Album Notes

[public announcement from TARTANIC L.L.C on March 19th 2007]
To the Fans of Tartanic:

The ship has sailed, and we’re on our way to the Promised Land: for some that’s Tahiti, others Reno, and for others it’s back on the road to pursue personal endeavours.

Bottom Line: Tartanic has finally come to port at Davie Jones' Locker.

Jack Black once asked, “Is it better to burn out or fade away?” Well, we’ve lit the wick and walked away to watch the fireworks (not like we could ever see them at TRF). Our only hope is that we won’t drown to the raspy noise of a string quartet. If I were playing violin on the Titanic as I watched life boats fade away into the night sea, my last line would not be, “Gentlemen, it’s been a real pleasure.” Instead, I'd probably say, "I call shotgun!"

In all seriousness, Tartanic will not be touring after the close of the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Please come out to Apache Junction to give us your support because it's truly been a joy to entertain you. Also, come and get your Tartanic CDs because they're going like hot cakes and won't be available for much longer (AZRF ends April 1, 2007). They will also be available at CDBaby.com until that date.

Again, we've enjoyed our run for the last five years and we've especially loved meeting all of our adoring fans. In ten years, we'll look back at this period in our lives and think fondly on it.

We Love You,

The Guys of Tartanic



Tartanic marries music from two of the most prominent folk traditions in Western Europe--Scotland and Brittany--and sets it to world drumming. While staying true to our roots in the Highland bagpipe tradition, with the inclusion of traditional competition sets, we add some progressive hits that'll have you dancing in your seats.

The meat of the album, however, is the sampling of Breton dance tunes. A stylized and lazy An Dro set sends us to Brittany, and the lively Ronde and fast-paced Plinn melodies get you moving. It's hard to miss the contribution of the bombard, an ancient instument native to Brittany, in theese sets.

Blending these noted musical traditions in a singular style demands equally innovative percussion. A driving bass from the bodhran complements the unyielding pulses of the doumbek. This combination of multiple styles results in rhythms any dancer is sure to find a groove in, regardless of dancing tradition.

The past is present, new is old. While some keep ancient and modern squarely in their places, to us, this is unthinkable.