The Haar are an Anglo-Irish band who have just come to my attention thanks to their ambitious and spontaneous team up with poet Jessie Summerhayes. Consisting of five improvisations and all captured in one take, the breath-taking result is called My Sweet Wild Rose.

By Graeme Smith

Jessie Summerhayes is a distinguished Medievalist, and her poetry attempts to connect the past with today. My Sweet Wild Rose is of a similar disposition, combining traditional folk elements with something more bleeding edge. For the piece she joins forces with her father Adam Summerhayes on violin, Molly Donnery on vocals, Cormac Byrne on bodhrán, and Murray Grainger on accordion.

The piece was inspired by Jessie’s encounter with wild roses and tells the tale of a child dying of tuberculosis. There’s a local connection too as she came across this inspiration during a trip to York. The story unfold gradually over almost ten minutes, brought to life through atmospheric instrumentals and contemplative verses.

My Sweet Wild Rose was recorded by Murray Grainger, and mastered by Sam Proctor at Lismore Mastering. You can give it a listen below.