Færd

 

Færd was launched in 2001 by Peter Uhrbrand and Eskil Romme.  They were inspired by a visit to the Faroe Islands, where they discovered a deep-rooted musical tradition that was little known elsewhere in Scandinavia. 

 

The band has evolved over the years and there have been several changes of personnel, though Peter and Eskil have been there throughout; at one point, Faerd was a quintet.  The first album, Faerd (2002) contained songs and dance tunes from Faroe and Shetland, together with a song in memory of Scots singer Davy Steele.  In 2003, Faerd was nominated in five categories in the Danish Folk Music Awards.

 

Since 2005, Færd has been a trio, still including Peter and Eskil but joined by Swedish musician Jens Ulvsand.  The attachment to Scandinavian material remains, but Jens’ influence has led the band to experiment with new styles.  Although the focus is still acoustic, Jens has brought his experience in jazz and rock genres.

 

Færd’s 2006 album, “Logbok”, also features Norwegian/Danish guest singer Julie Hjetland on two tracks.  The album brings together traditional and new music from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, The Faroe Islands, Shetland, England, Holland and New Zealand.  The band has toured to Denmark, Italy, Holland, Germany, The Faroes, Spain, Australia and New Zealand.

 

Peter Uhrbrand is a prize-winning Danish fiddle and viola player who has years of experience working with the traditional music and dance of the island of Fanø.  As well as working in Faerd, he plays in other bands that fuse Danish folk and jazz.  Peter has represented Danish folk music at Celtic Connections in Glasgow and Folk Alliance in Canada.

 

Jens Ulvsand, who plays bouzouki and guitar as well as being a vocalist, has been part of the Swedish folk music scene for 15 years, working in many musical projects and styles.  He is a member of the Swedish Avadå Band, the Danish/Swedish project and Trio Mio.  Jens is also a highly respected teacher at the Music Academies in Malmø, Sweden and Odense, Denmark.
 

Eskil Romme, saxophonist, accordionist and singer from Denmark, has worked with many musicians.  In 1978, he formed the band Suleskær, which featured musicians from Scotland, Scandinavia and Denmark.  He also played in Faroese Spælimenninir Í Hoydølum, with Irish multi-instrumentalist and singer Andy Irvine and, in Sula, with Scots singer and guitarist Rod Sinclair.