The Outside Track

The Outside Track

The Outside Track is a multinational folk and Celtic group with members from Scotland, Ireland and Canada. The line-up includes Ailie Robertson on clarsach, Norah Rendell on vocals and flute, Fiona Black on accordion, Cillian O'Dalaigh on guitar and stepdance, and Mairi Rankin on fiddle, vocals and stepdance.

Style and formation

The group forms in Limerick in 2005 and develops a sound built around harp, guitar and accordion bass accompaniment, with detailed interplay between fiddle, flute and harmony vocals. Its repertoire draws on classic ballads, new songs, self-penned material and traditional instrumentals from the members’ home countries. The music is described as modern traditional, with an occasional blues influence.

Members and background

Each member of The Outside Track is an instrumentalist, arranger and composer in their own right. Ailie Robertson is a BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad finalist in 2007. Norah Rendell is a Canadian Trad Singer of the Year nominee in 2008. Fiona Black receives a FAME academy bursary in 2007. The group’s blend of voices and instruments gives it a sound linked to earlier Celtic acts while still carrying a distinct cross-national identity.