Tarren is a collaboration between three forward thinking interpreters and writers of English folk music: Bristol-based artists Sid Goldsmith (Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith, Awake Arise), Alex Garden (The Drystones, Harriet Riley & Alex Garden) and Danny Pedler (Pedler // Russell). They combine cittern and concertina, fiddle, and accordion to create new, dynamic folk music.

The trio are producing rich, joyous music that draws the listener in, weaving intricate themes throughout tunes and songs that have the pulse of traditional dance at its heart.

This project began with a sharing of compositions over the internet during the lockdowns of 2021. Fast forwards a few months and they were able to meet in person with a set of songs and tunes that they’d each explored separately but never heard with their collective instrumental voices. Fun was had, plans were made.

Tarren have been touring major cities through the Nest Collective and receiving standing ovations at Sidmouth, Broadstairs and Shrewsbury Folk Festivals this summer.

Their debut album REVEL was released to critical acclaim on 29 August 2022.

“The sounds of fiddle and viola, cittern and English concertina, and accordion and hurdy gurdy have rarely sounded better, nor as much fun, as they do here – a testament to the talents of the trio and a confident and welcome signifier that English folk music is in very safe hands”.  Folk Radio UK