Sweden meets Scotland in the music of Olov Johansson & Catriona McKay, and the result is "fresh, charming, and dynamic," in the words of music magazine Roots, Rock, Blues, and Beyond. Olov plays the Swedish nyckelharpa, literally key harp, which dates back to 14th century Gotland and is related to the hurdy gurdy. Catriona plays the clarsach, also known as the Celtic harp. In their enchanting new album, Foogy, these two talented instrumentalists bring their musical traditions together in original compositions that feature fast and furious finger-work and leisurely, lyrical passages that linger in the mind long after the song is over.

Olov and Catriona first met backstage at a concert in Stockholm in 2002. He was appearing with Väsen, Sweden’s top traditional group, and she was appearing with Fiddler’s Bid, which the Scottish Folk Awards named Best Live Act – and named Catriona the Instrumentalist of the Year. She played a song for him, and he joined in, but they didn’t cross paths again until 2007, when they decided to play together more often. After touring Sweden and collaborating on Foogy, they arrive at the Freight for an evening of masterful musicianship and evocative original music that celebrates two rich folk traditions.

Visit Olov Johansson's website

Visit Catriona McKay's website

Listen to a track from Olov & Catriona: