Violinist and vocalist Krissy Jackson’s debut album is a mix of folk, jazz, country, bluegrass and more. ‘Have Fiddle Will Travel’ incorporates a mix of traditional, cover, and original tunes written by Jackson or written for her and her collaborators.

The album showcases the writing talents of Jackson and a number of local music talents, including Frank Burkitt and Chris Dent from Albi and the Wolves, as well as those from around the world (including diverse talents such as Billy Taylor and Lyle Lovett).

Recorded across the North Island and in Switzerland ‘Have Fiddle Will Travel’ is a charming album, and even the occasional misstep in thematic linkage between genres (there is a little bit of ‘too many great ideas for one album’ going on here in my opinion), or arrangements not quite working don’t detract from that.

The standouts on this album are when Jackson embraces Celtic oriented folk or bluegrass as these seem to be the genres where she is most at home. One of my favourite parts of ‘Have Fiddle Will Travel’ was the opening track Back to the Ocean where Jackson weaves together taonga pūoro, uilleann pipes, and fiddle to create a beautiful soulful arrangement that pays homage to both Celtic and Māori traditions. A solid and enjoyable debut album.