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Last Updated: 7/15/2009

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April 14, 2009 - Tuesday 

Folk at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket


Glasgow’s Fruitmarket Folk series returns this spring with an eclectic line-up of Scottish and international folk talent.

The season kicks off on May 6 with A Taste of Shetland, as some of the stars of this year’s Shetland Folk Festival visit the city for the festival’s Glasgow encore, hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Tom Morton. The bill of top international talent features Asturian folk band Felpeyu, whose energetic and richly textured traditional folk sound is often compared to that of fellow Asturians Llan de Cubel. Also appearing are Finnish/Norwegian fiddle group Frigg, who draw inspiration from Nordic music as well as American grassroots styles, and Vishtèn, who combine the fiery music and dance of their native Acadian regions of Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands.

Then, on May 14, there’s a performance by The Chris Stout Theory – the new quintet project from the immensely talented Shetland fiddler, Chris Stout. Combining Stout’s own talents with those of Catriona McKay (harp and piano), Ian Stephenson (guitar), Neil Harland (double bass) and special guest Thomas Rohrer on sax and rabeca (a rustic Brazilian violin) this collaboration is a genre-crossing musical feast. Support comes from Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dean Owens.

On May 20, one of the best live acts on the Scottish contemporary folk scene, the Peatbog Faeries, return to the venue in which they recently picked up the award for Live Act of the Year at the 2008 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. 2009 sees a new era for the band with Peter Tickell bringing fresh inspiration as he joins Adam Sutherland up front on fiddle.

Then, on June 3, the legendary Scottish-born singer-songwriter Eric Bogle closes the Fruitmarket Folk season with the only Glasgow date on his Waltzing Matilda No More tour, which are his last ever shows in Scotland. Renowned on the folk scene for his thought-provoking lyrics and tuneful melodies, his career has spanned over 25 years. In this concert Bogle appears alongside his long term performing partner John Munro (guitar/mandolin), with whom he has recorded a staggering 8 albums.

In addition to Fruitmarket Folk, a host of folk talent appear elsewhere in Glasgow’s Concert Halls spring programme, which includes shows Karan Casey, Danny Kyle Open Stage 2009 winners The Magic Lantern Show, the Caledonian Fiddle Orchestra, Andi Neate, Michael Marra, The Stairwell Sisters, Eddi Reader, Maggie MacInnes and an appearance by Dougie MacLean as he joins the RSNO for the orchestra’s Scottish Prom.

Folk music at Glasgow’s Concert Halls this spring

Karan Casey with Colin Train
Tue 21 Apr, 8pm £12
City Halls, Recital Room

The Magic Lantern Show with guest
Sat 25 Apr, 8pm £10
City Halls, Recital Room

Caledonian Fiddle Orchestra
Sat 2 May, 7:30pm £12
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

A Taste of Shetland with Felpeyu, Frigg and Vishtèn hosted by Tom Morton
Wed 6 May, 8pm £15
Old Fruitmarket

Andi Neate with guest
Sat 9 May, 8pm £10
City Halls, Recital Room

Michael Marra
Sun 10 May, 8pm £12
City Halls, Recital Room

The Chris Stout Theory with special guest Thomas Rohrer, supported by Dean Owens
Thu 14 May, 8pm £15
Old Fruitmarket

Peatbog Faeries with Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers
Wed 20 May, 8pm £15
Old Fruitmarket

The Stairwell Sisters
Sat 23 May, 8pm £12
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Eddi Reader
Sun 24 May, 7:30pm £22.50, £20
City Halls, Grand Hall

Maggie MacInnes in Concert
Wed 27 May, 8pm
£12 City Halls, Recital Room

The RSNO Scottish Prom with Dougie MacLean and the House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band
Sat 30 May, 7:30pm £35, £26, £20, £16, £12
Promenade (standing area) tickets only £5
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

Eric Bogle with John Munro
Waltzing Matilda No More
Wed 3 June, 8pm £15
Old Fruitmarket
 
Tickets can be booked:
In person: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY
City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ
 By phone: 0141 353 8000
Online: www.glasgowconcerthalls.com

10:25 AM 
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April 14, 2009 - Tuesday 
Innerleithen Music Festival in conjunction with the String Jam Club presents the Rising Star Project Competition & Workshops

Innerleithen Music Festival has been successful in applying for Lottery funding from Awards For All to run the Rising Star Project.  Two acts will WIN the opportunity to perform supporting headliners the Karine Polwart Band at the main concert of the Innerleithen Music Festival in the Memorial Hall, Innerleithen, on Saturday, August 15, 2009.  And WIN free recording time at Sound Station Recording Studios, Galashiels, including 100 3-track CDs.

Runners-up will have the chance to perform at a special String Jam Club event being held as part of the Innerleithen Music Festival on the afternoon of Sunday, August 16 in the Union Club, Innerleithen.

RISING STAR PROJECT WORKSHOPS
In conjunction with the Competition, Project Co-ordinator, professional musician Kathy Stewart will be hosting several developmental workshops in the coming months. The Workshops will be free of charge. The first two will be on:

Vocal Coaching, Group Singing and Harmony Work
Sunday 19th April @ the Salmon Inn, Galashiels. Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm

Performance Techniques, Confidence Building and P.A. Skills
Saturday 16th May @ the Salmon Inn, Galashiels. Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm

Entrants to the competition are welcome to participate in the workshop programme, but this is not compulsory. The workshops offer a developmental element to the Rising Star Project. The Project Co-ordinator will offer further support and advice (if required) to the successful applicants who make it through to the recording stage of the competition.

Please contact Kathy Stewart for further details, and to book your place as these will be limited.
Kathy Stewart, Rising Star Competition, Primrose Cottage / Portmore Estate, EDDLESTON, Peeblesshire EH45 8QU Phone: 01721 730296 Email: kathystewart-treehouse@hotmail.co.uk 

10:22 AM 
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April 14, 2009 - Tuesday 

MAGGIE MACINNES SCOTTISH TOUR MAY 2009

Internationally acclaimed Singer and Clarsach player, Maggie MacInnes, voted “Best Gaelic Singer of the Year 2004”, will be appearing in concert accompanied by top instrumentalists, Brian McAlpine on keyboards and accordian and Anna Massie on guitar and fiddle.

MAY 13th Edinburgh Folk Club, Pleasance Cabaret Bar, 60 The Pleasance, Edinburgh at 8pm Tel 0131-650-2359
MAY 15th The Woodend Barn, Burn o' Bennie, Banchory at 8pm. Tel 01330 825431
MAY 16th Nairn Community Centre, King Street, Nairn at 8pm Tel 01667 453476
MAY 19th Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Ben-y-Vrackie Bar at 8pm Tel 01796 484626
MAY 20th The Aros Experience, Portree,Isle of Skye at 7.30pm Tel  01478-613750
MAY 21st An Lanntair,Stornoway, Isle of Lewis at 8pm. Tel  01851 703307
MAY 22nd The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool at 8pm.Tel  01854 612103
MAY 23rd The Phipps Hall, Beauly (near Inverness) at 8pm. Tickets at door.
MAY 27th City Halls Glasgow (Recital Room) at 8pm. Tel 0141-353-8000


OTHER GIGS

"An evening celebrating Burns Gift" Monday, May 4 at Oran Mor, Glasgow
Maggie will be appearing along with Adam McNaughton, Christine Primrose, Dave Acari, George Gallacher,The Sirens of Titan Choirand others in a concert celebrating the music and poetry of Robert Burns.

Highlands and Islands Society of London Saturday, May 9
Maggie will be performing for the Highlands and Islands Society of London at the Welsh Centre, Grays Inn Road, London

NEW MAGGIE MACINNES CD COMING SOON!
Marram Music is delighted to announce that in May 2009 a new Maggie MacInnes CD called “A Fagail Mhiughalaigh” (Leaving Mingulay) (MARCD05) will be released. This CD tells the story of the island of Mingulay and its people through music and song and incorporates some of the music Maggie put together for a television documentary of the same name made by MNE Media for BBC Scotland. Guests on the CD include the wonderful Michael McGoldrick on Irish Pipes, Flute and Whistles, Anna Massie and Kevin McKenzie on guitars, Finlay MacDonald on Chanter and Whistles and many other top musicians.

For more info. go to www.maggiemacinnes.com and www.myspace.com/maggiemmacinnes and www.marrammusic.com

10:19 AM 
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April 8, 2009 - Wednesday 

News round-up

1. Fiddles on Fire April 11 & 12 at The Sage Gateshead.
2. Rachel Harrington in Peebles April 14.
3. Les Barker tour dates April and May
4. WOOD festival May 15, 16, 17

1. Fiddles on Fire - The Sage Gateshead
It’s certainly going to be an egg-citing Easter Weekend at The Sage Gateshead as Fiddles on Fire introduces a cracking collection of new events into the festival this year.  
Alongside the usual concerts, workshops, dancing sessions, free performances etc. Fiddles on Fire 2009 brings four new things to watch out for: a new family Sound Bites concert; Harald Haugaard brings his blend of folk-fusion for the first time; The Big Fiddle storming of the stage and a world premiere by folk star Aiden O’Rourke

Sound Bites 11am - Saturday 11th April
Is it a fiddle? Is it a violin? Who are its cousins? This concert for children and their families is an exciting and entertaining exploration of the fiddle and the music it plays. There’ll be familiar tunes, new ones and some surprises and you’ll hear music to make the heart sing and the feet tap... maybe we’ll even find the answers to those questions along the way. Tickets: £8

Harald Haugaard Trio 4.15pm – Saturday 11th April
Harald Haugaard is constantly breaking folk music boundaries and is known for his work with folk-fusion and techno-folk.  For this concert, we are delighted to welcome him to Fiddles on Fire for the first time with his new trio. Tickets: £8

The Big Fiddle 7.45pm – Sunday 12th April
Hundreds of fiddle players who are expected to take part in workshops and sessions over the weekend are invited to storm Hall One stage for The Big Fiddle!

Blazin’ Fiddles perform world premiere 8pm – Sunday 12th April
Scottish group Blazin’ Fiddles opens the concert with the world premiere of Aidan O'Rourke's new composition ‘Bridges’ - a large scale piece of music for around thirty fiddles!  Bridges was commissioned by The Sage Gateshead, especially for the fiddle ensemble from the Folk and Traditional Music Degree run by Newcastle University in conjunction with The Sage Gateshead, plus members of Folkestra, one of The Sage Gateshead’s outstanding regional youth ensembles. Tickets: £16.50

The concert programme sits side by side with a workshop programme, inviting players of all abilities (including absolute beginners, beginners, intermediate, advanced, those new to folk fiddle music and children) to come and learn new tunes, styles and techniques; plus a unique opportunity for violin teachers to experience first-hand the revolutionary approach to string teaching in the Nordic countries.

Tickets start from £8 – book online at www.TheSageGateshead.org, or in person at The Sage Gateshead’s Ticket Office or by calling 0191 443 4661.


2. RACHEL HARRINGTON (with Zak Borden) at Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
Tuesday, April 14 7.30 pm Tickets £11/£9 01721-725777

Americana country singer-songwriter sensation Rachel Harrington performed for the first time at String Jam Club last year and received a quite extraordinary receptio.  Now there's another opportunity to see her play, this time at the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles on Tuesday April 14. She will again be accompanied by her talented sideman, Zak Borden on mandolin, guitar & vocals.

From the crossroads of country, folk and bluegrass, Rachel’s debut CD ‘The Bootlegger’s Daughter’ reached No 1 on the Euro-Americana Chart and was hailed by Bob Harris as his ‘Album Of The Year.’  Her second album ‘City of Refuge’ went straight to the No 2 position of the Euro-Americana Charts and was described as “inspiringly original” by Q Magazine. Rachel is a roots musician in the purest sense whose unique artistry captures the deep link between country and soul.


3. Les Barker tour dates

Les Barker writes strange poems and comes originally from Manchester, but he's now Welsh. He was an accountant before he became a professional idiot.

His most famous poems include ‘The Shipping Forecast’, ‘Jason and the Arguments’, ‘Cosmo the Fairly Accurate Knife Thrower’, ‘Captain Indecisive’, ‘Spot of the Antarctic’, ‘An Infinite Number of Occasional Tables', 'A Cardi and Bloke', 'Up the Creek Without a Poodle' and ‘Have You Any News of the Iceberg.’  

Les Barker is due to perform monologues, poems & parodies at the following culture emporia

APRIL 2009
Sat 25. The Davy Lamp Folk Club, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, District 7, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 8AB Tel: 0191 416 6999 Tickets £5.00 – From 7.30 p.m.

MAY 2009
Fri 1. Wath Festival, Montgomery Hall, Church Street Wath Upon Dearne, Rotherham, S63 7RD Tel: 07982 658467 Ticket £15.00 From 7.30 p.m.
Sat 9. Old Chapel, Hartpury Church, Hartpury, 01462 790860
Thurs 14. The Maudslay, 190 Allesley Old Road, Coventry, West Midlands, CV5 8GJ Tel 07983 590050 Tickets Price: £8.00 / £7.00 in advance From 7.30 pm.
Sat 16. Berwyn Festival, The Ceiriog Centenary Hall, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, LL20 7LD Tel: 01691 600310 Tickets £2.00 Entrance Fee -- All Day Festival Of Music, Art & Food
Mon 25. Chippenham Folk Festival, The Cause Music and Arts Centre, The Causeway, Chippenham,  Wiltshire, SN15 3DD Tel: 01249 657190



4. WOOD - a brand new eco-festival. May 15,16,17
A new kind of music event, powered by completely renewable energy sources including
bicycles, wood-burning stoves and the sun, is being stage in Oxfordshire next month. The aim of this festival is to celebrate music and nature, so naturally it’s called WOOD.
WOOD festival will be held at Braziers Park,Oxfordshire on May 15, 16 & 17. With a great line-up of great (mainly) acoustic and organic music, there'll also be a full programme of activities and workshops for all ages. Acts include SPIERS & BODEN, MEIC STEVENS, PO' GIRL, JIM MORAY, KARINE POLWART, THE WEEK THAT WAS, DANNY THE CHAMP, STORNOWAY, JONQUIL,CO-PILGRIM,with plenty more still to be announced.
The event runs entirely on renewable energy and aims to highlight green issues and through
participation promote an ecologically friendly lifestyle, with composting toilets, showers heated
by wood-burning stove and a solar-powered stage.
It's organised by the people behind Truck festival. Organiser Joe Bennett said: “We're aiming to use renewable energy sources as much as possible. So, the main stage , will be solar-powered, and the second stage will be bicycle-powered (which will require audience participation!). There are composting toilets (which are much nicer than portaloos by the way - I've tried them!), and the showers will be powered by a wood burner.There'll also be a sauna powered by
the same method."
Tickets forWOOD 2009 are now on sale from www.ThisIsTruck.com/WOOD.


7:28 AM 
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April 7, 2009 - Tuesday 

The line-up for FAIRPORT'S CROPREDY CONVENTION 2009 has now been finalised.

Latest additions are Nik Kershaw and Scott Matthews.

During the 1980s, Nik Kershaw had a string of top ten hits in Britain
and Europe including 'I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', 'Wouldn't It Be Good' and 'The Riddle'. Kershaw was among the performers at Live Aid and has continued to tour and record ever since. He wrote 'The One And Only', a UK number one hit for Chesney Hawkes, and he has worked with Elton John and Bonnie Tyler among others. Nik Kershaw will appear at Cropredy on Saturday 15 August.

Midlands-born singer-songwriter Scott Matthews has been getting rave reviews and plenty of airplay. His contemplative performance of
sensitive folk-influenced songs have led to him being hailed as
England's Jeff Buckley. His debut album, 'Passing Stranger', was
released in 2005 and the track 'Elusive' (later released as a single)
won an Ivor Novello Award in 2007. His new album is scheduled for
release in May 2009. Scott Matthews will appear at Cropredy on Friday 14 August.

Fairport's Cropredy Convention (described as 'Britain's friendliest
music festival') takes place in beautiful Oxfordshire countryside five
miles north of Banbury on 13, 14, 15 August 2009.

The complete 2009 line-up of artists appearing at Fairport's Cropredy Convention is:

THURSDAY 13 AUGUST:
Harlequinn
Up-and-coming all-girl five-piece Harlequinn plays upbeat alt rock/pop. These youngsters' musicianship would earn them a place on any stage in the land.
http://www.myspace.com/..harlequinngirls

4Square
Another young band, Manchester-based 4Square is a talented and
energetic quartet playing a funky mixture of original compositions and
traditional music.
http://www.4squaremusic.co.uk

Ken Nicol & Phil Cool
Steeleye Span guitar wizard Ken Nicol and well-loved television
comedian Phil Cool present a show packed with banter and music that plucks the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone.
http://www.nicolandcool.com

Buzzcocks
Cropredy is proud to present the legendary Buzzcocks. The band has been hugely influential from its origins on Manchester's punk and new wave scene and has also enjoyed considerable chart success.
http://www.buzzcocks.com

Steve Winwood
With a musical heritage encompassing Spencer Davies Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, Steve Winwood has enjoyed a distinguished solo career and is one of British popular music's greatest voices.
http://www.stevewinwood.com

FRIDAY 14 AUGUST:
ColvinQuarmby
This midlands-based five-piece is fronted with energetic enthusiasm by Gerry Colvin. The group combines great playing with well-crafted songs and sheer brio.
http://www.colvinquarmby.co.uk

BBC Young Folk Award Winners: Megan and Joe Henwood
Fairport is very proud of its close association with the BBC Radio 2
Young Folk Award. Each year, Cropredy offers a festival slot to the
winners. For 2009, we present brother-and-sister act Megan and Joe
Henwood. The Oxfordshire duo captivated the Award judges with Megan's beautiful vocal and guitar and Joe's stunning saxophone accompaniment.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/folk

Ade Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds
Punk and folk may seem unlikely bedfellows but Ade Edmondson (backed by a band led by Maart Allcock) has melded the genres and made the fusion work brilliantly. The Bad Shepherds present punk classics with a folk twist and the results are inspired.
http://www.thebadshepherds.com

Scott Matthews
Midlands-born singer-songwriter Scott Matthews has been getting rave reviews and plenty of airplay. His contemplative performance of
sensitive folk-influenced songs have led to him being hailed as
England's Jeff Buckley
http://www.scottmatthewsmusic...co.uk

John Jorgensen Band
Cropredy has seen some great guitar bands and John Jorgensen will
uphold that tradition this year. A classic rock band to get you on your
feet.
http://www.johnjorgenson.com

Dodge Brothers
For sheer entertainment and good vibes Dodge Brothers are hard to beat. The quartet presents skiffle, blues, and rock'n'roll standards   "songs about railroads and homicide"   on guitars, washboard, and double bass. With down'n'dirty vocal harmonies and pounding rhythms, this feel-good band will get the crowd dancing.
http://www.dodgebrothers.co.uk

Seth Lakeman
'Back by popular demand' is a hackneyed phrase but it's true of Seth
Lakeman and his band. After a barnstorming performance at Cropredy 2007, the organisers were inundated with requests for a repeat visit and are happy to oblige.
http://www.sethlakeman.co.uk

Richard Thompson
Cropredy would hardly be complete without former Fairport member
Richard Thompson, one of the most revered guitarists and
singer-songwriters in the world. Richard's last appearance at the
festival featured a full four-piece band; this year, by contrast, he
will be performing a solo spot.
http://www.richardthompson-music.com

SATURDAY 15 AUGUST
Richard Digance will open Saturday's festivities.
http://www.richarddigance.com

Churchfitters
Brittany-based Churchfitters bring diverse musical backgrounds and a
fresh approach to folk. This long-established quartet's fast-paced
show mixes original material with songs and tunes from the British
Isles.
http://www.churchfitters.com

Feast of Fiddles
Six of Britain's finest folk fiddlers backed by a five-piece band
present a musical extravaganza of dazzling instrumental virtuosity. The solo and ensemble playing by the stellar line-up ranges from Celtic frenzy to gypsy lament and just about everything in between.
http://www.feastoffiddles.com

Dreadzone
Originally championed by John Peel, Dreadzone is a fabulous festival
act with half-a-dozen albums under its belt. With the pedigree of Big
Audio Dynamite (and a name suggested by the legendary Don Letts) the band's live show is an eclectic fusion of dub, techno and folk into a powerhouse of ideas, experiments and imagination.
http://www.dreadzone.com

Nik Kershaw
With hit after hit to his name, Nik Kershaw has recorded some of the
best and brightest pop music of the last few decades. Great songs, a
great band and a really great voice.
http://www.nikkershaw.net

Ralph McTell
Another legend, singer-songwriter Ralph performs his first full solo
set at Cropredy for many years. His rich voice, virtuoso guitar and
unique songs will cast spells and make magic. Ralph will also join
Fairport for a few numbers during their set.
http://www.ralphmctell.co.uk

Fairport Convention and special guests.
As always, the festival will end with a spectacular three-hour set by
Fairport Convention and a galaxy of musical guests. Fairport's Cropredy set gives the band a chance to really stretch its wings and roam far and wide through a repertoire stretching back over forty years. You never know who'll turn up to play with Fairport - for instance, Robert Plant was among the guests on stage last year.
http://www.fairportconvention.com

TICKETS AND BOOKING INFO
Tickets can be ordered online from www.fairportconvention.com or purchased by post from PO Box 8413, Bilsthorpe, Notts NG22 8WY
There are substantial discounts for early purchase. The festival offers
three-day (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) tickets, two-day (Friday and Saturday) tickets, and Saturday-only tickets.

Prices for tickets purchased before 1 June 2009 are:
Three-day tickets  £78
Two-day tickets  £68
Saturday-only  £48

Prices for tickets purchased between 1 June and 31 July 2009 are:
Three-day tickets  £82
Two-day tickets  £72
Saturday-only  £52

Prices for tickets purchased after 31 July 2009 (including at the gate) are:
Three-day tickets  £86
Two-day tickets  £76
Saturday-only  £56

Children under 12 years old are admitted free provided they are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
Camping is charged per vehicle (up to five occupants). Three-day
camping costs £30 per vehicle, two-day camping is £25 per vehicle, and camping on Saturday night is free for people with a festival ticket.
Motorcyclists, cyclists and backpackers arriving on foot can camp free of charge.

7:36 AM 
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April 7, 2009 - Tuesday 

GOING ACROSS THE SEA
Seven top traditional musicians from both sides of the Atlantic are coming
together to celebrate and explore the music that traveled with the emigrants from Scotland and Ireland to America – and back again. And they're performing a series of dates across Scotland in April and May.

Featuring: Kris Drever Orkney (Lau), Sarah McFadyen Orkney (Harem Scarem), Eamonn Coyne Ireland (Salsa Celtica), Tim Matthew Scotland (Mystery Juice), Betse Ellis Missouri (The Wilders), Caleb Klauder Oregon (Foghorn String Band), Sammy Lind Oregon (Foghorn String Band)

As musical collaborations go, this one's as hot as it gets. When Betse Ellis of award-winning Kansas City hillbilly band The Wilders, took time out to trade fiddle tunes with Tim Matthew backstage after her appearance at The Famous Spiegeltent in Edinburgh, in 2007, the pair enjoyed the moment so much that they wanted to share the experience with others.

That spawned the idea to put together a cross-cultural touring package that would feature some of the best players on the circuit.

The multi-talented Kris Drever, renowned for his solo projects and appearances with top band Lau, agreed to come onboard and brought legendary Irish tenor banjo player Eamonn Coyne and fellow Orcadian Sarah McFadyen to join the party.
Across the Atlantic Betse invited her favourite jam-session friends Caleb Klauder and Stephen “Sammy” Lind - both former members of the fabled US-based Foghorn Stringband - to complete the super group.
This became such a seriously-exciting ‘live’ music prospect, that The Scottish Arts Council agreed to make funding available through its ‘Tune Up’ programme to take the show on tour. These concerts will feature the best of Scottish Trad alongside its American counterparts, and a look at Appalachian old-time music that influences modern Scottish performers. Old tunes mingle with the best of the new from both sides of the Atlantic as ‘Going Across the Sea’ celebrates an extraordinary musical interchange.
The process began in Edinburgh last year as Kris, Eamonn, Sarah and Tim got together in to gather tunes and songs and to record material for the forthcoming project. At the same time in Portland, Oregon, Betse, Caleb and Sammy sat down and recorded a selection of American music they knew had Scottish origins. Once recorded, the music was e-mailed back and forth with musicians in each country learning the others' tunes and playing on each others recordings. A truly transatlantic session.

 See them at......
22nd April Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline
23rd April An Lanntair, Stornoway
24th April Lyth Arts Centre, Wick
25th April Gable End Theatre, Hoy
26th April  Woodwick House, Orkney
27th April Perth Theatre, Perth
29th April Bongo Club, Edinburgh
30th April Tolbooth, Stirling
1st May Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Skye
2nd May Memorial hall, Resolis
3rd May Glenuig Hall, Lochailort
5th May An Tobar, Mull
6th May Tall Ship, Glasgow



7:21 AM 
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March 16, 2009 - Monday 

Current mood:  busy
Category: Music

The Living Tradition Music Player

To tie in with his feature in The Living Tradition's next issue, Tom Bliss has very kindly given us permission to add a couple of his tracks to our myspace music player for the duration of this issue.

To find out more about TomBliss you can visit his myspace http://www.myspace.com/tomblissuk, his website http://www.tombliss.co.uk — or buy the new issue of The Living Tradition (available from 9 March) to find out his views of working in the UK folk music scene.

The other 4 tracks now playing on the Living Tradition music player are part of our label, "The Tradition Bearers"  www.thetraditionbearers.com

Track 3 – is Bob Blair singing 'The Bonnie Lassie O The Mornin' from the CD, Reachin For The High, High Lands, "Scots Songs & Ballads". LTCD1001
Bob Blair is a singer especially noted for his interpretation of Scottish lyrical songs and traditional ballads. He plays concertina and guitar, but generally prefers the beauty of unaccompanied singing.

It is something of an understatement to say that Bob has a passion for traditional song. He has a deep understanding of traditional singing styles and has lectured widely at Universities, Colleges and workshops at numerous festivals. Originally from Fife and now living in Glasgow, Bob is a member of Stramash, a group of singers who care intensely about Scotland's traditional song heritage. His interest though, is not just an academic one, he is without doubt one of Scotland's finest traditional singers - one of that rare breed who can do justice to the incredible range of ballads and songs passed down through the generations.

Bob's repertoire is wide, often including relatively unknown versions of traditional songs. Whilst living in England in the 1960s and 70s, Bob was a member of Ewan MacColl's "London Critics Group" and helped start The Grimsby Folksong Club. He has featured in a number of radio and television productions including The Song Carriers and Ewan MacColl's award winning 'Radio Ballads'.

REVIEW (also reviews JIMMY HUTCHISON "Corachree" The Living Tradition LTCD1002)
Welcome to this new series put out by Pete Heywood, featuring "honest straightforward recordings" of unaccompanied solo singing (with occasional appropriate instrumental backing), an art fiercely enjoyed by a handful (sometimes it seems) of enthusiasts but generally under-appreciated. As Bob Blair says: "folk song is an art form which can hold its own against any other" and the songs are as worthy of preservation as any endangered species." Bob Blair and Jimmy Hutchison are long - established, well -respected singers on the Scots traditional music scene (of which I am not part - Pete Heywood asked me for an outsider's opinion), fitting choices for the start of this series.

The cover picture of one of Jimmy's forebears led me to expect the croaky-but-characterful voice of an octogenarian so it was a surprise to encounter the light, pleasant, vigorous, muscular singing of a much younger man. Having just returned from a wonderful singing festival in Inishowen, Donegal (plenty of tradition bearers there!), it was good to hear Erin-Go-Bragh as the first track, a classic little song defending the Irish against prejudice. Jimmy excels in the pacing and story telling of a ballad such as 'Matty Groves' or 'Lord Randal' where his unhistrionic, unhurried strong narrative drive puts the story to the fore. Much of the material is familiar: on 'The Overgate' and 'The Beggarman' I could have done with a bit more gusto such as one hears on recordings of the older singers like Belle Stewart, Jock Duncan or Davie Stewart; but with 'I'll Lay Ye Doon Love' (with some extra verses put together by Jimmy) it's good to hear a more restrained, sensitive rendition of a song that's too often belted out raucously.

I particularly enjoyed 'Phiege a Grath' (Jimmy's voice slips smoothly round the Scots Gaelic decorations) and the title track Corachree. Sung with both passion and restraint this unusual love song refers to (I think) the repressive power of the Kirk: "The session clerk will hear of this thing ye've done to me." (The series would be enhanced if the song words were printed, along with more detailed language notes and historical references.)

There's a greater intensity of mood on Bob Blair's recording, especially on 'Cairn o' Mount', a fine set of words on the broken token theme where love is tested and declared. Bob's quietly passionate style draws you in to the experience of the song. On 'Bonny Peggy' there are interesting stylistic features in the singing - long drawn out notes sliding from one to another and hummed decorations around the consonants, which again enhance the telling of this story where love defeats parental opposition. In fact love is the theme of the recording - as stated in the first track 'Kissin's Nae Sin'. Bob has put together an interesting and diverse collection of songs.

As well as the stories of love lost and won - with a particular stress on remaining true to one's class (Cairn o' Mount, Collier Laddie) - there is fascinating poetic imagery of sex and desire in the little known 'O Gin My Love Were a Pickle o' Wheat' and 'Ye Hae Lien Wrang.' ("You've let the pony o'er the dyke and he's been in the corn, lassie"). Romanticism as in the Romantic poets is exemplified in the wonderful 'The Bonnie Lassie o' the Mornin' (by Jack Foley) whence the title "Reachin' for the high, high lands" is quoted : love develops against a vividly described background of rock and stream and scree. The companionship of walking and climbing together develops into the joy of an embrace and ends in a parting glass. A moving song, beautifully sung.

No doubt there will be much discussion as to the term "tradition bearers". How does this generation - or a younger one - relate to or compare with the greats of the past? How should one differentiate them from, for example Sheila Stewart, who is undisputedly in the direct line of the tradition? I'll settle for the enjoyment of some fine, honest, passionate singing of traditional songs as we find on these two releases in a series which I hope will continue to present many more fine singers. PETA WEBB

Track 4 – is Chris Foster singing 'The Cobbler & The Butcher' from the CD, Jewels. LTCD1102
‘His is one of the most distinctive voices in English folk music, totally sure and engaging, with some of the most accomplished and sensitive guitar accompaniments that you are likely to hear.  A mesmeric performer.’ Vic Smith - The Folk Diary

Chris Foster is a master of his trade.  Alongside Nic Jones, Dick Gaughan and June Tabor, he established himself in the 1970’s as one finest interpreters of the traditional ballads of the British Isles.  Chris has a distinctive voice, deep and clear with a faint overlay of his native Somerset, and a vocal style that incorporates a subtle use of decoration with an intricate and exciting sense of rhythmic patterns.  Underpinning it all is his on-stage persona, with his urbane wit and engaging enthusiasm for his music that draws the audience into his performance.

Chris grew up in Somerset, where he first heard and started singing traditional songs.  Following a visual arts training he became a full-time musician, clocking up 8 years of continuous touring throughout Britain, Europe and North America.  Along the way, he picked up musical influences and songs from traditional musicians in the coastal villages of East Anglia, intriguing and unusual songs from the manuscripts of the Victorian / Edwardian folk song collectors of his native West of England and awards and critical acclamation for his recorded work in 1977 and 1979.

Then in the 1980’s he changed focus, dropping out of the folk scene and settling in Salisbury where he co-founded Mobile Arts, a mixed media community arts company.  Using music, drama, visual arts, oral history and print, Mobile Arts established a reputation for exciting, original work, much of which researched, revived and re-interpreted the musical traditions and customs of the area.

In the 1990’s Chris moved to the midlands and cast it all back into the melting pot, re-emerging onto the folk scene with innovative visual and musical contemporary interpretations of English songs and traditions in two shows ‘Sting in the Tale’ and ‘Traveller’s Tales’.  He has also been increasingly in demand as an accompanist on other peoples’ recordings.  His solo CD ‘Traces’, tells compelling stories which in his own words, “reveal traces of other lives, struggles and times which I can only imperfectly imagine, but which still resonate powerfully today.”

REVIEW

I'd always thought of Chris Foster as primarily a rather fine guitar player who sang the odd song (although, on reflection, this impression probably owes a good deal to first seeing him run a guitar workshop at Sidmouth Festival). I was intrigued to see him included in the Tradition Bearers series, so memorably inaugurated by ex-Critics Group Bob Blair. After all, you can scarcely stick your finger in your ear whilst tickling the silver strings.

Listening to Foster's performance of these twelve traditional songs, I realised the extent to which I'd misjudged a remarkable talent. The guitar playing is technically flawless with some beautifully clean fingerpicking, but that at least I expected. What comes as a surprise is Foster's knack for devising just the right arrangement, always subordinating his playing to the natural rhythm of the lyric, resisting any temptation to misplaced virtuosity and subtly reinforcing the song's emotional power, notably in The Banks Of Newfoundland and Rufford Park Poachers.

He can do humour, too, contriving to introduce a knowing smirk into his voice when recounting the trials of the errant tradesman in The Cobbler And The Butcher. Even more unexpected is Foster's technique with an unaccompanied song such as The Grey Cock, a version of The Lover's Ghost, performed with skill and sensitivity. Maintaining to its conclusion the dramatic tension of a big ballad such as Lady Maisry, a harrowing account of violent death and the survival of love beyond the grave, would tax any performer.

That Chris Foster acquits himself so convincingly is a tribute both to a voice made for traditional performance and a deep feeling for the song. A jewel, indeed. DAVE TUXFORD

Track 5 – is John Watt singing 'The Kelty Clippie' from the CD, Heroes. LTCD3001
John Watt is a native of Dunfermline, Fife, and now lives in Milnathort. He has been involved in the Scottish folksong movement for over thirty years. A past Chairman of The Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland, he has presented numerous documentaries on radio, including 'Fife Connection', 'Howe of Fife Connection' and 'The Fifty-Fifty Ball'. He has lectured for the Association of Scottish Literary Studies on Fife Poets and Song-writers, tutored for The Workers Educational Association in Creative Writing and Musical Appreciation and is Chairman of the Milnathort based Love and Liberty Theatre Company.

A singer, raconteur and composer, his work has been recorded by artists in Scotland, Ireland, Denmark and Canada. Prior to this year he had recorded only one album, 'Shores of the Forth' along with Davey Stewart, and although many others had recorded his songs, even on this album he steered clear of his own songs leaving them to Davey. The fact that there had not been many recordings of John singing his own songs was appreciated by Rab Noakes who was determined to put matters right. No shortcuts were taken; he assembled a group of talented musicians who were totally sympathetic to John's songs, giving them the time to do the job.

REVIEW
Some people churn out records with a wearisome regularity, and you wonder what the point is. John Watt certainly isn't one of them and it's been far too long an  absence for a man with his ability. It's1976 since the mighty "Shores of the Forth" was first heard and became almost instantaneously a "Desert Island Disc" for me. Now he's back, and on a roll with this 17 track wee bit of magic. A true original is John - can you think of anyone who even remotely resembles him, or is able to address the wide range of concerns he can, in a style that is as unique as his? In another country, they would've afforded him the status of a Victor Borge by now. Anyway, I'll spare the man's blushes and cut to the chase.

17 tracks, apart from three were written by John, a couple being re-done versions of his "greatest hits" - "Pittenweem Jo" and "Kelty Clippie". Here he reminds me of Marianne Faithful(!) - but only in that she too revisited her most well known material and produced versions of them with a 20 years-on voice and John doing the same here, is equally interesting. The sleeve notes refer to him as a prolific writer, but the term "songwriter" has all the wrong connotations.Too often that term has come to refer to the trite and the navel gazing - John on the other hand, seemingly no matter what he does, is informed by the tradition, and a wonderful sly wit pervades much of his material.

It struck me that he should be recognised as something of a precursor to Mike Marra, even before I listened to his riposte "I don't like Dundee". If John finds a tune from another's repertoire that is worthwhile, into the recording it goes. So Matt Armour's "Shores …" gave the 1976 album its title track, while here, Jock Ritchie (who played on that album, but is no longer with us) is remembered through a set of tunes called just that. Joe Corrie's "Its Fine to Keep in Wi' the Gaffer" is a prelude to "Ode to Joe Corrie".

There's not just a selection of some fine songs ("Owt for Nowt" about the International brigade, being a particularly good example) but some bonny, bonny tunes splendidly rendered by an assorted group of musicians, including Pete Clark, Fraser Speirs, Jack Beck and also the lesser known David Vernon on accordion. David never seeks to hog the limelight but quietly makes you conscious of the layer he adds to an album that is already full of character and originality. Just one of the many reasons why this CD will be returned to again and again and I don't think that there can be much better thing to say about an album than that last fact. Immensely satisfying. HECTOR CHRISTIE

Track 6 – is Sara Grey singing 'Hop High My Lulu Girl' from the CD, Boy, She's A Daisy "North American Songs and Ballads. LTCD1301
Sara Grey is an American singer, banjo player and song collector, who is immersed in the song traditions of both sides of the Atlantic. She lived in Scotland for 28 years, She also travelled extensively through the U.S. and Canada, performing and participating in workshops and summer-schools. She became very aware of how easy it is for people to become insular in their appreciation of music and how important it is for people to see that as songs travelled they became part of U.S.
culture too. Her passionate interest is to maintain and strengthen the links between Celtic and American culture.

REVIEW
We are talking about musical magic here. Sara is able to weave spells with her wonderfully confident vibrato singing and the vibrant way in which her gentle frailing banjo compliments her singing. So she is one of the most convincing performers, but we have to add this to her unparalleled knowledge of and love of the English-speaking American tradition.

As usual Sara keeps things fairly simple, but she does use two very sensitive accompanists here. One is the English-based American fiddler Kate Lissauer and the other is the guitar of her son Kieron Means, himself well on the way to establishing a reputation as a superb performer of traditional song. As well as providing her with just the right sensitivity in their accompaniments, they join in some stunning harmonies in the refrain and chorus singing.

Sara's greatest performances over her long career have been of traditional ballads, but somehow she excels herself here and provides the best-recorded rendition of "The House Carpenter" that these ears have ever heard. Other highlights include her
selection of war songs, particularly "Dear Honey". Struggling to find some less enthusiastic comments to balance this review - my reviews of Sara's album's always tend to the wildly enthusiastic - I could say that there are a few places where there is a little too much reverb on Sara's voice and given the empathy that the three musicians show in playing together, it would have enhanced the album to hear some dance tunes on fiddle and banjo. The conclusion would still have to be that this is a quite exceptional album by any standards. VIC SMITH

Currently listening:
No One Stands Alone
By Blue Murder
Release date: 2002-06-10
8:00 PM 
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March 4, 2009 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  awake
Category: Music

Battlefield Band on Tour: USA tour in Feb/March 2009 and more UK shows & festivals in May, June & July 2009

Battlefield Band are on the road again; they've just finished a UK tour and they're
now out in the USA; you can find a full list of tour dates with venue contact information below.

Back in the UK later in the year, the band are also playing at The Burns Festival in Ayr on the 24th May, at The Gathering Festival in Edinburgh on 25th & 26th July - part of Scotlands year of homecoming celebrations & there are shows in Bury, Lincoln & at Cleckheaton Festival Festival later in the year. There may well be more English festival dates in September - keep checking the tour dates page on the Battlefield Band website for updates on this.

The boys are really enjoying themselves on the road just now and of course
it comes through in the music so it's a great time to catch them live;
have a look at this video footage here from their new DVD to see what you’re missing if you don’t go!


USA - Battlefield Band Tour Dates - March 2009


06th Mar - Eastsound WA
Orcas Center
(360) 376-2281 extension1

07th Mar - Forest Grove OR
Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center (Pacific University)
(503) 352-2918

08th Mar - Bend OR
Tower Theatre
(541) 317-0700

11th Mar - Ashland OR
Unitarian Center
(541) 535-3562

14th Mar - Everett WA
Everett Civic Auditorium benefit Habitat Snohomish
(425) 258-6289

15th Mar - Corvallis OR
Corvallis Folklore Society Oregon State University
(541) 754-7668

17th Mar - Raleigh NC
Tir Na Nog Irish Pub
(919) 833-7795

18th Mar - Charlottesville VA
Gravity Lounge
(434) 977-5590

19th Mar - Vienna VA
Wolf Trap, The Barns
(703) 255-1900

20th Mar - Pawling NY
Towne Crier
(845) 855-1300

21st Mar - Bath ME
Chocolate Church
(207) 442-8455

22nd Mar - Cumberland RI
Blackstone River Theatre
(401) 725-9272


Just check the tour dates page on the Battlefield Band website for more details on any upcoming shows.

New 'Battlefield Band in Concert' DVD out now!
in shops and direct from Temple Records

For over 30 years Battlefield Band have created and played traditional
Scottish music with a rare passion and joy, delighting audiences around
the globe and evolving into what the press have called: "...a
wondrous, perfectly paced display by musicians firmly in command of
their art...a Highland jam that rang the rafters..the band mates'
chemistry at this point is uncanny. After all this
time Alan Reid has found his best Battlefield Band in years" The Washington Post

For these three decades the band have been distilling their own unique form
of the Scottish spirit and exporting it worldwide, with concerts in China, Malaysia, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Syria, Jordan, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, U.S.A., Canada, Uzbekistan and the U.K.

This long awaited new DVD release captures the excitement and energy of a Battlefield Band performance and translates it to the small screen, featuring the
band in their home country; live in concert from the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh, Scotland.

"What the Chieftains have done for Irish traditional music, Battlefield Band are doing for the music of Scotland" Billboard

Find out more about the DVD and see a clip


Dookin! - latest Battlefield Band album out now

Dookin' is available worldwide. You can place orders online now at Temple Records

We've had so much positive feedback about this album at Temple Records and
some great reviews too. This album seems to have struck a chord with everyone -
'...they remain quite simply the acme of their genre... These are musicians enjoying themselves doing what they do best, and should be essential listening for anyone interested in the way our traditions are being enhanced and expanded, without losing sight of their origins.'
Gordon Potter, Living Tradition, October 2007

"Wow! Not only are Battlefield Band prolific, they're also frighteningly consistent. Dookin' is another stunning album release in a long line of stunning album releases!"
Toxic Pete, August 2007

"The unmistakeable sound, spirit and consistent quality of the top Scottish
band is undiminished after 30 years and almost as many albums. Songs and tunes to stir the heart"
BBC Radio 2 Folk & Acoustic Website

Stay up to date with Battlefield Band news!

Sign up here for the Temple Records email newsletter and get updates on
Battlefield Band tour dates, new releases, competitions and also news
about other Temple Records artists sent directly to your inbox. The newsletter isn't sent out on a very regular basis - but roughly once a month or so, whenever there's something worth letting people know about. Your email details will, of course, not be shared with anyone else or used for any other purpose and you can unsubscribe easily if you ever choose to do so.

Click here to sign up


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March 3, 2009 - Tuesday 

Current mood:  inspired
Category: Music







Americana singer-songwriter, Erin K Hill
Scottish Folk Club and Gig dates



Born in Richmond, Virginia, Erin K Hill grew up immersed in the sounds of southern gospel and country music. Singing and song-writing became her natural form of expression from a young age. While at university she learned to play the bagpipes and sang with a traditional Celtic band, bringing the folk music of Scotland and Ireland into her mix of significant influences. She has performed at venues all over Virginia and at festivals along the east coast of the US.

Erin came to Scotland in 2001 to work with a charity in North Ayrshire, and began performing with friends and local musicians at open mic nights. She has now recorded her self-penned debut album, ‘Something Fierce’, a richly-textured collection of songs that explores the passion, yearning and defiance that lie within the human soul. Erin is currently playing at acoustic venues and folk clubs in Glasgow and Ayshire to promote her album. She is inspired by the folk tradition of down-to-earth melodies that convey everyday struggles and triumphs, and aims to make music that connects people, their surroundings and their traditions.

Have a listen to Erin here — www.myspace.com/erinkhillmusic

05 Mar 09    Star Folk Club, Glasgow 
                    —  supporting Jim Malcolm

22 Mar 09    The Mary K Burke Show, on Celtic Music Radio
                    — airs 19:00-21:00 on 1530 MV and www.celticmusicradio.net

3 Apr 09        Music at Craigie Folk Club, Craigie, nr. Kilmarnock
                    —  supporting Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller

07 Apr 09    Penicuik Folk Club, Penicuik 
                  —  headlining as a double bill with the lovely Heather Heywood

22 May 09     Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine 
                    —  supporting the Stairwell Sisters






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March 2, 2009 - Monday 

Current mood:  busy

Tom Bliss on the Living Tradition Music Player

To tie in with his feature in The Living Tradition's next issue, Tom Bliss has very kindly given us permission to add a couple of his tracks to our myspace music player for the duration of this issue.

To find out more about Tom Bliss you can visit his myspace http://www.myspace.com/tomblissuk, his website http://www.tombliss.co.uk — or buy the new issue of The Living Tradition (available from 9 March) to find out his views of working in the UK folk music scene.


10:36 AM 
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