Fraoch & Chris Hudson From the Parlor Waves

First Things First is the debut CD from Fraoch, a Celtic band from beautiful Weston, Missouri.  Fraoch (pronounced “Fray-ock”) is the Gaelic word for heather, and was originally chosen because it is the middle name of one of the musicians. . . but the fact that it turned out to also be a great beer was just a lucky coincidence.

Most of Fraoch came together by happy coincidence, as well. They were brought together to play tunes for an Irish dance troupe at a local festival, and had so much fun doing it that it became an annual event. After a few years, one of them suggested that it might be fun to form an actual band. . . so they’d have a reason to play even more often. They added a singer, and then a slightly non-traditional bass player, and Fraoch was off and running.

Fraoch prides themselves on promoting the traditional beauty of Irish music while also throwing in the occasional modern touch, giving them a unique sound all their own. This CD reflects their interests in a wide variety of music from Ireland and the surrounding areas. There are lively dance tunes here, as well as soulful slower ones, and songs drawn from both traditional and more modern Irish and British sources. Whether you love the sound of a merry reel, a haunting slow air, or a melodic ballad, you’ll find them all here, played with talent, soul and great joy.

The members of Fraoch are made up of both friends and family, like so many traditional Irish groups before them, including a father and daughter, a husband and wife, and a couple of friends who are part of the extended musical family.

Their goals are to enjoy making great music together, and to share that music with other people – this CD accomplishes both. The members of Fraoch hope that you’ll enjoy listening to it even more than they enjoyed making it for you.