Born amidst a widespread longing to reawaken the gatherings for traditional music and dance that were held in stasis by the pandemic, Delhaven is a young, traditional Gaelic band hailing from rural, mainland Nova Scotia. Rapidly garnering the attention of ethnomusicologists, they have become an in-demand resource for local dance communities and grasped the intrigue of music lovers alike. Delhaven takes its’ name from the tiny fishing and farming community in Kings Co., Nova Scotia where one of the musicians, Jenny, was reared up.
Their music draws its inspiration from nature and poetry, and is fuelled by a reverence for history and passion for living tradition. Thoughtfully chosen dance tunes highlight Katie Blythe’s subtle flute and whistle playing, and a penchant for long melodic lines is undeniable in Jenny Melvin’s refined touch on the fiddle and concertina. Equally adept on both rhythm guitar, tenor banjo and fiddle, Pat Madden is the cup that holds the tea. Vocalist Morgan Davison shares timeworn stories through song, both bittersweet and whimsical, and Elizabeth MacDonalds sean nós step dancing weaves its way through, interacting with the Morgans bodhrán and rhythmically grounding the music, whilst breathing visual life into their performances.
Much of the music has been passed down by older family members and mentors, and some of it has been sourced from the collections of Nova Scotian musicologists like Helen Creighton and Carrie Spinney Grover. Several selections have been brought back from Jenny and Katie’s days studying music in Ireland, and there are some original compositions included for good measure!
DELHAVEN 