Taarka is an acoustic quartet that’s been together for about 15 years. They travel far and wide around the musical world into the genres of gypsy jazz, bluegrass, chamber rock and songwriter folk. The eclectic all-original journey gives us a lot to enjoy because every track has its own vibe. For some funky pop-grass, check out “Carried Away.” A cozy groove of guitar and mandolin allows “Athena” to eventually build into a fuller string band arrangement with vocal harmonies full of messages about love and connectivity. “Retreat” is a jazzy instrumental highlight that gives every band member a chance to shine masterfully. Channeling the flavors of Celtic and old-time instrumental music, but giving them a contemporary blend, leads to “Finn MacCool Crosses the Rocky Mountains.” Closing with the introspective title cut, Taarka contemplates love, loss and grief in a Zen-like fashion. The album “Fading Mystery” evokes considerable musical meaning to life. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)