It’s rare to find two musicians so finely-attuned to each other that they are barely a pulse apart. Gabrielle Macrae and Barry Southern have won a legion of fans around the world with their super-tasty interpretation of that territory where traditional Bluegrass and Appalachian Old-Time cross over sweetly. The original material that is woven in so seamlessly, blends to perfection. Gabrielle was drawn to the traditional music of the Appalachians like a moth to a flame. As a teenager she travelled extensively in and around western North Carolina, attending fiddlers’ conventions and festivals where she absorbed a feast of gems as well as playing styles “from the source.” Barry had been well-rooted on the Bluegrass scene for several years, played with different bands and is equally accomplished on both banjo and guitar. They really are a meant-to-be pairing. When they sing harmony vocals, there is an irresistible purity that raises the goosebumps. Frequently compared to Pharis & Jason Romero, they bring the same panache to the stage and recording studio. Touring over here from their base in Oregon, they are the main headline act at this year’s FOAOTMAD Festival in Gainsborough.

Website: www.horsenecks.net Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJrk3-wRBA0