Rachel Groves, Scottish lever harpist, introduces her first single release Dr Neil’s on 3 May 2024 with the record label ‘Folk & Flow’.
Lying hidden behind an Edinburgh churchyard, between the shores of Duddingston Loch and the slopes of Arthur’s Seat, Dr Neil’s Garden was created by Drs Andrew and Nancy Neil for themselves and their community. During the six years Rachel lived in Edinburgh, it became a haven from city life for her. Dr Neil’s, scored for lever harp and string quartet, evokes a sense of both the gentle serenity and flourishing life which is found in this place.
Growing up in Aberdeenshire, Rachel is a musician and composer whose style combines love of traditional music with a curiosity to bring this versatile instrument into new spaces. She is particularly interested in reimagining elements of folk music in contemporary and improvisatory contexts, interdisciplinary art performance, cross-cultural exchange, and how we use music to give meaning, ask questions and build bridges between people.
The track was recorded during her studies at Berklee College of Music in Valencia and in her adopted hometown of Edinburgh. This piece is a reflection of the melting pot of musical languages and styles she has found herself surrounded by over recent years. Featuring musicians from across Europe and the US, Dr Neil’s blends folk melodies with the classical sound of the string quartet, while the influence of jazz can be heard in the harmony and rhythm.
Rachel will be celebrating the release of her debut single with a night of folk and original music on 10 May at Fogo Kirk, in Berwickshire. Featuring the premiere of ‘Dr Neil’s’ within a new three part suite for harp and strings, she will be joined by musicians from Edinburgh, the Borders and beyond.
Maeve Gilchrist, Scottish lever harpist said: “It’s rare to find such engaging composition paired with such effortless joy of playing and Rachel has both in spades.”
Rachel Groves:
Instagram – @rachel.harpist
Photo Greg Keenan
