Two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, Mairearad Green (accordion and bagpipes) and Anna Massie (guitar, banjo, fiddle) are a truly captivating duo, providing a highly energetic performance with an instantly warm and friendly stage presence. Having played alongside each other for over ten years, they revel in an intuitive approach to each other’s musical ideas and interpretations, and an “almost telepathic communication” on stage (Hi-Arts), effortlessly showcasing the fruits of duo partnership to the highest level , creating “music more than the sum of just two parts” (The Scotsman).
Mairearad and Anna both grew up in the Scottish Highlands amidst very similar musical backgrounds (most notably, mandolin playing Dads!), and so share an innate understanding of Scottish culture and music. As a duo they have enjoyed many successes, including five stars in The Scotsman and high praise from KT Tunstall, becoming a much-loved live act.
Their three albums – 2009’s eponymous debut, ‘Doubling’ in 2013 and ‘Best Day’ 2015 – have met wide critical acclaim, Mairearad and Anna was recorded live, just the two musicians – the live double act – whilst Doubling features many layered tracks, building a more complex sound, though still just from the two musicians. At the heart of Doubling remains the live duo sets, intricately arranged and executed with symbiotic sympathy, enhancing their “must-see” reputation.
Harriet (vibraphone) and Alex (fiddle) formed a duo in 2018 after meeting through Live
Music Now, a charity which provides live music for people in challenging circumstances
who rarely get the opportunity to experience it. Harriet works with the charity performing
with Spindle Ensemble and Alex likewise performing with The Drystones and Archie
Churchill-Moss.
Their aim is to combine Alex’s traditionally influenced tune writing with Harriet’s expertise
with the jazz idiom, incorporating improvisation and extended techniques to create a
potent blend of sonic forces. The unusual pairing of fiddle and vibraphone combines a
unique tonal pallet allowing for atmospheric and hypnotic moments to be starkly
contrasted with vigorous dynamism.