Contemporary folk trio FLIT, formed of Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, Hardanger fiddle player Guro Kvifte Nesheim, and harmonica and diatonic accordion player Will Pound, is to headline on Saturday night at this month’s Soundhouse Winter Festival (26 to 30 November).The trio was recently added to the line-up following the unfortunate withdrawal by Jake Cogan due to ill health.
The members of FLIT came together through a shared fascination with the meeting point between tradition and invention. Together they craft a sound defined not by geography but by musical personality: intricate melodic interplay, rhythmic delicacy, spacious textures and a shared commitment to listening and responding in real time. Their performances move effortlessly between driving tunes, atmospheric soundscapes and intimate moments of stillness, creating a dynamic and engaging live experience.
Guro Kvifte Nesheim’s playing is grounded in the resonant, dance-driven language of the Hardanger fiddle. Her musicianship blends traditional Norwegian bowing techniques, ornamentation and rhythmic nuance with a modern, open-eared approach to arrangement and ensemble playing.
Amy Laurenson adds the broad harmonic palette and expressive sensitivity of a classically trained pianist with a lifelong connection to Shetland’s musical heritage. Her pianism offers clarity, colour and an instinctive understanding of how to support and shape traditional melody within a contemporary trio setting.
Will Pound is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most inventive harmonica and diatonic accordion players. Known for his exceptional technique and improvisational energy, he brings agility, warmth and a distinct melodic voice to the group.
Musician Amy Laurenson said:
“We’re so excited to be joining this year’s Soundhouse Winter Festival line-up. Our repertoire is a dream combo for me of Shetland, Norwegian and English trad alongside our own compositions and we’re so looking forward to bringing this music to Scotland for the very first time. Hopefully catch you there! ”
The Soundhouse Winter Festival kicks off on Thursday 26 November at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh with a packed programme, performed by some of the finest jazz, trad, and indie musicians based in Scotland including:
Sacred Paws + Nani Porenta
Malin Lewis
Heidi Talbot & Boo Hewerdine
Matt Carmichael – launching his new album with Charlie Stewart (fiddle), James Mackay (guitars), Chris Amer (Guitars), Fergus McCreadie (piano), Ali Watson (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums).
In addition, there will be the premiere of new commission Space for Dreaming performed by Harben Kay (tenor saxophone, flute), Pippa Blundell (voice, guitar), Danielle Price (tuba), Brodie Laird-Jarvie (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums); workshops with Oi Musica and Sophie Bancroft; a free performance by The Soundhouse Choir to celebrate its 10th anniversary, early evening performances by Cera Impala, Deep Blue and Haftor Medbøe and Konrad Wiszniewski and a jazz spotlight on emerging artists featuring Nor, Laura Osa and Zoe Downs Band.
Laura Osa will also present a free, half-hour pop-up performance at the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh with keyboard player Ewan Johnston at 12.30pm on Saturday 28 November.
The Soundhouse Winter Festival now in its 3rd year runs over St Andrews Day and the Fair Saturday weekend and is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers said:
“It’s obviously hard when a member of your carefully curated line-up is not able to play, but we are super excited that FLIT have agreed to step into the breach. This is a band we have followed closely since its inception as we are massive fans of each of the performers, all world-class players. Lovers of Nordic flavoured folk tunes should not miss this gig!’
Booking link for tickets – soundhousewinterfest.com
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