Dreamers' Circus - Handed On

It seems difficult to believe but it is now fifteen years since we first played together. We began in folk music and we remain in folk music - despite the occasional foray into other realms and genres. Much of what we perform in concert can veer towards the experimental and can sometimes challenge musical boundaries. We enjoy that, but all of us remain linked in our respect and love for the traditional music that formed our earliest musical education. It bears repeating that folk music has a core social function alongside its obvious entertainment role.

Human interaction is central to the playing and passing on of traditional music. We know this because we benefited from the kindness of older players who were generous to us, as young people, finding our feet in this music (sometimes literally when it came to dancing).

During the Covid restrictions, we found ourselves unable to tour and perform. With time on our hands we turned to composing and publishing music inspired by the people and the folk traditions we'd grown up with. The result was the book 'Handed On' published in 2022.

Much of the music on this recording comes from that collection of tunes. We believe that a tradition can only stay alive by being flexible and adapting so it stays relevant to the people; time, place and context where it exists. 'Handed On' is an attempt at contributing to the tradition and showing our respect and gratitude to the unbroken line of people who have shaped and shared their music through the centuries.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope 'Handed On' brings you as much joy as it has brought us.

Ale, Rune, and Nikolaj - Dreamers' Circus