‘Maiden Stone’ is the opening track on ‘From the Skein’, one of several songs on the album inspired by regional folklore. The Maiden Stone is a Pictish standing stone which is located at the back of Bennachie Hill, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This track tells the local tale of how the standing stone came to be […]
The Gathering by John Somerville
This is the first track from the “Voyage of the Hector” suite written by John Somerville and commissioned by Feis Rois. The suite of music chronollogically tells the story of the Hector’s journey as it made its dramatic journey from Ullapool to Pictou, Nova Scotia in the summer of 1773. John Somerville is one of […]
Wait ’til I tell John Alec… by Trail West
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 […]
Whirlpool by Hamish Napier
I recently premiered my New Voices commission, entitled ‘The River’ at Glasgow’s brilliant Celtic Connections festival, while simultaneously launching a studio album of the music on the day. If you wish to order the CD you can do so from me directly here (no middle man)! What is the ‘The River’ all about? Well, growing […]
B I G by John Mulhearn
B I G is a dark, intense, electro-acoustic instrumental – thick, heavy bass underpins a combination of crunchy acoustic and classic electronic drum sounds. These are balanced against delicately layered samples and powerful whistle and piano performances that draw inspiration from a rich traditional heritage and build to a fierce climax. John Mulhearn is an […]
When First I Came To Caledonia by Sarah Hayes
This song comes from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and I first heard it sung by Norma Waterson on Waterson:Carthy’s eponymous debut album of 1994. The title refers to the Caledonian coal pits, and there are a number of local places mentioned throughout the song. The words take the form of small fragments of memory, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
