The 1960s brought about radical changes both in culture and in popular music. One of the trends that came about was the British Folk Rock Movement. The musicians of this movement were often proficient performers of “early music” as well. Ayreheart aims to blend together the “art” and “folk” traditions seamlessly. The first track, “John Barleycorn,” has been recorded by several in the folk-rock movement, most memorably the group Traffic. Brian Kay is heralded as a modern-day troubadour, and performs vocals, lute, and komuz on this release. He has traveled across the United States as a solo artists, and performs with several ensembles. Lutenist and composer Ronn McFarlane is also part of this recording. The Grammy nominated artist aims to take the most popular Renaissance instrument- the lute- and make it part of today’s musical mainstream.