There isn’t a day goes by when a story is told that Seonaidh feels that he’ll later need to tell his uncle John Alec MacKay and, for that reason, ‘Wait ’til I tell John Alec’ is a common phrase in the Trail West van! Consisting of a waltz and a reel written by Allan MacDonald […]
Oblique by DOSCA
Dosca’s debut release, DOSCA EP, has gathered steam in the folk and traditional scene throughout 2015. The EP has received a note worthy amount of airtime on numerous podcasts and radio stations in and around Glasgow, and has even been performed live on STV. The fifth track ‘Oblique’ has become a fan favourite. After bursting […]
Balkan Red by Gavin Marwick
Balkan Red was written, with tea and encouragement from the rest of Iron Horse, after being inspired by a trip to Slovenia and imagining further afield. Journeyman is an independent, multi-faceted artist-run project promoting the music of Gavin Marwick and his friends. The Journeyman Project is a celebration of a life spent as a Scottish-based […]
Barber Ave. by Scott Wood Band
Described as “a collaboration of the most promising young Scottish Musicians”, and fronted by one of the world’s leading young bagpipers, the band features finalists from the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year and BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competitions. In 2014, they achivements were recognised when they were nominated as ‘Folk […]
The Smasher by RURA
An instrumental track from RURA’s five-star (Songlines, July 2015) album, Despite The Dark. Two tunes from members of the band – “The Boys of Ballydowse” by David Foley (bodhran, flute), and “The Smasher” by Jack Smedley (fiddle). Ballydowse is a fictional town in the south of Ireland, and the setting for the independent film ‘The […]
High Drivin’ set by Taliska
From the sleeve notes: A meaty dish to get the digestive system a kick start. Like a good dose of caffeine, these tunes will get you up and jigging about – you’ll not be able to sit still. Playing to sell-out audiences at folk festivals and boutique music venues alike, Taliska are a force to […]
Anada pa Gael by Duncan Chisholm, Xose Manuel Tejedor
Wonderful slow air Composed by Xose Manuel Tejedor Duncan Chisholm began to study the fiddle aged 8 under the tutelage of Donald Riddell. Duncan recorded his debut album in 1988. His break came as fiddler, and instrumental frontsman with Wolfstone, and he toured the world with them for many years. 10 years after his debut […]
Problem by Ross Ainslie
Problem is a track from Ross Ainslie’s debut album “Wide Open”. Playing pipes, whistles and cittern, Perthshire’s Ross Ainslie is one of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians and composers. He is a member of the acclaimed trad/fusion bands Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica and India Alba, plays in a duo with Irish Uilleann piper Jarlath Henderson, and […]
Between the Pines by RURA
With lyrics from acclaimed Scottish singer, Adam Holmes, and a tune from piper and whistle player, Steven Blake (both members of the band), ‘Between the Pines’ is a stirring, anthemic song from RURA’s hotly anticipated second album, ‘Despite the Dark’, released on April 27. One of the most hotly anticipated – and feverishly requested – […]
Away From the Pits by Barluath
Away from the Pits was written by Chris Algar and first recorded by Vin Garbutt. When the song was written (c.1990) coal mines were still operating in Stoke. A new seam had been built under the road where Chris lived, and he noticed houses on the street starting to deteriorate following this. The stimulus for […]