Musicians Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira have just shared their second album, Here To Stay, a gorgeously sweeping folk composition which brings traditional Celtic and contemporary roots music to the forefront. We’ve been drawn particularly to the title-track as a summary of the duo’s emotional, grounded and joyful approach to songwriting.
The single blends heartfelt lyricism with rich instrumental textures, particularly Pettit‘s expressive fiddle and Gira‘s resonant cello. It’s a beautiful tribute to Pettit‘s late cousin Mary-Jane; the memory of her bright personality and happy character inspired the song. You can appreciate this connection in the way that the track travels from gentle verses to an uplifting jig, which gives the impression of vivacity and dynamism.
This release is a worthy follow-up to the pair recently winning the Canadian Folk Music Award for their last album All It Brings. Here To Stay shares a through-line of communal warmth, connection, and tradition, mirrored in their use of French-Canadian foot percussion. There’s also a modern folk sensibility here with the intimate, undulating harmonies and intricate instrumentation. In this way, this sophomore record draws a bridge between the past and the present; the timeless and the temporary; the old and the new.
It’s clear that Pettit and Gira are actively nurturing the heritage of folk music, infusing it with lived experience, global influences and unfiltered sincerity.
You can also find ‘Here To Stay’ in our Folk This Way playlist.
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