Marking the debut album by Catriona Bourne, 'Triquetra' presents an incredibly bold and inspired project from the multi-instrumentalist that draws from the elegance of neo-classical compositions positioning them alongside the innovation of ambient and free jazz.
A highly-decorated and highly-educated harpist and flautist, Bourne's dynamic and unparalleled vision presents a genuinely sublime and wholly unique perspective for her music. Billed as presenting a deep dive into the realms of "experimental folk-jazz", 'Triquetra' proves a phenomenal showcase for Bourne's indelible talents honed over years of study, performance and collaboration amidst a variety of collectives, ensembles and arrangements.
There's something about Catriona's music that lends itself to the joy of earnest exploration - beyond relishing the adventure of creating music across varied soundscapes, Bourne continues to prove fascinated with the exploration of her own abilities as an instrumentalist. As a flautist, Bourne embraces opportunities to play as part of a duo, accompanied by either piano or guitar, as well as trio and quartet ensembles; playing as part of the improvising collective, the London Ambient Orchestra, or as part of the Bolling Quartet, which further acts as a showcase to those classical music biases. And as a harpist of equal acclaim, Bourne continues to revel in opportunities to further recontextualise the instrument through a prolific work ethic and voracious performance schedule.
In truth, this whole article could be spent simply listing the limitless successes attributed to Catriona Bourne and all warrant due respect particularly as key moments and milestones building to the release of 'Triquetra'...
Backed by some fantastic support featuring Francis Tulip on guitar, James Owston on double bass and Joe Bainbridge on drums, 'Triquetra' provides a sensational, multi-faceted look into Bourne as a bandleader but also as an artist brimming with ideas and inspiration, all poured lovingly into the album's six compositions. An album steeped within Scottish tradition and mythology - its own love letter of sorts to the boundless influences that have gone on to shape Bourne's musical make-up and ultimately bring 'Triquetra' into existence. Nothing is wasted. Everything intricately included as part of the project's over-arching story from the song titles that cite fairy tales of enchanted waters ('Sligachan Bridge') to ritualistic laments for those since passed ('Coronach'). Even the album's title pays homage to the Celtic symbol for the concept of three - notably mind, body and spirit.
'Triquetra' presents Catriona Bourne's exquisite perspective on her music and serves in loving reverence to everything that paved the way for its release.
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