The album title says it all… this is traditional music with a liberal helping of fun!Harem Scarem’s music reflects the nature and personalities of the band members. In the main, it is bright and outgoing, but also capable of calm, reflective, and often moving, moments.

Tracks on “Let Them Eat Fishcake” range from traditional instrumentals from Scotland and further afield, to original compositions. There is a fine mix of expertly arranged tune sets and lusciously harmonised songs, all executed in a polished but relaxed and individualistic style.

Over the years the Edinburgh session scene has produced many a fine traditional music band. Harem Scarem – a group of young but highly experienced musicians drawn from all over Scotland – is the latest name to emerge from the Edinburgh all-nighters.Tracks on ‘Let Them Eat Fishcake’ (released on Vertical Records on 4th November 2002) and ‘The Birnam Witch Project’ (Vertical Records 2005) range from traditional instrumentals, from home and further afield, to original compositions. There is a fine mix of expertly arranged tune sets and lusciously harmonised songs, all executed in a polished but relaxed and individualistic style.

It is no wonder that the musicianship is so faultless when you check out the credentials of the young band members:

Inge Thomson (accordion, vocals, flute, percussion) belongs to the tiny island of Fair Isle, from a musical family, she is a founder member of Drop The Box, has appeared with bands such as the Flatville Aces, Broken Family Band and has a recording history as one of Sharon King’s ‘Never Never Cowboys’

Sarah McFadyen (fiddle, vocals) hails from the Orkney Island of Hoy and was taught to play by the outstanding Jennifer Wrigley. She has been active on the traditional music scene for the past six years and has toured extensively in Scandinavia and New Zealand. Sarah is currently involved in Jim Sutherland’s latest project Aberfeldy, with Riley Briggs.

Nuala Kennedy (flute, vocals) grew up surrounded by traditional influences in her native Dundalk, Co Louth, before moving to Edinburgh and becoming embroiled in the Edinburgh session scene. Nuala recently released an album, to much acclaim, with traditional trio Fine Friday and is a founder member of the Marvellous Magical Ceilidh Band.

Eilidh Shaw (fiddle, vocals) is currently a member of John Rae’s Celtic Feet; Keep It Up; The Poozies; Drop The Box and the Highfield Ceilidh Band. A much sought after musician, Eilidh is from the Oban area, where Mum, Dad and brother Donald are highly respected musicians.

Ross Martin (guitar) comes from the tiny west coast fishing village of Arisaig. Ross’s sensitive yet ‘banging’ accompaniment means he is much in demand. He has toured widely with piper Fred Morrison, and has become infamous in the Scottish Gaelic scene with his own band of musical mentalists Daimh.