Acclaimed lutenist Ronn McFarlane and violist da gamba Carolyn Surrick found themselves at loose ends in early 2020. There were no concerts or recordings in sight, and the other band members of their respective groups (Ayreheart and Ensemble Galilei) were hunkered down throughout the US. As they lived a mere 20 miles apart, Surrick suggested to McFarlane some regular musical get-togethers to see what emerged. As they shared old recordings, their archives of books and sheet music, and fond memories of their favourite songs (rock group Traffic’s 1970 rendition of English folk tune ‘John Barleycorn’ was a particular inspiration), the idea for Fermi’s Paradox began to take shape.

In Fermi’s Paradox, Surrick and McFarlane create a unique musical world. The record contains their own original works as well as new arrangements of compositions by Marin Marais, Bach, Telemann, Turlough O’Carolan and John Dowland. Some traditional Irish and Swedish tunes are also added to the mix, and Jackie Moran ably provides support on the bodhrán. After a beautiful opening with McFarlane’s own tune ‘Fermi’s Paradox’, the album moves to the centrepiece track, ‘She Moved Through the Fair’. This frequently sung piece is given a gentle viola da gamba introduction before the mood gathers pace, segueing into a rendition of ‘John Barleycorn’ that spotlights McFarlane’s increasingly powerful lute playing. The eastern themes on this track create additional depth of feeling. Another highlight on the album is the arrangement of the Allman Brothers’ acoustic guitar classic ‘Little Martha’. Surrick and McFarlane’s rendition is quite wonderful and is totally in sync with the whole feel of the album. Listeners with a fondness for classical guitar, early music and Celtic folk will enjoy this one.

Though Fermi’s Paradox is Surrick and McFarlane’s first record together, neither are strangers to musical acclaim. In 2009 McFarlane was nominated for a Grammy in the category of best classical crossover album for his record Indigo Road. Fermi’s Paradox may prove to have even greater crossover potential.

Paul Barr is a music specialist at Readings Carlton.