As old as time and as modern as the hour, the music of Tarras is impossible to pigeonhole. It draws heavily on the roots of folk and traditional music but reinterprets those themes with a freshness that is entirely contemporary.

Through driving rhythms and soaring melodies, the sound of Tarras expresses the essence of an ancient countryside and a people who still confront the same human challenges as generation upon generation over the centuries.

Normally a six-piece band with drums- the group have launched an all-venue friendly Acoustic trio version (Tarras Minor) using the core of the group- singer/songwriters Ben Murray (guitar, accordion, vocals ) and Rory Connor (guitar, vocals) plus Michael Woodward (bass, guitar, mandolin). 

They can now offer their music for more intimate venues, folk clubs acoustic clubs etc.

Performing with minimal PA or even totally acoustic, this puts the group affordable for all! A tour of this line-up is in the pipeline but it should also be available throughout the year. During most of 2013 and early 2014 the band have been taking a break while pianist/songwriter Ben Murray has been performing in the West End production of War Horse playing The Songman –quite an honour!  As this commitment draws to a close the band are preparing for a re-launch tour and plan to release a brand new album in the coming months.

First formed in 1997 the six-piece band from the north of England borders region released two albums to great critical acclaim. Their striking songs and vigorous interpretation of traditional material saw them snapped up by major folk label Topic. Mojo magazine named their debut ‘Rising’ Album of the Month. The band - then barely out of their teens - were nominated for the BBC Folk Awards, and toured Europe and America amid rumours of short-listing for a Mercury Music Prize, before moving on to other projects in 2002. 

Having successfully re-formed with the long-anticipated third album, Warn the Waters, their vision is more clear and coherent than ever. Distributed by Proper with full PR backing it brought their groundbreaking music back to where it deserves to be.  Their live performances have gone amazingly well – appearances at top festivals including Cropredy and Celtic Connections have shown the new line up is indeed a sound to be reckoned with!

The Trio
Piano and accordion player Ben Murray has worked extensively in the music industry, recording and touring all over the world with artists including Seth Lakeman, The Imagined Village and Renzo Spiteri. Ben also performed in a duo with life-long friend Rosie Doonan, and their debut album gained them a nomination for the horizon award at the Radio 2 Folk Awards. Guitarist Rory Connor whilst new to the line-up, has an extensive musical background and is an accomplished singer and songwriter in his own right. Michael Woodward’s uncle is Joss Clapp, the original bass player for Tarras. Not only has Michael taken up the role as bass player in the band, but he also uses Joss's bass and mandolin.

Details:
Tarras Minor appear at Kingskerswell Parish Church (St Marys) Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD on November 1st Tickets £10 advance

Tickets from www.seetickets.com 0871 220 0260 www.theticketsellers.co.uk or 07815 620402  Doors 7pm. www.worldunlimited.co.uk