The Fretless

The Fretless

The Fretless is a Canadian folk string quartet from Toronto, active since 2011. The group includes Trent Freeman and Eric Wright, and it develops folk music through string-based arrangements of fiddle tunes and folk melodies.

Style and approach

The band works with fiddle tunes, folk melodies and other folk forms, shaping them into detailed, high-energy arrangements. Its stated aim is to expand the rhythmic, harmonic and structural possibilities of the folk styles it plays using only string instruments. The members come from different traditional and contemporary backgrounds, and the group builds a blended sound from those influences.

Releases and collaborations

The Fretless releases its debut album, Waterbound, in 2012. The record includes original compositions and collaborations with singers Ruth Moody and Norah Rendell. It helps establish the group with critics and listeners across several genres and leads to festival activity in Canada, a tour of Germany, and international radio play and sales.

The later album Bird's Nest wins the 2017 Juno Award for Instrumental Album of the Year.

Awards

After Waterbound, The Fretless wins Instrumental Album of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. At the Canadian Folk Music Awards, it receives Ensemble of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year. These awards help bring the group wider attention in the Canadian folk scene and beyond.

Line-up changes

Ben Plotnick joins the group in 2016, replacing Ivonne Hernandez, who leaves to pursue other musical projects.