Nominated for Folk Band of the Year 2017 in the MG ALBA Scots. Trad. Music Awards
Routes is a string quartet with a difference; made up of traditional folk musicians,
Routes writes and performs a combination of contemporary compositions and innovative arrangements of traditional music. The ensemble bridges the gap between classical and folk music; exploring the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities which are characteristic of a string quartet.
Routes writes and performs a combination of contemporary compositions and innovative arrangements of traditional music. The ensemble bridges the gap between classical and folk music; exploring the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities which are characteristic of a string quartet.
Follow us on Social Media:
@RoutesStrings
The Routes Quartet is an exquisite blend of folk, classical, jazz and fiddle traditions, featuring evocative arrangements of folk tunes and stunning original compositions. The Routes Quartet is made up of the classic string quartet instrumentation of Cello (Rufus Huggan), Viola (Emma Tomlinson), and two Fiddles (David Lombardi and Madeleine Stewart). With a love of Scottish Music, Routes bring different approaches from classical, jazz, blues and Scandinavian influences to combine with their original compositions and arrangements of existing tunes. Routes set out to arrange and explore the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities that are characteristic of the string quartet, but with a folky, rootsy accent.
'Scots string quartet with a true folk music understanding' - Tim Woodall, Songlines Magazine
'Different and exceptional in approach and scope.' - Tim Carroll, Folkwords
'Profound learning in both the Celtic traditions and Classical music has left this group respectful of their roots yet complex in their composition.' - Marty Cullen, BBC Radio Ulster
'Scots string quartet with a true folk music understanding' - Tim Woodall, Songlines Magazine
'Different and exceptional in approach and scope.' - Tim Carroll, Folkwords
'Profound learning in both the Celtic traditions and Classical music has left this group respectful of their roots yet complex in their composition.' - Marty Cullen, BBC Radio Ulster
Their debut album ‘Windrose’ is produced by none other than highly acclaimed fiddle player Patsy Reid.
The Routes Quartet Debut Album ‘Windrose’ was recorded live by Keir Long at St. Columba’s Chapel, Drimnin Estate on the Morven Penninsula and was produced by The Routes Quartet and Patsy Reid. It was mixed by Keir Long at Carrier Waves Studio and mastered by Gordon Gunn in Caithness Mix Room. All photos, artwork and design by Somhairle MacDonald. The Routes Quartet is named so due to the combination of Scottish, Irish and English members. Consequently the title ‘Windrose’ is the name as it stands for the cardinal points of a compass which represents the band’s mixture of geographical heritage and musical influences.
'A truly cathartic listen' - Martha Buckley, Folk Radio UK
'Bringing classical training to bear on traditional music with a sophistication beyond their years. The way all the music is arranged and played is what makes the album a gloriously coherent success.' - Keith Bruce, The Herald Scotland
To purchase a copy please visit: https://theroutesquartet.bandcamp.com/album/windrose
The Routes Quartet Debut Album ‘Windrose’ was recorded live by Keir Long at St. Columba’s Chapel, Drimnin Estate on the Morven Penninsula and was produced by The Routes Quartet and Patsy Reid. It was mixed by Keir Long at Carrier Waves Studio and mastered by Gordon Gunn in Caithness Mix Room. All photos, artwork and design by Somhairle MacDonald. The Routes Quartet is named so due to the combination of Scottish, Irish and English members. Consequently the title ‘Windrose’ is the name as it stands for the cardinal points of a compass which represents the band’s mixture of geographical heritage and musical influences.
'A truly cathartic listen' - Martha Buckley, Folk Radio UK
'Bringing classical training to bear on traditional music with a sophistication beyond their years. The way all the music is arranged and played is what makes the album a gloriously coherent success.' - Keith Bruce, The Herald Scotland
To purchase a copy please visit: https://theroutesquartet.bandcamp.com/album/windrose