Hot on the tail of having been voted ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at December’s MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, Scottish fiddle player RYAN YOUNG is due to launch his self-titled debut album of reinvented traditional tunes, produced and engineered by triple Grammy award-winning JESSE LEWIS, in August 2017.
Ryan draws heavily from his Scottish roots, while borrowing from Irish fiddle styles, to bring inventive twists to old and forgotten tunes, which fit harmoniously alongside his original compositions. His unique approach to Scottish folk music has prompted descriptions of Ryan leading a ‘new wave’ of Scottish traditional musicians, who aim to bring a fresh and inventive approach to the genre. By melding styles across regions and ages, Ryan delivers uplifting rhythmic drive, depth of dynamics and a bold new heartbeat for Scottish traditional music.
“The majority of tunes I play are from old Scottish fiddle collections,” says Ryan. “As far as I’m aware, many of these tunes have not been played by anyone else in recent times, and I love the idea of giving voice to stories that were penned many years ago.” Ranging from melancholy airs to upbeat jigs and reels, the tunes offer a glimpse of Scotland in past times, yet feel as relevant now as they did then. Ryan is accompanied by JAMES ROSS on piano and LEO FORDE on guitar.
Recorded and produced by triple Grammy award-winner Jesse Lewis in the Opera Theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, it is one of the first traditional albums to be recorded in the UK in high resolution DSD format. “Ryan’s playing is so soulful, beautiful and intoxicating, and his musical pacing is way beyond his years,” said producer Jesse Lewis. “It’s been a pleasure to work with someone so clearly passionate about, and dedicated to, his art. There’s so much talent in this young man already, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.”
This international collaboration is set to break new ground with its precise capture of Ryan’s unique sound and places Ryan among the world-class musicians who have worked with Jesse, including The Silk Road Ensemble, Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Jan Vogler and Brooklyn Rider. Ryan said, “The past year has been extraordinary and I feel I’ve grown immensely as a musician. Jesse has spurred me on to find new possibilities in my music and helped me find confidence I didn’t know I had.”
‘Uniquely graceful and expressive playing. A future star of the Scottish fiddle world’ – Aidan O’Rourke (Lau)
‘Ryan’s playing brings an intense and unique approach to the burgeoning Scottish music scene’ – Ross Ainslie (Treacherous Orchestra)