Having heard this band perform live and been mightily impressed, I’m pleased to say The Outside Track has produced their eponymous first CD. This band is a fine example of how young musicians can take ‘traditional’ acoustic folk music, ensure it continues to evolve and yet remain true to its roots. The minute you listen to them you just know they’re going a long way.

‘A Kiss in The Morning’ has some hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies entwined with flute, clarsach and fiddle, ‘Sheliah’s Spectacles’ further showcases the intricacies of their instrumental work, and ‘The Lonsome Hen’ is another fine example of their vocal talents with outstanding harmonies and wonderful phrasing, once again their instruments weave a web around their words.

So who are these talented folk? There’s Norah Rendell who plays flute with a degree of style and sensitivity envied by many, Fiona Black who plays accomplished, entrancing piano accordion, and Alan Jordan who provides the sharp guitar work with a distinct jazz influence to his playing. Tricia Clark (remember the 2005 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award) is a class act on the fiddle with a natural distinctive style, and finally, Ailie Robertson who has the most delicate of touches and makes the Scottish harp come alive in her hands.

It’s little wonder that between them the members of The Outside Track have gathered an impressive tally of awards. These young folk combine their instrumental abilities with intricately balanced vocals, which blend seamlessly to deliver some of the freshest traditional music I’ve heard in a long time. They deserve success – I’ve a feeling it won’t be a long wait to hear it happen.