“…anyone impressed with the dexterity required by speed rock ought to see what Mr. McFarlane does when he flashes his fingers across the fretboard of a stout lute. Little wonder his performance received a standing ovation.” - The Wall Street Journal
The members of Ayreheart wield some of the most ancient instruments used in modern music. The band centers around the versatile lute textures created by Ronn McFarlane, both as accompaniment and lead instrument. He conceived and founded the group in the wake of his 2009 Grammy nomination for the album 'Indigo Road', consisting of his contemporary works for lute. This was followed by the album 'One Morning' which formally introduced Ayreheart as a group. Now filled out by bass and drums team, this staple rhythm section shows subtle surprises - fretless bass providing expressive foundation paired with percussion instruments from around the world, transport the listener with hypnotic drive.
“a contemporary folk group whose energized delivery breathes new life into music that just happens to have been written long ago” - Textura
“[Ayreheart’s] performance is at turns intimate, inviting, playful, wistful, melancholy, even menacing.” - Early Music America
