One Track Mind: Twae-Left-Feet, “Guess into Frank’s Reel” (2013)

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Beginning with a ruminative exploration on the fiddle, the Boston-based Celtic duo Twae-Left-Feet paint an enveloping portrait of old-world charm – before leaping with winking gusto into what might be best described as heel-clicking hootenanny. Meanwhile, Scott Burn’s layered, deeply intriguing work on the tambourine-like bodhran gives the tune both its ageless complexity and its joy-fueled propulsion.

Turns out, “Guess into Frank’s Reel” is aptly named, since it finds Twae-Left-Feet melding their original composition “Guess” with the traditional Scottish tune “Frank’s Reel.” The latter had quickly become a concert favorite once violinist Galen Fraser began performing as Twae-Left-Feet with Burn on St. Andrew’s Day in 2012.

By combining this familiar favorite with something new of their own – “Guess” was inspired by a journey to the Isle of Skye during a tour of Scotland – the pair establish fresh musical connections. There’s no better way to ensure that these age-old folkways survive into the next generation.

Nick DeRiso