BEAT ROOT: THE FURROW COLLECTIVE

A Weekend of Alternative Roots Music In Belfast

This acclaimed collective brings together four of the finest, award winning musicians on the UK folk scene; Rachel Newton, Lucy Farrell, Emily Portman, and Alasdair Robert, as they delve into the obscure world of balladry at its darkest and quirkiest.



Each singer airs lesser-known gems from their traditional repertoire with an eclectic backing of harp, guitar, viola, concertina, banjo, musical saw and rousing harmonies.



With a bold, improvisatory approach, their common focus is to capture the raw edges and fleeting magic of ballads, with storytelling taking centre stage. Emily and Alasdair are both known for their original, folklore-influenced songwriting. Often finding themselves on the same bills, they struck up a musical friendship, sharing stages and collaborating on each other’s albums. Lucy and Rachel are both bewitching solo artists in their own right as well as being sought-after session players and long-time collaborators with Emily Portman in her trio.



Their 2014 debut release, “At Our Next Meeting” received widespread critical acclaim, and a new album is planned for release in late 2015.