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Phil Cunningham\u2019s Christmas Songbook returns this December for string of live dates<\/p>\nPhil Cunningham\u2019s Christmas Songbook returns this December for string of live dates<\/p>\n
Following the huge success and popularity of Phil Cunningham\u2019s Christmas Songbook over the last 13 years, the show will be returning to venues across Scotland this December \u2013 bringing warm and moving musical moments to get audiences in the festive spirit.<\/p>\n
Phil and a billing of Scotland\u2019s finest folk musicians will hit the road for seven shows, dishing out heart-warming entertainment in Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh.<\/p>\n
Teemed with jovial anecdotes, modern and traditional Christmas music and exquisite musicianship that tugs at your heartstrings, it is indeed \u201cthe perfect way to fill up your festive fuel tank\u201d (The Scotsman).<\/p>\n
Phil will be joined by some of the best musicians on the Scottish folk scene including Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr and Kevin McGuire, along with a special guest brass band.<\/p>\n
Phil said: \u201cIt\u2019s been fantastic to see the Christmas Songbook grow over the last 13 years and become a much-loved part of people\u2019s seasonal festivities and I can\u2019t wait to hit the road again this December.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor anyone looking to brighten up a dark winter\u2019s night and get a bit of festive cheer, this is the show for you. Yet again I\u2019ll be joined by some old pals who know all too well how to get an audience tapping their feet and up dancing. We look forward to putting on another year of memorable shows for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
A superb innovative instrumentalist, Phil Cunningham not only boasts the fastest fingers in the West but some of the most sensitive ones, too. He is fondly remembered from his days with Silly Wizard and Relativity and as witty musical partner of the great Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain.<\/p>\n
Also widely recognised from his television and radio presenting, Phil has been involved in some of the seminal programmes that have enabled Scottish music to walk tall, a true ambassador for traditional music. Not to mention a humourist, Phil\u2019s breezy banter can have a 2000-seat hall falling about in the aisles.<\/p>\n
Phil often keeps high company and no less is true for this year\u2019s special Christmas gathering. A powerful mix of lead vocalists include the inimitable Eddi Reader, who has celebrated a career spanning over three decades and has effortlessly developed into one of popular music\u2019s most thrilling and affecting performers.<\/p>\n
With an MBE for outstanding contributions to the arts, 3 BRIT awards, a number one single and eight critically-acclaimed solo albums, Eddi is considered to be \u201cone of Scotland\u2019s greatest national treasures\u201d (The Scotsman). Karen Matheson OBE, is recognized the world over as the haunting lead vocalist of Celtic supergroup, Capercaillie and one of “the finest Gaelic singers alive today” (Billboard Magazine).<\/p>\n
The Orcadian singer and guitarist Kris Drever who was BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2017, is part of the backbone of today\u2019s contemporary roots scene and is widely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars, Lau.<\/p>\n
Also joining Phil are multi-instrumentalist, John McCusker, one of Scotland\u2019s most accomplished and versatile musicians in any genre who has worked with artists as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller and Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub and Billy Connolly; Ian Carr, who is known for his original and eclectic approach to traditional music guitar and has established an instantly recognisable sound that has influenced countless musicians and Kevin McGuire who is a highly sought after double bassist who has performed with the likes of Karine Polwart and Kate Rusby. Make sure to oil your vocal chords and bring the family!<\/p>\n
Catch Phil Cunningham\u2019s Christmas Songbook on their forthcoming December tour:<\/p>\n
Sun 15th Dec: STIRLING \u2013 The Albert Halls <http:\/\/culturestirling.org\/events\/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook-3\/<\/a>><\/p>\n Mon 16th Dec: ABERDEEN \u2013 MUSIC HALL<\/p>\n Tues 17th Dec: GLASGOW \u2013 GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL<\/p>\n Wed 18th Dec: INVERNESS \u2013 EDEN COURT THEATRE<\/p>\n Fri 20th Dec: PERTH \u2013 PERTH CONCERT HALL<\/p>\n