This is a hidden page, with access to streaming and downloads of wavs and liner notes of Vinta's 2022 album.
"Beacons"
This page is intended for press reviews and radio play/podcasts.
Contact us at vintatheband@gmail.com if you'd like a physical copy, and we'd be happy to mail you one.
“Beacons” is the debut full-length album by Canadian chamber-folk-trad quartet Vinta.
Produced by Canadian mandolin icon and celebrated engineer/producer Andrew Collins, the album is brimming with new original material composed by each of the band’s four members.
This project features instrumental tunes composed for social dances from Western Europe, notably France and Sweden, and the music pairs Vinta’s unique compositional and arranging styles with their deep love of traditional music and dance.
Their arrangements combine fiercely danceable grooves with the kaleidoscopic intricacy of a string quartet in a distinctive sound that is exciting, compelling, and refreshing.
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts in the making of this project.
Vinta is:
Emilyn Stam Fiddle, Accordion
John David Williams Clarinet, Diatonic Accordion, Bass Clarinet
Nathan Smith Fiddle, Viola
Robert Alan Mackie Double Bass
Recorded and Mixed by Andrew Collins
at Chalet Studios, May 2022.
Mastered by David Travers-Smith.
Artwork and Design by Melika Saeeda.
Beacons Track Notes for radio/podcast play
1. Whippersnapper (c. Nathan Smith)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, clarinet, bowed upright bass
Tags: Fast fiddle, Polska, Bright, High Energy, Swedish Influences
2. High Park (c. John David Williams)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, clarinet, bowed upright bass
Tags: Fiddle tune, Groovy, Sparkling, Sentimental, Schottische
3. Bourrée isolée (c. Emilyn Stam & Nathan Smith)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, clarinet, bowed upright bass
Tags: Foot percussion, Central France Influences, Fiddle frenzy, Dynamic, Exciting, Bourrée
4. Marjo and Everest/Séduction (c. Emilyn Stam & Mario Cazes)
Instrumentation: fiddle, accordion, clarinet, upright bass
Tags: Waltz, Parisien café, Cinematic, Romantic
5. Paper Beacons (c. John David Williams)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, diatonic accordion, upright bass
Tags: Jig, Acoustic Psychedelic, Glass-like, Epic Journey
6. Four-Leafed People (c. Robert Alan Mackie)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, clarinet, bowed upright bass
Tags: Polska, Elegant, Flowing, Swedish Influences
7. Le reveil des coccinelles (c. John David Williams & Vinta)
Instrumentation: fiddle, accordion, clarinet, upright bass
Tags: Earthy, Groovy, Ladybugs, Upbeat, Schottische
8. La Neylière (c. Emilyn Stam)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, bass clarinet, bowed upright bass
Tags: Slow burn, Pilgrimage, Drone Music, Hills of France
9. Rosedale Valley Waltz (c. Robert Alan Mackie + Emilyn Stam)
Instrumentation: 2 fiddles, diatonic accordion, upright bass, clarinet
Tags: Sweet, Gentle, Lullaby, Waltz, Heartwarming
10. The Heron's Rookery (c. Nathan Smith)
Instrumentation: fiddle, accordion, clarinet, upright bass
Tags: Foot Percussion, Quebec fiddle influences, Joyful, Energetic
11. The House the Spirit Builds (c. John Williams)
Instrumentation: fiddle, accordion, clarinet, upright bass
Tags: Anthem of Gratitude, Emotional, Soaring