From middle English, meaning, ‘a companion in arms, fellow, comrade.’ The term was later applied as a slur to mean, ‘a person of low birth; a rascal, scoundrel, rogue; bastard, base; a vagabond, or one who travels widely,’ (i.e. to ‘gad about’). Related to Old English gāda, meaning ‘companion’ or ‘kinsman.’

In the liminal spaces that lie between countries, eras, and genres stand Gædlin, a new Helsinki-based Global Folk ensemble. Hailing from the USA, Finland, and the Netherlands, respectively, and featuring a creative assortment of instruments, this unlikely quartet weave a mercurial combination of original folk songs, swinging dance tunes, darkly storied ballads, and traditional pieces from around the world.

Geneviève

La compostrice: songs, stories, & strings. All of the Murder Ballads.

Noah

Violin, mandolin, harmonic mastery & the spicy sauce.

Heikki

Uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar & the mystical echoings of the universe.

Markus

Soundscapery & percussive voodoo of unparalleled excellence.