An Conasg

An Conasg are Tara Cunningham (fiddle), Sam Gillespie (wooden flute and vocals) and Siannie Moodie (Clàrsach), a vibrant trio recently to have emerged from Edinburgh’s traditional music scene. The heart of their music is the tune, the traditional or newly composed melody lovingly carried by all 3 instruments with the harmonic accompaniment of the clàrsach, rhythmic and lyrical at once. Yet they love to experiment, to play, harmonise and create space for each individual voice to express itself. The trio’s intimate musical communion makes for exciting live shows that feel truly dynamic, and whether exploring an ancient, haunting air or a blazing contemporary reel, they always seek to be true to the spirit of the music. Drawing deeply from the wellsprings of Scottish, English and Irish traditions An Conasg are also open in their outlook and take much inspiration from the musical languages of other lands, especially those of Britanny, Scandanavia, French Canada, American Old-time and the Middle East. The phrase ‘an conasg’ is gaelic for the gorse or the broom and the symbolism of these plants resonates strongly with the band. In ancient times the yellow bloom, always present to some degree even in Winter, was held to carry the fire and inspiration of the Sun god through the dark times of the year. An Conasg formed in the run up to Beltane when the gorse is bright on the hills and in the traveller tradition a time for roving, love, friendship and adventure. In many ways the band feel that the conasg embodies the calling of the travelling musician.