Lissa Schneckenburger - Dance
Lissa is a skillful, dynamic fiddler from Vermont, who captures the driving rhythm and carefree joy of dance tunes old and new. Each piece is taken from New England's folk music tradition, and has a specific dance that goes with it. The selections range in tone from the sublime to the raucous, with something for every folk music fan.
The tracks are graced with a wide range of accompanying instruments including guitar, double bass, percussion, harmony fiddle, piano accordion, tenor banjo, and horns. "These tunes have been played for hundreds of years, and by countless generations." Lissa says, "I love the feeling of connecting with the past as we put a fresh take on these timeless melodies. We had so much fun playing around with different sounds and arrangements, and thinking about how these old dance tunes might speak to us, as a new generation of musicians."
“World class fiddler …. far from just offering one dance tune after another, simple settings allow the true beauty of the music to shine through." -- Sing Out
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Sinsheen - Lift
Sinsheen is a singing duo consisting of Christine Kydd and Barbara Dymock- each a fine singer in her own right, now working together. They have built a reputation among roots music lovers for originality, virtuosity, rich harmonies and the livest of live performances.
Combining power, passion and pedigree, these dynamic veterans of the Scottish music world contrast stark harmony vocals with light instrumental and percussive backing. Together they explore and innovate, gracefully twisting the tradition and colluding with the contemporary.
The songs of Sinsheen are a voice for the irreverent everywhere, with a brash sense of humour, but a healthy respect for the roots of traditional Scottish music. Songs vary from self-penned via trad to the odd genre-swapping version of a dyed-in-the-wool Scottish favourite. Expect fun and seriousness in equal measure, a performance extraordinarily varied and rich, songs about work, struggle, love, getting the bairn tae sleep, politics, the blues, and dreams.
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Dana & Susan Robinson - Big Mystery
Dana and Susan Robinson’s new album Big Mystery sings of the enduring beauty and prolific life force that exists all around us. From the whimsical springtime-in-the-north setting of the title track, to the Afro-Celtic strains of “Waiting For Gordon” these songs are postcards from the magical and forgotten places they travel.
Simply conceived, and recorded by Chris Rosser in Asheville, North Carolina, Big Mystery highlights Dana and Susan’s sound as a duo. Their trademark, guitar, banjo, and fiddle sound stands out clearly while flourishes of percussion, bass, piano and dotar from Asheville’s world music trio Free Planet Radio are interspersed throughout.
"Many songwriters have been heralded as modern day Woody Guthries or keepers of the American rural spirit, but that mantle might be better entrusted to musicians like Dana Robinson who embody both the heart and the soul of folk music." - Dirty Linen
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Diarmaid & Donncha Moynihan - The Lights Of Ranzanico
Diarmaid and Donncha Moynihan are widely acknowledged as two of Ireland’s finest musicians. Diarmaid is one of Ireland’s foremost uilleann pipers and composers. Donncha is a superb accompanist on guitar and bouzouki. Together they founded Calico, an extraordinary traditional band, who were one of the most influential ensembles to come out of Ireland. Their music has been recorded by many leading lights in the world folk music scene including Lunasa, Michael McGoldrick, Kathryn Tickell, Anxo Lorenzo, Flook, Grada, Kris Drever and Cherish the Ladies.
Their long awaited new album, The Lights of Ranzanico, is a collection of beautiful original tunes fused with Irish and European melodies. It once again demonstrates their creative vision and extraordinary lyrical approach to music which has influenced many artists since they arrived on the Irish music scene. The album features thrilling collaborations with Galician gaita maestro Anxo Lorenzo, British jazz drumming legend Nic France, Brazilian trumpet player Tonynho dos Santos and accordionist Christy Leahy.
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Duncan Wood & Cathal McConnell- Auld Springs Gies Nae Price
An exceptional album of flute, whistle and fiddle tunes with many rare and previously unrecorded tunes. Cathal McConnell is the musical genius at the heart of the Boys of the Lough, Duncan Wood is a fine fiddle player from the North East of Scotland. Together they have produced a first rate album of material from the Celtic tradition.
The album, recorded at ARC Studio in Aberdeenshire with producer Gavin Sutherland and engineer James Hunter, has been warmly received by the critics and has attracted real interest from fellow musicians and folk music enthusiasts.
The legendary Gerry O'Connor and his son Donal appear as guests on one of the featured sets.
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John Conolly - The Grumpy Old Men Of Old England
John Conolly is an internationally respected songwriter who has based his style firmly in the folk tradition. His finely-crafted songs are performed with warmth, good humour and lilting accompaniments on guitar and melodeon.
With sparkling accompaniments from Keith Kendrick and Robin Garside, ‘The Grumpy Old Men of Old England’ features one of John’s most requested songs, together with lots of new ones. Several old favourites are re-visited, like John’s environmental warning-bell “Charlie in the Meadow” and Bill Meek’s nostalgic tribute to the Humber paddle-steamer “Lincoln Castle”.
“ …This is the poetry of the working man.” Cyril Tawney
“ …a ray of sunshine on a rainy day - one cannot help being cheered and lifted by this man and his songs. Fabulous!” John Corteen, Ingleton Folk Weekend
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Alan Reid & Rob Van Sante - The Rise And Fall O' Charlie
Alan Reid, one of the founder members of Battlefield Band and an invaluable factor in their success and longevity, does much of the bands singing and songwriting, particularly on contemporary Scottish themes. His latest project ‘The Rise and Fall o' Charlie’ gives a chronological account in song of one of Scotland's most romanticised characters - Charles Edward Stewart - who nearly changed the course of British history.
"Alan Reid and Rob van Sante revisit the myth of the man who would be king in this nicely programmed set, combining the full-blown romance of traditional songs with a more sober revisionist look at history in Reid's own songs...." The Scotsman
"Whatever ones' feelings about the Jacobite cause there can be no disagreement about the quality of every track on this album..." The Scots Magazine
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Geraldine Bradley - From The Rising Spring
Geraldine Bradley is quickly becoming recognized as one of the Ireland’s foremost interpreters of Traditional Song in both the English and Irish languages. Her debut album From The Rising Spring - Cloch Fhuaráin has received critical acclaim since its initial launch at the Ennis Trad Fest and has earned her distinguished reviews in the Irish Times, The Journal of Music in Ireland, Irish Music Magazine, to name but a few .
Geraldine comes from an extended family of traditional musicians from South Armagh, amongst them the renowned fiddler, Paul Bradley. She learned songs from her family and from their extensive collection of recordings of The Johnstons, Tommy Makem, Na Filí, Gerry Hicks . In Rann na Feirste, Donegal, she was taught by Sean Nos Singer Húidí Phaidí Húidí (Aodh ó Duibheannaigh) and sought out the singer Néilli Ni Dhomhnaill to listen to her singing in her home. This album, however does not confine Geraldine to the traditional genre alone, displaying a much wider scope of influences and Geraldine’s ability to interpret a range of material from Ireland, Scotland and North America. The result is a well-blended mix of her own recreation of these traditions exploring subjects from heartbreak to humour.
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Dave Swarbrick & Alistair Hulett - Saturday Johnny & Jimmy The Rat
This 1996 release combines a mixture of Alistair’s political songs and some traditional material, with accompaniment from the legendary Dave Swarbrick. Though his death was untimely, Alistair has left us with a wonderful legacy in the form of his writing, his recordings and the widespread influence he had through his activism on behalf of many very worthy social causes.
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Alistair Hulett & Dave Swarbrick - Red Clydeside
A CD of 9 original compositions by Alistair, telling the story of Glasgow’s working class resistance to the Declaration of War in 1914, including the story of the movement’s leader – John Maclean – who was twice sentenced to imprisonment, and twice released early due to enormous public protest. Again joined here by Dave Swarbrick.
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Marianne Green (with Andy Irvine) - Dear Irish Boy
Marianne Green’s debut album with Andy Irvine, “Dear Irish Boy”, presents traditional Irish songs from Ulster and especially from Co. Down. Of the 12 tracks on the album, two are written and composed by Marianne Green herself and one by her collaborator and producer, Martin O'Hare. As well as songs in English there are two songs in Gaelic, also from the northern tradition. Co-producing and playing on the album is Andy Irvine, who is an icon in Irish music. He is particularly known to be one of the most innovative forces encapsulating the essence of tradition while adding new time signatures and chords.
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Caladh Nua - Happy Days
Founded early in 2009, like many of the great Irish traditional bands Caladh Nua simply formed as a result of great musicians crossing paths, realising a special connection and then wanting to share it with the world audience. The ensemble comprises of five musicians from three beautiful regions in Ireland, counties Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny. The tasteful musical arrangements of Caladh Nua include traditional Irish dance music and traditional songs alongside some more recently composed pieces giving a perfect balance between innovation and preservation of Ireland’s wonderful music and song tradition.
Eoin O'Meachair (banjo, mandolin, whistles and vocals); Paddy Tutty (fiddle); Lisa Butler (vocals & fiddle); Derek Morrissey (button accordion); Colm O'Caoimh (guitar, bouzouki & vocals)
“ …Solid traditional music with plenty of flair and lots of musical imagination.” Irish Music Magazine
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Colum Sands - Look Where I've Ended Up Now
Colum Sands is a songwriter who works from a broad palate and sings of the colours, the senses, the accents and the language of life. In the company of fellow Sands Family members and some of Ireland’s finest musicians, the County Down songwriter comes up with lines like “remote controllers all over the house, we have not the remotest control” or “rain coming in through the ceiling and the water bill’s gone through the roof!” to carry the tradition of troubadour into the 21st century with the blend of humour, critical insight and optimism which has become his hallmark.
Colum’s songs have been translated in several languages, performer by artistes including Maddy Prior, June Tabor, Andy Irvine, Makem and Clancy, Roy Bailey and Enda Kenny. Any performance by Colum brings joy to your soul.
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Mairearad Green - Passing Places - Live at Celtic Connections (CD and DVD)
A musical and filmic journey through the spectacular scenery and cultural riches of the Wester Ross Coigach peninsula.
Mairearad Green is fast gaining a reputation as one of Scotland’s most talented young composers. Mairearad was commissioned by Celtic Connections New Voices series to compose this work, which is accompanied by stunning visuals of Mairearad’s hometown, Achiltibuie in Wester Ross.
This is a CD and DVD. The CD is a live recording of the first ever performance of ‘Passing Places’ at the Celtic Connections Festival, 2009. Musicians include Mairearad Green with Anna Massie, Hamish Napier, Donald Hay, Duncan Lyall, Peter Tickell, Adam Sutherland and Adam Bulley.
“ … Passing Paces had it all, memorable tunes and exquisite playing, capped off with a wonderfully executed visual backdrop synced perfectly to the music.” Barry Gordon, The Scotsman
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Mairearad Green & Anna Massie - Mairearad & Anna
Renowned for her deft and lyrical accordion style, Mairearad also plays Scottish Border Pipes. In great demand as a performer and composer, Mairearad can often be seen on stage with Anna Massie, Box Club, The Poozies and The Unusual Suspects and she has also toured with Karine Polwart and Eddi Reader.
Anna Massie is an exceptionally talented instrumentalist, she excels in playing the fiddle, mandolin and tenor banjo. Though perhaps most impressive is her guitar playing - equally at home either accompanying in her unique rhythmic style or flatpicking tunes. As well as fronting The Anna Massie Band is in great demand for session and recording work. On ‘Mairearad & Anna’ they explore tunes together as a duo using their full range of instruments.
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Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll - Beneath the Black Tree
Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll are highly respected musicians, composers and workshop leaders from North Devon. Their passion for English traditional music and the violin has led to the development of their unique style. Becki's melodic, emotive violin and viola blend with Nick's driving fiddle chords and powerful vocals to create a rich, captivating sound.
'Beneath the Black Tree' is a beautifully crafted album of tunes and songs from the English fiddle tradition, infused with atmosphere and passion. Combining traditional and self-written material, the album also features the percussion skills of Keith Angel and double bass from Andy Seward.
“ …passionate musicality and distinctive presence.” The Living Tradition
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Pur - The Lassies' Reply
The Songs of Robert Burns in both Gaelic and Scots, released to coincide with the 250th Anniversary of Burns’ birth and designed to demonstrate that the two cultures can co-exist and complement each other.
The duo Pur are two of Scotland’s best known and brightest young traditional musicians, Scots singer and fiddler, Shona Donaldson and Gaelic singer Katie MacKenzie. Katie is a graduate in Gaelic Song of the RSAMD. Brought up in Dingwall she has played the fiddle, clarsach and sung since a small child. Shona, from Tarland, was a finalist in the Young Trad Musician of the Year in 2005 and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, 2006. She studied at the RSAMD and plays fiddle as well as being a singer of Scots songs.
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Various Artists - The Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill, Vol 2
Dr Fred Freeman who produced the highly acclaimed ‘Complete Songs of Robert Burns’, a twelve volume set on Linn Records has now turned his attention in this bicentenary year, to the works of Robert Tannahill in a 5 volume set.
Featuring an all star cast of singers including Emily Smith, Lucy Pringle and Jim Malcolm alongside Nick Keir (The McCalmans), Brian O hEadhra (Anam), Steve Byrne (Malinky) and Marieke McBean (Rallion) with modern folk arrangements by many well known musicians including Aaron Jones (Old Blind Dogs), Mark Duff (ex Capercaillie), Angus Lyon (Box Club), Frank McLaughlin (Mick West Band), John Martin (Tannahill Weavers), Stevie Lawrence, Wendy Weatherby and Chris Agnew.
Vol 1 was received with great critical acclaim. “ …The arrangements are superb, seemingly perfect natural frames for the words. …the singers are superb.” Sing Out!
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Olov Johansson & Catriona McKay - Foogy
Catriona McKay and Olov Johansson’s album of traditional and new music presents the unique and dynamic sound of the Scottish Harp and the Swedish nyckelharpa. Olov is a founder member of Vasen, Sweden’s top traditional group, and Catriona is a member of Shetland band, Fiddlers’ Bid. Catriona and Olov first met in Stockholm at a concert shared by Fiddlers’ Bid and Vasen.
“ … It’s hard to find the boundary between Scottish and Swedish, but is sounds so insanely good that your only thought is that it must not stop.” Smalandsposten.
“ …The two instruments complement each other beautifully throughout this album, producing a full and rich sound which is as ancient as the tradition with the freshness of today's young virtuoso musicians.” Alex Monaghan – The Living Tradition
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