Presave the song via https://snd.click/lakjphx
https://www.thelasses.nl/
https://kathrynclairemusic.com/
Photo Credit and Artwork: Anneke ter Schure