After many years of collaborating in various guises, this November will see the release of the highly anticipated first duo album from Nick Hart and Tom Moore. The Colour Of Amber is a collection of traditional songs and tunes brought vividly to life with viola, viola da gamba and voice. Folk aficionados will be familiar with the work of both players, and neither is a stranger to critical acclaim. Tom’s playing has been called “ingenious” (The Guardian) and “irresistible” (The Independent) and Nick has been described as “…probably the finest interpreter of traditional English folk songs this generation has produced…” (tradfolk.co).
The album showcases the deep understanding these two artists have of the material they are working with and their synergy is palpable throughout. Recorded live in the room with very little arrangement, these ten tracks invite their audience to listen in on something being brought to life anew, with variations being teased out of the songs and tunes at every turn.
The unusual combination of Tom’s viola and Nick’s tenor viol, augmented by drones and basses from an old church harmonium, creates a rich and fascinating set of textures. The four instrumental tracks see Tom taking the lead, with Nick’s viol shadowing and underpinning his stronger melodic lines, while in the six songs featured, Tom’s viola moves delicately around the vocal, creating delicious counterpoints to the melody. The result is an absorbing exploration of English music by two master players, whose sensitivity and musicianship is in evident abundance. The Colour Of Amber was set for release on CD, Vinyl and digital on the 22nd of November 2023, with launch dates in London, Bristol and Norwich. The duo will be touring the UK and making festival appearances in 2024.
Artists’ website: https://www.facebook.com/nickharttommoore/
‘The Raggle Taggle Gypsy’ – live:
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