Catriona Bourne’s (2011, Music) debut album, Triquetra, is set to launch on 11 October at Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club.

Inspired by her Scottish heritage, Catriona infuses folk, jazz and classical elements in her music. She has performed at various venues such as Kings Place, the London Jazz Festival and The Royal Albert Hall. The Triquetra ensemble includes Francis Tulip on guitar, Joe Bainbridge on drums and James Owston on bass (who was previously a Finalist in BBC’s Young Jazz Musician, 2018). The album was inspired by artists including Alice Coltrane, Francis Poulenc and Roy Hargrove.

Catriona comments on one of her tracks, “Coronach”: “In particular, I was deeply moved by J.J. Johnson’s jazz standard, Lament. A coronach is a traditional improvised lament for the dead in the Gaelic Celtic tradition.”

Catriona explains the folklore behind the piece, “Sligachan Bridge”, which began life after a visit to The Isle of Skye: “Water is often the gateway in legend between the faerie world and our own. It is said that if you dip your face into the water at Sligachan Bridge, you will be granted eternal beauty.”

The final track of the album, “Lannigan”, was influenced by “Lannigan’s Ball”, a historical folk melody. “Growing up playing this tune at cèilidhs (a traditional Scottish and Irish social gathering) with my family, I associate it with my childhood,” Catriona explains. By exploring soundscapes, in Triquetra, Catriona transports the listener to the feathery heather, deep-rooted lochs and boundless mountains of Scotland.

You can find out more by visiting Catriona’s website here or via her Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Published: 26 July 2024

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