Saltaire announce their debut EP Only Moonlight with new single ‘Slip Jigs & Jenny's’

Saltaire have announced the release of their debut EP, Only Moonlight, set to be released on February 27, and have shared a new single, ‘Slip Jigs & Jenny's’.

Following their debut single, ‘The Axe’, and their rendition of ‘Matty Groves’, ‘Slip Jigs & Jenny's’ showcases the trio's continuous ascent as compelling new players in the contemporary Irish folk and trad scene.

The first and second slipjigs (‘Fig For A Kiss’ and ‘The Foxhunter’) were a part of Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, Ian Kinsella, and Ryan McAuley's set list when they represented Ireland in the World Expo in Dubai in 2021. The set list was then built upon in Ireland by Conor Lyons and Eoghan Ó'Ceannabháin, who contributed the third slipjig (‘Elizabeth Kelly's Delight’). Lastly, the addition of another slipjig, ‘Jenny's Chickens’, resulted in the band referring to the set list as the ‘Slip Jigs & Jenny's’.

Kaitlin, the vocalist and cellist of the band, spoke about the collaborative nature of Saltaire and of the single, highlighting the friendship and cooperation between some of Ireland's most talented musicians in the folk and Irish traditional space.

“As a cellist, new to the tradition and a bit of a blow-in, I’ve been really fortunate to have the support and encouragement of my closest friends, who also happen to be some of the most exciting talents in contemporary Irish music. Over the last nearly ten years living in Ireland, every friend in traditional music that has included me in a session, invited me to join them on stage or in the studio, or even shared some of their own favourite tracks and tunes from the archive to absorb and learn, has made an indelible impact on my life as a musician."

Taken from their highly anticipated debut EP, Only Moonlight,  ‘Slip Jigs & Jenny's’ reflects the band's deep-rooted trad style, shaped by their attentive and intricate arrangements and their perfected musicianship.

Saltaire will be showcasing at Your Roots Are Showing on January 14 at 11:30 and Tradfest Culture Ireland on the 23 of January at 14:45.

Listen to ‘Slip Jigs & Jenny's’ below: