Laeverick

Laeverick has been captivating audiences with their harmonious blend of Americana, roots, and country music for over 17 years. Tight three-part harmonies and rich vocals are at the heart of Laeverick’s sound, evoking the spirit of Shetland’s musical traditions with a contemporary twist.

Three singers from Burra, Rhonda Simpson, Jenny Keldie (nee Napier) and Mhari McLeman (nee Pottinger) formed Laeverick for the Thomas Fraser Festival back in 2006.   Core to their sound is a first class band made of up Ivor "Fred" Polson on bass and mandolin, Burra guitarist Trevor Smith, Jack Robertson on pedal steel and Orcadian percussionist, Erik Laughton. Also from Orkney and when performance logistics permit, Amy Berry from Orkney will join on bass.  With both Shetland and Orkney based musicians in the band, Laeverick are regular perfomers in both island groups including their sold out headline shows at The Sound Archive in 2020, being part of Westray Connections in 2019 and performing as part of the Orkney Folk Festival visiting lineup too.

Their self-titled debut album, released at the Shetland Folk Festival in 2022, showcases 11 original songs inspired by Shetland’s people, land, and sea. Tracks such as “Feet Fly” highlight the band’s song-writing prowess, with contributions from Jenny, Rhonda, and Trevor shaping the album’s distinct voice. The album also features poignant moments like “Private Jack,” based on Shetland poet Jack Peterson’s words, and “Morning Star,” penned by the late Jeanette Nowak.

Laeverick’s reputation for powerful performances has earned them glowing reviews. At the Thomas Fraser Festival in 2018, the Shetland Times reviewer wrote "Everyone will have their favourite band of the evening, whether they be local or imported, but for me it had to be Laeverick.  Their own compositions, Feel Fly off The Ground and Dance for You were simply outstanding...."

A recent Shetland Times reviewer said "Their harmonising is well perfected and like many singing collaborations may be a lifetime pursuit often crafted in formative years.....The band rightly are still up there at the top - where the laeverick is apt to sing!"