There is a well documented and rich history of collaboration in the genres of folk, bluegrass, celtic and beyond. Those traditions have seeped their way into the modern landscape of the music and artists coming out of the seemingly endless pool of talent that Boston seems to germinate from the local roots scene and Berklee/Conservatory students. While having their own outlets for exploration, writing, experimenting and creating sometimes artist will come together by virtue of proximity and likemindedness and for that, we occasionally are all a bit better by being able to experience it. So is the case with Corner House.
I feel like its a total cop out to make a Punch Brother’s reference here, but mandolinist Ethan Setiawan’s style and poise on his instruments has that almost floating, effortless quality that Chris Thile encompasses. The song is driven with a heavy bow. The harmonies feel natural and balanced with a whispy lead hovering over the top. Its this balance of simplicity and grace with the actual technical prowess of the trio that really impresses.
Ethan Setiawan tells us of the track, “”Work” is a song Ethan Hawkins and I wrote. Hawkins contributed the lyric, which tries to reconcile the rigors and demands of life on the road with a stable home life. This is paired with a melody of mine originally written on the cello that made its way to mandolin crosstuned to GDGD (from GDAE), same as the fiddle.”
Check out the stream below and get this new EP today. Just do it.
Photo by Louise Bichan | Photographer/Musician