Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves

Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves radiate joy when they play together, creating musical magic. The Canadian-American banjo and fiddle duo are, individually, leading lights in a new generation of young artists creating traditional music. Together, they are a true tour de force.

The Bluegrass Situation called them “two of the foremost old-time virtuosos on the scene today, executing these timeless songs and melodies with a clean and straightforward approach that sacrifices neither innovative thought nor modern embellishments to do so.” They push the boundaries of old-time traditional music while remaining firmly rooted in its richness.

The duo weaves a dynamic interplay of claw hammer banjo and fiddle as they invigorate Appalachian traditions and conduct subtle experimentation within the string band genre. Theirmusicianship is impressive; their songs are beguiling with tight and beautiful harmonies.

There is a great deal of intention and meaning in their music. They mine the old-time and bluegrass genres for tunes and songs to spotlight the work of under-represented artists in addition to creating their own remarkable original compositions.Their original works can be inspired by subjects that range from literature, contemporary issues like climate change or the lives of their grandmothers. 

Seeing these two fine young musicians in action is evidence the tradition is in safe hands.

– Erin Mullen