Congratulations to Mike Vass who has been nominated in Instrumentalist of the Year sponsored by Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2014. Vote now!
We asked Mike Vass the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I am a musician and composer currently based in Glasgow. My main instruments are Fiddle and Tenor Guitar. I work with some great Scottish Musicians and bands, including Innes Watson, Mairearad Green, Fiona Hunter, Kathleen MacInnes and Malinky.
During 2014 my main focus has been on a Trad Arts Commission ‘In the wake of Neil Gunn’. I read Gunn’s book ‘Off in a Boat’ whilst recovering in hospital from a bout of neuroborreliosis, a serious infection that affects the central nervous system, caused by tick bite. I was inspired by Gunn’s reflections on his sailing adventures on the West Coast of Scotland and during May this year, I recreated his voyage, with the aim of inspiring my composition work. I spent June and July writing and recording a new suite of music, and then took a 9 piece band on tour in October to perform the music.
I kept a blog at http://www.inthewakeofneilgunn.com where you can see photos, videos and hear some of the new music.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I love the diversity of Scottish music, and appreciate it in all its forms. Having being born and brought up in Scotland and with a musical bent, it was almost inevitable that I would have some involvement in Scottish music. I feel very lucky to be part of such a vibrant and growing Scottish music scene, and to have had the privilege of playing with so many great musicians and friends over the years.
Any particular career highlights?
Touring my Trad Arts commission ‘In the wake of Neil Gunn’ in October 2014
Producing Fiona Hunter’s debut album released March 2014
Winning ‘Composer of the year’ category at Scots Trad awards in 2012
What are your plans for the future?
Planning a recording with guitarist Innes Watson for 2015
Learn more about the engineering and production side of recorded music
Keep practicing the fiddle!
Read more about Mike Vass
http://www.mikevass.com
Buy a ticket for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 13th December in Inverness Leisure, start time 7pm. You’ll have a great time!