The Outside Track

was formed when they were all students at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick, and are quickly earning themselves a reputation as one of the most exciting new bands on the traditional music scene. With a truly diverse line-up, from Scotland, England, Ireland and Canada, they combine music from all their different cultures to form a distinct and dynamic musical sound. Flute, harp, fiddle, guitar, accordion and vocals combine in expressive, energetic arrangements that deliver traditional music with a modern twist. Song repertoire encompasses both classic ballads and contemporary songwriting, combining the tradition with fresh new material. Five-part harmony singing sits alongside sparkling new instrumental sets. With an average age below 25 the members of the band may be young, but between them they have performing credentials that many veteran bands could wish for.

Formed in Limerick but now operating from Edinburgh as their band 'home' the Outside Track has toured in Scotland and Ireland and in the summer of 2007 makes its first sortie south of the border into England where they'll be playing concerts and festivals including the massive Sidmouth Folk Week, where they play a main stage concert on the Ham with Altan.

The Outside Track's self-titled debut CD was recorded in late 2006 and is due for release in June 2007 on the UK-based Bedspring label. This lively mixture of fourteen tunes and songs draws from both traditional and contemporary sources with some self written. there are songs from Canada, the USA, Scotland and Ireland and tunes from Cape Breton, Scotland, Ireland, England and Galicia  The breadth of their work and their obvious talents for arrangement and writing is impressive for a band so young in years but perhaps evrything we should expect for a band so talented.