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Music at Midnight

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Music at Midnight

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Released December 2024.

Allt Vol. II: Cuimhne is a collection of newly composed settings of Irish and Scottish Gaelic poems and tunes. This recording forms the highly anticipated second release from the quartet featuring Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway and John Mc Intyre.

Cuimhne, the Gaelic word meaning a memory, a record, a memorial or a recollection, is a fitting title for this work, as the quartet are taking inspiration from the memories of Gaelic tradition and reworking and reframing them into a contemporary chamber-folk musical setting.

Poetry has been the dominant medium of art in Gaelic culture for hundreds of years and aligned with it is a tradition of setting music to poetry. Inspired by this, the quartet have created melodies which add an extra dimension to the lyrics that allows us to experience the emotional power of language.

With the addition of newly composed instrumental music, this album truly takes us on a journey of the shared heritage of Ireland and Scotland, Éire is Alba, and showcases the immense beauty of our traditions.

Allt Vol. II: Cuimhne, which means a memory, follows six years after their debut Album.

Allt are - Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway & John Mc Intyre.

https://www.juliefowlis.com/julie/

Éamon Doorley is the husband of Julie Fowlis.
They often collaborate on music projects together. Éamon Doorley even played bouzouki on seven tracks of Julie Fowlis's first solo album, Mar a Tha Mo Chridhe (As My Heart Is).
I couldn't find a Web page about him. (Keith - Admin)

https://www.zoeandjohn.com/
Zoe and John are a well known Duo.

You can find the Album on Bandcamp, Spotify and Julie's Web page.
https://juliefowlis.bandcamp.com/album/allt-vol-ii-cuimhne
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/4u7zvSupXCDWtildfDNRoH

Allt - Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway & John Mc Intyre.

Released September 2023.

Formed in 2022, Miscellany Of Folk is a captivating touring act that brings together three talented musicians hailing from Ireland and Newfoundland. Each member of the band brings a wealth of diverse music and life experiences to the concert stage.

With impressive accomplishments in both touring and studio recording, they are consummate professional music makers. With decades of experience performing around the world, their music traverses the Atlantic Ocean, spanning from the Emerald Isle to North America.

Their amiable performance is set to take you on an heartwarming and lucid musical journey through the vast world of folk music Miscellany Of Folk offers a powerful and well-arranged repertoire of thoughtfully crafted songs and foot- stomping instrumental music. Their dynamic and intimate concerts are filled with emotion, colour and fun. The band's acoustic sound blends the tones of accordion, fiddle, guitar, bodhran, mandola, resonant vocals, and sweet harmonies.

At the core of Miscellany Of Folk are three exceptional musicians. Celebrated multi-instrumentalist Billy Sutton, hailing from Harbour Grace in Newfoundland, joins forces with accordion maestro Benny McCarthy from Co.Waterford in Ireland, known for his work with Danú. Rounding out the trio is Eddie Costello, a singing powerhouse and guitarist from the historic county of Tipperary in Ireland.

United by their deep love for music and their shared passion for creating new arrangements and sounds, they collectively bring a fresh perspective to the folk genre.

The band's music possesses a rustic and earthy feel, evoking both heartfelt and beautiful sentiments. Their intimate and engaging style draws listeners in, creating a captivating experience. Individually, Billy, Benny, and Eddie have recently released highly regarded solo albums, each showcasing their unique styles and traditions. However, when their talents merge, the sum becomes greater than its parts, resulting in the captivating and harmonious ensemble known as Miscellany Of Folk.

BILLY SUTTON (Fiddle, Bodhran, Mandola & Vocals)
EDDIE COSTELLO (Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar)
BENNY MCCARTHY (Button Accordions & Melodeon)

https://bennymccarthy.net/biography
https://www.facebook.com/miscellanyoffolk

You can find their music on Bandcamp and Spotify amongst others.
https://miscellanyoffolk.bandcamp.com/album/atlantic-sounds
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/album/4svH98dGnk8uINyW0TI1oX

Miscellany Of Folk.

Happy Easter

Released March 2021.

Eira (pronounced "era" in North America) performs music from Scotland, Ireland, Newfoundland, Canada, Wales, China, Scandinavia and the U.S.

Eira's self-titled second album was released in 2021. Recorded between summer 2018 and March 2020, it is a representation of Eira's quartet formation featuring Mary MacGillivray. This album is also Eira's first non holiday-related album, including music from Scotland, Ireland, Newfoundland, and Wales.

Eira was formed as a Celtic holiday/Christmas band in 2015 by original members Liesel Wilson, Sue Spencer, Jim Ofsthun, Ed Willett, and Cheryl Leah. Its name harkens back to its wintry origins, as "eira" (ay-rah) means "snow" in Welsh. All five original members performed in December 2015 and 2016, and Eira's first album was released in 2016 with all five original members.

The band does not feature a lead singer, and instead, has all members sing or play lead throughout the album and performances.

In 2017, Ed and Cheryl left the band to focus on their own musical projects, and Liesel, Sue, and Jim played the holiday shows that year. They expanded the band's repertoire to include year-round songs and tunes, and Eira began playing at Scottish and Irish events in 2017, also welcoming Mary MacGillivray as a new member that year.

Mary often lives across the pond these days, so she joins the band when she can, but the band often consists of the original three. Then, in 2018, Bridget Spencer joined the band as its newest member, and performs as part of Eira when she is available.

https://eiramusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eiraglentidings/

You can find their Album on Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/2DYv4LSYT7hOsvnq3t6PCR

Eira.

Released September 2012.

Seinn reflects the great love and respect that Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac have for Nova Scotia tradition, and for each other.

The record achieves a delicate balance between the musical sensibilities of two artists, showcasing traditional and original compositions among the melancholy of Gaelic song and the joy of fiddle tunes. Some of the material was learned from the recordings of older Cape Breton singers and fiddlers, some songs were chosen from existing repertoires, and some were written specifically for this project. The record fuses Roots arrangements with a traditional presentation, capturing the enjoyment and fun that Mary Jane and Wendy have together on and off the stage.

This is a powerful collaboration borne of a long-time friendship and a shared love of Celtic music. Whether it’s the mesmerizing Gaelic vocals of Mary Jane, or the superb and true musicianship of Wendy on the fiddle, these ladies have been making their mark with traditional audiences worldwide for over two decades. Mary Jane and Wendy have both been recognized internationally for their solo music careers, and Wendy has been Mary Jane’s steadfast comrade in the presentation of her music for many years. It seems only natural that these two impressive talents now come together to create a true musical partnership, which will combine their musical sensibilities, their strong Celtic roots, and their colourful personalities.

On Cape Breton Island, the rich heritage of the region’s Highland settlers was kept alive through music, songs, and stories. It was in Nova Scotia, while visiting her grandparents throughout her youth, that Mary Jane fell in love with Scottish Gaelic traditions and song. While enrolled in Saint Francis Xavier University’s Celtic Studies program, Mary Jane released her first album, Bho Thir Nan Craobh, a collection of traditional material that introduced her unique singing voice and, then unknown fiddler, Ashley MacIsaac. She has continued to dedicate her musical career to the preservation of Scottish Gaelic songs and has garnered numerous JUNO and ECMA award nominations, critical acclaim, and a worldwide audience for her efforts. Mary Jane’s four recordings create a respectful and beautiful framework for ancient Gaelic songs and her spell binding performances make these selections truly come alive.

Wendy is an award-winning fiddler, piano player and step dancer from Creignish, Cape Breton. A born performer, she began appearing publicly at age 5 as a step dancer. At age 12, she began fiddle lessons with Stan Chapman. By age fifteen, Wendy was playing dances all over Cape Breton Island, forming the sound that makes her so recognizable today. With five records to her credit – the most recent “Variations” with her Cape Breton Celtic Supergroup, Beolach – she is a favourite with traditional audiences everywhere. Wendy has toured all over the world as a solo performer, and with The Rankins, Mary Jane Lamond, Ashley MacIsaac and Beolach.

Established tradition bearers, both Mary Jane and Wendy are skilful, enthusiastic teachers that are in high demand at festivals worldwide.

https://maryjaneandwendy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MaryJaneLamond
https://www.facebook.com/wendy.macisaac.7

You can find the Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://maryjanelamond.bandcamp.com/album/seinn
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/6BijQIEEngRvSuUn4nSlL5

Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIssac.

Released April 2025.

Contemporary Folk Duo

The music of Filkin’s Drift captures the essence of their 870 mile walk, ‘weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences’ (Songlines). Their compositions are sophisticated, yet rooted in tradition. From delicate Welsh folk-songs to traditional English dance tunes, the pair blend fiddle and guitar with their ‘gorgeous close vocal harmonies’ (Folk Radio UK).

Seth Bye and Chris Roberts have earned widespread acclaim with extensive national airtime on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music, and BBC World Service. Renowned for their live performances, characterised as ‘utterly mesmerizing’ (Bristol 24/7) and ‘hugely entertaining’ (RnR), the duo have enchanted audiences across the UK including FolkEast, Warwick Folk Festival, St George’s Bristol, and Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

Filkin’s Drift are dedicated to exploring innovative avenues in music creation. In tandem with their groundbreaking commitment to sustainable touring, the duo’s latest endeavor involves the formation of Firkin's Ensemble, a 15-piece orchestral-folk band.

Seth Bye

Seth Bye is a violinist, composer and educator. He has performed in venues from the Royal Albert Hall to the Cecil Sharpe House and at festivals including Boomtown, Greenman and Shambala.
Aside from Filkin’s Drift, Seth performs with long acclaimed Balkan band, The Destroyers, recently featured on BBC 1 opening the commonwealth games.
He has toured with Giffords Circus, playing fiddle, banjo and accordion. When he is not on stage, Seth loves to climb trees and swim in rivers.

Chris Roberts

Chris Roberts’ training in classical guitar means he soars effortlessly through jigs and reels with an unrivalled purity in his steel-string playing. His performances across the UK and Europe have been praised for their “beautifully varied timbres, real virtuosity” and for being “simply mesmerising” (The British and International Federation of Festivals).
As well as playing with Filkin’s Drift, Chris tours with pop singer Tanita Tikaram, writes lullabies with new parents, and delivers workshops in SEND schools. When he’s not playing music, you can usually find Chris up a hill or by some water. But he’s probably still thinking about guitar.

https://filkinsmusic.com/drift/
https://www.facebook.com/filkinsmusic

You can find their Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://filkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/glan
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/4W4PQmSD

Filkin's Drift.

Released June 2023.

The story of Áed begins in 2013 when Ilenia and Helen met at the Irish traditional music session in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Ilenia has been singing and drawn to folk music ever since her childhood. Born into a Sicilian family, she was exposed to Southern Italian folk music early, discovering all kinds of world music later. While studying Celtic Studies in Ireland, she learned the bodhrán from her long-time friend and tutor Robbie Walsh. His powerful playing style and introduction to the Irish traditional music world influenced Ilenia's musical path considerably.

Helen has also been fascinated with folk music since a very young age. Her old papa, being an accordionist in the genre of klezmer, often played music around the house. These wonderful and exotic sounds inspired young Helen to start the fiddle at age 8. She never put the instrument down since and has been playing and singing with countless groups over the years.

Through Ilenia and Helen’s shared passion for folk music and their admiration for each other’s expression in their playing, they immediately built a strong bond. After playing at numerous sessions, and concerts and travelling through Ireland together several times, they decided to start a group of their own.

On their musical journey, they met Jonas and Raoul. Jonas is an experienced double bass player from the gypsy swing scene. With a backpack and a tent, at age 18 Jonas had also traveled around Ireland where he had fallen in love with the island, its people, and the music. Though he later studied jazz music, part of his heart remained reserved for Celtic music.

Likewise, acclaimed guitarist Raoul who, although he has studied classical guitar, has always been fascinated by Irish traditional music. Both he and Jonas became regular visitors of the trad session in Lucerne, where they met Helen and Ilenia.

All these stories weave into Áed's compositions. Together, Ilenia, Helen, Jonas, and Raoul delve into the rich soil of Celtic music with passion and sincerity, crafting timeless lilts that blend seamlessly with influences from around the world. From the lively charm of jigs and reels to ballads of ethereal beauty, they intertwine diverse traditions to shape fresh compositions and modern arrangements. Their music honors the essence of folk while pushing the genre in new and exciting directions.

Áed released their debut album, Moved, in May 2020, followed by a tour in 2022. Their second album, Leaf, blossomed on June 10, 2023. Now, the band is preparing to unveil their third studio album, set for release on October 31, 2025.

https://www.aedmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/aedtheband

You can find their Album on Bandcamp and Spotify..
https://aedfolk.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/1jklsbwx7glRbzdwz5rW9Q

Áed.

Released July 2005 - Remastered August 2025.

Phamie Gow : Composer | Pianist | Harpist | Singer

Phamie Gow is an exceptionally talented and multifaceted musician, composer, and performer, known for her evocative compositions and proficiency on the harp, piano, and accordion. Born in Scotland, Phamie’s deep Celtic roots have significantly influenced her music, infusing it with a sense of mysticism and a connection to her homeland’s rich history and rugged landscapes.

From a very young age, Phamie displayed an innate musicality that quickly burgeoned into a full-fledged passion for musical expression. She attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of music theory and history. Her dedication to her craft and her continuous exploration of various musical styles have made her compositions uniquely resonant and emotionally compelling.

Phamie Gow’s music transcends the traditional boundaries of genre. While firmly grounded in the classical tradition, her work also incorporates elements of folk, world music, and even pop, creating a genre-defying blend that appeals to a wide audience. Her compositions are known for their emotional depth, melodic inventiveness, and profound ability to connect with listeners’ hearts and souls. Whether she’s performing a tender solo on the piano or harp or collaborating with international musicians and orchestras, Phamie’s performances are imbued with a sense of passion, sincerity, and an undeniable grace.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Phamie has been recognized as a cultural ambassador for her contributions to promoting and preserving the traditional music of Scotland. She has performed on prestigious stages around the world and composed numerous albums that have received critical acclaim for both their technical proficiency and emotional depth.

As she continues her musical journey, Phamie Gow remains a beacon of innovation, tradition, and heartfelt expression, touching the lives of those who hear her music and leaving an indelible mark on the world’s musical landscape. Her dedication to her craft, her continuous exploration of new musical territories, and her deep connection to her cultural roots make her not just a musician, but a storyteller, an innovator, and an artist in the truest sense.

https://phamiegow.com/
https://www.facebook.com/phamiegowfanpage/

You can find her Album on her Web page and Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/5ejihvs7f1z370xQG4CBem

Phamie Gow.

Released January 2025.

When they finished recording their album, Looking For The Thread, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Karen Polwart, and Julie Fowlis, along with their producer and musicians, switched off the studio lights, lay down on the floor and listened to their creation. According to a press release, Polwart summed this up as, “just us all tripping out and going on a wee journey.” From the west coast of Scotland to an English studio this journey properly asserts itself in the album’s sense of space. Carpenter’s rich, empathetic American folk blends beautifully with the Scots, Fowlis and Polwart, who add their own traditional and contemporary styles.

Asked about a collaboration Carpenter said in the release, “I’m certain I blurted out Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart.” She had performed with Fowlis in the Transatlantic Sessions while Fowlis and Polwart, both big fans of Carpenter, regularly worked together. The trio started by exchanging ideas remotely before they all met during 2023’s Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, from where they headed northwest to write at the remote Kinlochmoidart House. A year later they returned with producer Josh Kaufman to take their songs a stage further. A carefully selected group of musicians completed the ensemble, all recording live to give the album its fresh open feel.

Fowlis was most involved in the two traditional Gaelic songs. Opener “Gradh Geal Mo Chridhe,” a haunting lament where her Gaelic lyrics transcend time and space is her tribute to legendary accordion player Fergie MacDonald. It is hard to believe Carpenter and Polwart are not also fluent Gaelic speakers. Their harmonies to this and “Buidheann Mo Chridhe Clann Ualrig” are ethereal as are the musical arrangements, in particular the hardanger d’amore, a ten-string fiddle played by Caoimhin O’Raghallaig.

Carpenter describes the two Gaelic songs as “foundational” but the album travels far from that Hebridean core. A distant whistle launches “Satellite,” Carpenter’s perspective of a NASA spaceship, “I followed everyone’s command/ First 18 years were fine and grand” then after “30 billion miles” is destined to remain in orbit forever.

The precariousness of the natural world offers much inspiration. Polwart’s “Rebecca” is a century old oak tree that bears the scars of attempted felling and titled after a name carved into her trunk. Polwart’s gentle folk-tinged vocals combine resilience, kindness and especially hope. ‘Silver In The Blue’ traces the journey of a threatened species of salmon downstream to the sea and feeding grounds thousands of miles away and back again. Fowlis sings with the mysticism of the Celtic mythology that reveres this creature’s wisdom. Sonically there is a flow of uncertainty that surrounds such immense natural wonder.

Carpenter’s compositions are typically thoughtful. The purposeful tempo and warm vocals of ‘A Heart That Never Closes’ emphasize the important and unimportant. Similarly introspective, the title track is “just looking for the thread / That ties it all together.” “Send Love” builds layers of sound as the entire group throw themselves into a glorious overture.

Anyone who has attended a ‘Transatlantic Sessions’ show will recognize how perfectly Carpenter’s writing and music fit with the traditions of the Celtic world. Looking For The Thread is the proof.

https://www.marychapincarpenter.com
https://www.karinepolwart.com
https://www.juliefowlis.com/

https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/album/5BqBHbosoBw2CmCla5e4Kc

Carpenter - Fowlis - Polwart.

Released April 2022.

The enduring depth of Celtic music—full of mystery and wild gaiety—has made it a favorite among concert-goers and Festival audiences for years. Fiddlehead, hailed as one of the finest Celtic groups in the Northwest, delivers the best of the tradition. The band features Anthea Lawrence on fiddle and vocals, Audra Poor on Uillean pipes, flute, and whistle, and Lawson Dumbeck on guitar, banjo, bouzouki, and bodhran.

These skilled and seasoned performers know how to engage and entertain, delighting audiences for over nine years. They have been perennial favorites at the Seattle Folklife Festival, featured at the Vancouver, BC, Celtic Fest and repeat performers at the highly-regarded Yachats Celtic Festival. With several CDs to their credit, Fiddlehead enjoys a strong following among music-lovers in the Northwest.

Widely known for their sense of fun on stage, tight, innovative arrangements, and remarkable ability to produce a huge sound for a trio, Fiddlehead delivers songs and tunes using a wide variety of traditional instruments. Their deep knowledge of the music and enthusiasm for performing is one of the hallmarks of this band, and they communicate that joy directly to the audience.

Anthea Lawrence, fiddle and vocals, has been called “one of the rising stars of Northwest Irish music.” A former member of the internationally recognized Irish band Slainte, her powerful fiddling and sweet voice have met with critical acclaim. In addition she is a well-respected teacher, giving workshops and teaching at music camps throughout the Western US.

Audra Poor is a young powerhouse on her instrument of choice, the Irish Uillean pipes, as well as a skilled musician on the flute and pennywhistle. She plays all three with finesse and style that is creating quite a buzz on the traditional music scene.

Lawson Dumbeck is a talented multi-instrumentalist. Whether he is finger-picking a sweet air on guitar, providing stirring bouzouki back-up for fiddle tunes, playing a set of polkas on the banjo, or accompanying with complex rhythms on the bodhran, he brings freshness and drive to the music.

https://antheasharp.com/celtic-music-fiddlehead/

Anthea Lawrence is Author Anthea Sharp.

You can find their Albums on Bandcamp.
https://fiddlehead-music.bandcamp.com/album/over-the-straits

Fiddlehead.

Iona Mairead.

Recorded May 2007 - Released November 2024.

Fife Sings - Old songs & Bothy Ballads.

Many of the finest traditional singers in the country gather in May each year for the Fife Traditional Singing Festival - a weekend of concerts and workshops held near Collessie in the rural heart the ancient kingdom of Fife. Songs include the humorous ballad The Wee Toun Clerk, the ancient Twa Brothers and the light hearted It's Aa Yin Tae Me.

You can find INFORMATION ON THIS YEARS FESTIVAL, May 2025, on their Web page (to see the Link scroll down the page)

Singers on this CD recorded in May 2007 are Gordeanna McCulloch from Glasgow who was first inspired to sing the ballads after hearing Jeannie Robertson in the 1960s; Gordon Easton, singer, fiddle player and raconteur from Tyrie in Aberdeenshire; Elizabeth Stewart from Mintlaw, many of whose songs came to her from her family the Fetterangus Stewarts; the world renowned singer and storyteller Duncan Williamson of Ladybank and Ron Bissett of Falkland, well-known in Fife for his repertoire of bothy ballads.

Many other singers took part in the weekend events and the CD captures some of these performances: retired farmer Hector Riddell from Banchory, butcher Alex Clarke from Dundee, Jock Duncan the great ballad singer from Pitlochry, Vic Gammon, folklorist, singer and Senior Lecturer in Folk and Traditional Music at the University of Newcastle, Chris Miles and Aileen Carr both members of Palaver, the Fife based song group, Peter Shepheard singer, folk song collector and an organiser of the weekend, Steve Black a doctor from Arnforth in Lancashire and Pete Coe folk singer and folk song enthusiast from Ripponden in Yorkshire.

https://www.springthyme.co.uk/fifesing/

https://www.facebook.com/fifesing/

The CD Song Book can be downloaded free from this link:
https://www.springthyme.co.uk/ah06/ah06cdSongBook.pdf

You can find the Album on Bandcamp.

https://fifesing.bandcamp.com/album/nick-knack-on-the-waa

Fife Sing Festival 2007

Released November 2024.

Trasna, the Irish folk duo comprised of Ger O'Donnell from County Clare and Trevor Sexton from County Limerick, has been captivating audiences for six years with their rich and diverse musical offerings. Both singers and multi-instrumentalists, O'Donnell and Sexton are known for their exceptional skill with a range of instruments including guitars, piano, double bass, banjo, whistle, flute, and several unique, less conventional instruments. Their innovative approach to traditional folk music has resulted in six chart-topping hits in Ireland, solidifying their place in the contemporary folk scene.

Their extensive touring across Europe and the US has further cemented their reputation as a dynamic and versatile act. Trasna's live performances are celebrated for their energetic and heartfelt delivery, seamlessly blending traditional Irish melodies with a fresh, modern twist. The duo’s ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes while maintaining their folk roots has garnered them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim, making them one of the most exciting acts in the folk genre today.

Ger O’Donnell
For Ger O’Donnell, collaboration is his muse as he has garnered a loyal following over the years, sharing the limelight with some of the legends of our time. The music educator, arranger and composer has worked his way from classical flute and fife to rock and strings, reaching the coveted No 1 slot in the Irish charts for his singles ‘Turquoise Ink’ and ‘Talk about the Heroes’.

Trevor Sexton
With influences spanning Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Pete Seeger, the work of Trevor Sexton is created with intent, crafting songs through storytelling to give voice to his life experiences. His talent is such that he has enthralled audiences at the Cork Opera House, Vicar Street and the UL Concert Hall.

https://www.trasnamusic.ie/
https://www.facebook.com/trasnamusic

You can find their Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://gerodonnell.bandcamp.com/album/lullabies-fairytales
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/3eg57JB2cPOtCeBmycgYpn

Trasna.

Released October 2024.

"This project celebrates the friendship and musical connection between the two of us that has blossomed over the past few years. Mixing original and traditional tunes, we mark some recent losses that offset the many joys. We hope that what comes through is the playfulness found between these friends and our joy in making music together."

"Though residents of the same larger music community for all our musical lives, we really only found each other in the last few years. The joy in that connection is the driving force behind our music together. We’re so grateful our busy and varied lives made the space for this to happen!
We are also immensely grateful for the great gifts our musical pals brought to this endeavor."

About Rebecca
Coming to music at a very young age, Rebecca was influenced by the diverse traditional music scene of Northern California. In her playing are elements of Old-Time American, Contra Dance, Scottish, Irish and other traditions. After her time studying at the Center for Contemporary Music at Mills College, Rebecca took a long hiatus from music, returning over a decade later with a new found love for the art form, and a renewed understanding of her own place in traditional music. Since her return, Rebecca has explored many collaborations including her work with Kyle Alden, Jerry Hannan, Roxanne Oliva, Michael Harmon, Riggy Rackin, Amelia Hogan, Rory McNamara, Heath Curdts, The Baybillies Stringband, and many more.

About Marla
Marla’s is a distinct voice of the mandolin in Irish music. She brings her own musical sensibility to the tradition on one of its lesser heard instruments. With very few role models on the instrument, and an utter absence of teachers, she developed her voice on her own, focusing not on the mandolin itself, but on the music she loved so dearly. Her influences come, quite naturally then, from favorite fiddlers, pipers, flute and accordion players, and her style one that aims to capture the movement and flow of the music on those instruments, while highlighting the particular beauties the mandolin can bring to the table.
Over the years, and as the instrument has gained popularity in the tradition, she has become a respected and sought-after teacher, and loves nothing more than nurturing newer players and helping them find their own voice on the instrument.
In this project, she also explores her more recent voice as a tunesmith, contributing multiple compositions to the album, with endless gratitude to Rebecca, who was game to explore them together, bringing so much to them!

https://www.marla-becca-music.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mfibish

You can find their Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://marla-becca-music.bandcamp.com/album/playdate
https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/0v5htu6RXtphBuP3BsBJwD

Marla Fibish & Rebecca Richman.

Released July 2012.

Fiona’s album ‘Archipelago’ was officially launched on 1st July 2012 on the Greentrax label.

An archipelago is a ‘string of islands’ and this album is a unique presentation of songs of the Scottish islands, from North to South. There are songs in Gaelic, in Scots and in the extinct language of ‘Norn’- the language of the Shetland Isles.

Fiona has an impressive list of guests on this album, all of whom are either from the islands, have close links to the islands or are fellow Greentrax artists- Barbara Dickson, well known fiddler from Arran, Gillian Frame, Greentrax favourites Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis (The Cast), Lewis composer Iain Mackinnon, clàrsach player Mairi Chaimbeul from Skye, fellow ‘Kilmarnock Edition’ and Greentrax artist, Alex Hodgson and Inverness singer Morven Macleod whose family come from Raasay. Haunting backing vocals and shruti box are contributed by Greenock singer songwriter Yvonne Lyon, also a member of Kilmarnock Edition with Fiona and Alex.

A unique album with some unique sounds, thoughtfully and skilfully produced by David Lyon a and recorded in Foundry Music Lab, Motherwell. The stunning artwork depicting St Kilda, was produced exclusively for Fiona by Lewis artist Jenny Hallahan.

https://www.fionajmackenzie.scot/
https://www.facebook.com/fionajmackenzie

You can buy her Album on Greentrax and Downloads on Spotify.
https://www.greentrax.com/.../fiona-j-mackenzie...
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/album/0sOhHmosXoF8PXVJDeD6Nw

Fiona J Mackenzie.

Caitlin Gilligan.

Released October 2024.

Scottish musician, Ivan Drever is an accomplished singer, guitarist and songwriter. Drever has long been a prominent figure in the Scottish folk music scene, contributing significantly to the genre with his distinctive guitar playing, songwriting, and vocals. He is known for both his solo work, as well as collaborations with other Scottish musicians. He was a member of The Knowe O’De’il, Drever, McGuire, Young and the folk-rock band Wolfstone.

Born on the Orkney Islands, but now living in Norway, his work features storytelling lyrics and intricate guitar work characterised by a mix of traditional Scottish folk influences and contemporary acoustic styles. He has pursued a successful solo career, releasing over fifty albums that feature his songwriting and musical versatility. His solo work often reflects his Orkney roots and includes both original compositions and traditional folk tunes.

Drever was a member of Wolfstone, where his songwriting blended traditional Scottish folk music with rock and pop elements. He played a key role in shaping their sound during his time with the group, particularly in the 1990s. His songs have been covered by the likes of Andy Irvine and his collaborations with many artists in the folk and Celtic music scenes have cemented his reputation as a versatile and respected musician.

Regular touring work in Scotland, the USA, and Northern Europe, TV and radio appearances showcase Ivan Drever as one of the influential figures in modern Scottish folk music, helping to bring traditional sounds to a wider audience. His most recent release is “Covers,” an album of some of his favourite songs. Much of his back catalogue including his work with Knowe O’Deil and Drever, McGuire, Young is available online via orcadianrecordings.co.uk

"The Orkney Years" features Ivan Drever with Dick Clarke, Ian Cooper, Billy Peace, Seona Dunsmuir, Noel Hill and Duncan Chisholm. These songs were recorded at Attic Studios in Orkney between 1986 and 1992.

http://ivandrever.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/IvanDrever

https://ivandrever.bandcamp.com/

Ivan Drever - The Orkney Years.

Released October 2024.

Acclaimed author and singer-songwriter Malachy Tallack released his new country-influenced album That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz on Thursday 24 October in what is a unique interlocking between the worlds of music and literature.

A companion album to Malachy’s novel of the same name, the songs are written for and featured in the novel, ostensibly written by the main character Jack – a man in his mid-sixties who lives in Shetland.

Musically, the tracks combine country, bluegrass and Americana styles, while lyrically the songs reference the land and seascapes of the Shetland Islands with occasional nods to events and preoccupations from the main character’s life.

While the idea of Shetland country music may rouse curiosity for those not in the know, the genre has been enormously popular in the islands since the 1940s.

Malachy wrote the album over the course of a year, with the recording taking place across just one weekend, all while writing his novel, which was published on the same day, by Canongate Books.

Written as a love letter to the genre, the unique crossover between the literature and accompanying music gives readers an opportunity to immerse themselves into the life of a fictional character in an entirely new way, while offering listeners an imagined world behind the music to explore.

A who’s who host of talented Scottish musicians play alongside Malachy on the album, including fellow Shetlanders Andrew Gifford (Fiddlers’ Bid) on double bass and Jenna Reid (Blazin’ Fiddles) on fiddle and vocals, with Laura-Beth Salter (Kinnaris Quintet) on mandolin and vocals, and additional playing fromMark Scobbie (Mànran) on drums and Conor Smith(Rose Room) on pedal steel.

https://www.malachytallack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/malachytallackmusic

You can find his Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://malachytallack.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/album/5sAiiFbvXUIjDAebCs8L8o

Malachy Tallack.

Released November 2024.

Pedair, feminine form of 'pedwar' ('four' in Welsh) draws on the talents of four of Wales' most prominent and award-winning folk artists: Gwenan Gibbard, Gwyneth Glyn, Meinir Gwilym and Siân James.

Groundbreaking international artists in their own right, all four thrive on collaboration and the thrill of live performance. Together they bring to life traditional material with new arrangements on harps, guitars, piano and accordion.

Their live performances have captured the imaginations and hearts of audiences with their sweeping harmonies, fresh interpretations of the Welsh folk tradition, and intimacy of songwriting.

Bringing together their unique gifts as song-tellers, the source material and inspiration from the poetic, oral and folk traditions of Wales and beyond. This is coupled with their deftness as songwriters, responding to the current state of the world, the resilience of nature, with a particular interest in giving voice to the woman.

Their first recordings, having emerged during lockdown, gained instant popularity, unexpectedly becoming a source of comfort and hope to many (including Pedair themselves!)

https://www.pedair.cymru/en/cartref
https://www.facebook.com/pedair/

You can find their Album on Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2bCXBDFigvJUZZ4oM8Kew9

Pedair.

Released October 2024.

Jess Collins is a London-based percussive dancer, fiddle player, and vocalist. She combines her talents to bring vibrant energy to both the stage and the studio.

Last year she released her debut record with Charlie Wheatley, “Take Me Back to London”— a heartfelt collection of her favorite folk tunes, songs, and stories. She also plays in the bands ‘Club Debris,’ ‘Mná’ and ‘Sally in the Woods’.

This album marks a significant milestone in Jess’s artistic journey, created to honor and close a meaningful chapter of her life while celebrating the rich tapestry of folk heritage.

Charlie and Jess, met almost 7 years ago. Their love for traditional music brought them close and took them travelling around Europe learning different tunes and songs along the way.

Charlie Wheatley, a multi instrumentalist form London has a big part to play in making this album. His guitar and banjo playing helped create the textural landscape of take me back to London. He is a multi instrumentalist and plays many styles of music and has played in many band and with many great musicians in the London area and further afield.

Also featured on this album are Zac Gavi, Owen Spafford, Will Allen, Tom Moore and James Patrick Gavin.

Recorded by slow worm records Mastered by Sam proctor.

https://www.jessiejanecollins.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/jess.collins.9406

You can find their Album on Bandcamp.
https://jesscollins.bandcamp.com/.../take-me-back-to-london

Jess Collins with Charlie Wheatley.

Music at Midnight now on Bandcamp

Music at Midnight now on Bandcamp

Released October 2024.

RTE Folk Awards nominee Padraig Jack has released his second album.

A native of the the Aran islands in the Irish speaking Gaeltacht, a place that has produced the writers Liam O’Flaithearta, Máirtín Ó’Direáin and Breandán Ó’hEithir, Padraig is proudly bilingual both as a conversationalist and a songwriter and writes and sings meaningful songs on guitar and piano in Irish Gaelic and English. With influences from James Taylor and The Eagles to Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor and Richard Thompson, Padraig appreciates strong songwriting with a distinct point of view.

Padraig Jack provides a totally engaging performance which comprises a series of moments which are supported by his disarming charm, whit, perspectives on society, Irish history and of course top quality songs in both English and Irish. Padraig delivers his well crafted songs with a quality voice and is supported by a band which included Anthony Thistlethwaite of the Saw Doctors (founding member of The Waterboys no less). Audiences are guided through his set with appropriate background stories of his songs which provide extra context but also really show who the artist is and make it an thoroughly intimate show.

https://www.padraigjack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/padraigjackmusic

You can find his Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://padraigjack.bandcamp.com/album/these-shores
https://open.spotify.com/album/3x1RGIHdJXCEcRam2RPpGD

Padraig Jack.

Released September 2011.

Iarla Ó Lionáird has carved a long and unique career in music both internationally and in Ireland. From his iconic early recording of the vision song “Aisling Gheal” as a young boy to his ground breaking recordings with Dublin’s Crash Ensemble and New York’s Alarm Will Sound, he has shown a breadth of artistic ambition both as songwriter and performer that sets him apart in the Irish Music fraternity. Preferring not be categorized, his performances and recorded output follows an ambitious arc that challenges musical identity, from Traditional Sean Nós Song to Worldbeat, from Alt Folk to Opera.

A twice Grammy nominated artist, Ó Lionáird has worked with a stellar cast of composers internationally including Donnacha Dennehy, Dan Trueman, Nico Muhly, Kate Moore, Linda Buckley, Gemma Peacocke, Gavin Bryars, Ailiís Ní Riain, James Moore, Annika Socolofsky, Pascal Le Boeuf, Caroline Shaw, Molly Herron and David Lang and he has performed and recorded with such luminaries as Peter Gabriel, Nick Cave, Robert Plant, Colin Stetson and Sinead O’Connor. His unique singing style has carried him to stages and concert halls all over the world, from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Albert Hall and beyond.

He is the recipient of numerous music related awards: A Meteor Music Award, A TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award, RTE Radio 1 Irish Folk Music Award, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. And for his broadcasting work he has received both Silver and Gold at the New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs Awards for his series on Songs and Singing- “Vocal Chords” for RTE Lyric FM.

Iarla has performed as soloist with concert and symphony orchestras including the Ulster Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Centre, USA, The Irish National Symphony Orchestra and the RTE Concert Orchestra. He has also recorded and performed with a wide range of Chamber and smaller ensembles across the world including Contemporaneous, Alarm Will Sound, So Percussion, Eighth Blackbird, Present Music, The Vanburgh Quartet, The West Ocean Quartet, Publiq Quartet, Quartetto Maurice and the Crash Ensemble.

His voice has graced the silver screen also with film credits extending from “The Gangs of New York” to “Hotel Rwanda” and most recently as featured vocalist in the film “Calvary” starring Brendan Gleeson and as featured singer in the film “Brooklyn” starring Saoirse Ronan.

Iarla Ó Lionáird is one of the greatest sean-nós singer of his generation, frontman and co- founder of Irish-American supergroup The Gloaming (and original singer, in the 1990s, with Afro-Celt Sound System)

https://iarla.com/

You can find his Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://iarla.bandcamp.com/album/foxlight
https://open.spotify.com/album/66eFo9HU9WqOKMthA5R8GK

Iarla Ó Lionáird.

Released October 2024.

Thorpe & Morrison are a fiddle/guitar duo based in Birmingham.

They are committed folk musicians who have drawn from their diverse musical backgrounds to create music that both respects the traditions it comes from while still exploring the potential for it’s progression. From Suffolk and Scotland respectively, they combine these traditions, creating exciting sounds

They have been playing together for over five years, developing a joyful, sensitive and energetic approach to the music they create, and hoping that can be shared with others throughout the journey as they continue to grow.
They also play in the 14 piece Filkin’s Ensemble, alongside Ellie Gowers, Filkin’s Drift and many other established folk musicians.

Formed out of the vibrant Birmingham music scene, Thorpe & Morrison have joined forces with Alex Garden (Tarren, Sheelanagig, The Drystones) in their home studio in Easton, Bristol for their third album - Grass & Granite, which includes a guest vocal appearance with Michelle Holloway (Bonfire Radicals), additionally working closely with videographer Grant Harper whilst recording in the studio to create four music videos for the four singles.

Grass & Granite is the culmination of over years of writing, performing and developing as musicians in the UK folk scene. The album explores multi-genre interests with elements of traditional English, Scottish and Irish tunes, newly written original tracks, and tastes of funk, americana and Scandinavian music, combining old and modern in an intricate and energizing blend.
The arrangements are grounded in fiddle (Sean Morrison) and guitar (Harry Thorpe), with harmonium (Garden) and guest vocal (Holloway) appearances adding to the mix.

The album explores strong feelings of longing for home when moving on to new adventures. The title ‘Grass & Granite’ came from Sean & Harry’s respective countryside upbringing in Ayrshire and Suffolk, before a chance meeting in a pub in the built up area of central Birmingham, where they both lived for many years. This is reflected in the cover artwork (Hannah Berrisford) with the house carved into the standing stones of Pobull Fhinn, North Uist. An area of the Outer Hebrides where Sean’s grandfather is from. This reflects both the pastoral and industrial qualities of the Thorpe & Morrison sound.

https://thorpeandmorrison.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thorpeandmorrison

You can find their Album on Bandcamp.
https://thorpeandmorrison.bandcamp.com/album/grass-granite

Thorpe & Morrison.

Released September 2023.

Contrary to the expected haunted and tortured sounds, Snows Of Yesteryear’s Scottish psychogeography focuses on the transformative forces of nature, redemption, and the inexplicable hope embedded in the unexplained. Their sonic journey invites listeners to traverse the shifting boundaries between reality and imagination.

Comprising the extraordinary talents of Kat Orr (vocals), David Mitchell (guitar), and violinist Yuuka Yamada-Garner, Snows Of YestIn the heart of indie folk’s enchanting realm, the acclaimed trio Snows Of Yesteryear unveils a musical odyssey that delves deep into the evocative landscapes and emotional tapestry of Scotland. Their self-titled debut album is a mesmerising exploration oeryear skilfully navigate the intricate passages between traditional folk and contemporary composition. Their ten-song debut weaves a musical tapestry that seamlessly blends pop with profound, mirroring the dynamic interplay between the natural environment and our inner lives.

The album opens with the enthralling ‘Wait By The Shore,’ a poignant exploration of Scotland’s natural environment and the impact of loss. Inspired by the tales of fishermen lost to coastal calamities, the song weaves a delicate tapestry of guitar and violin, with Kat Orr’s vocals evoking a Highland spring’s fragility and directness.

Former singles ‘Counting Stars’ and ‘Something Shatters’ crackle with a supernatural spark, exploring grief and elegantly blending folk-pop with otherworldly inspirations from Celtic culture. These tracks invite listeners to gaze at the heavens in wonder, immersed in the ethereal soundscape created by Snows Of Yesteryear.

The album’s diverse soundscapes include the restorative ‘Danny’s Waltz,’ a tribute to leaving sorrows behind, and ‘Deer Across My Path,’ a scuzzy, slacker-rock track penned during a solitary retreat. Each note captures the redemptive potential of nature, providing a musical sanctuary for the soul.

Snows Of Yesteryear showcase their versatility in the heart-breaking ballad ‘Bubbles Burst’ and the jazzy ‘Love Is Like A Snare.’ Collaborations with talented musicians like Su-a Lee, Samuel De Silva, Bence Táborszky, Joe Zeitlin, Josh Plotner, and Kevin McGuire add layers of depth to the narrative-driven arrangements. Yuuka Yamada-Garner’s violin, rooted in the classical tradition of Japan, serves as the emotional heartbeat of Mitchell and Orr’s compositions. Her stirring and resonant playing elevates the album, creating sound stories that unfold through dynamics, nuance, and the hypnotic powers of repetition.

Snows Of Yesteryear’s debut is a collection of evocative sound stories, offering cinema for the ears and gut. From the melancholic beauty of ‘Miles Away’ to the foreboding skies of ‘Last Thing You Remember,’ the album paints vivid imagery in the mind, akin to a lush epic that transcends genres and time.

Closing with ‘Rest And Be Thankful,’ a track that feels like a lost traditional beamed from an 18th-century bothy, Snows Of Yesteryear leave an indelible mark. The album, intended to be experienced as a cohesive journey, showcases an accomplished band with artistry and vision, transcending the boundaries of time.

Snows Of Yesteryear’s debut album is not just a musical endeavor; it’s an immersive exploration of Scotland’s emotional landscapes. As you embark on this sonic odyssey, let the ethereal melodies, poignant narratives, and masterful collaborations guide you through a captivating journey that transcends the realms of indie folk.
https://www.snowsofyesteryear.scot/

You can find their Album on Bandcamp and Spotify.
https://snowsofyes.bandcamp.com/album/snows-of-yesteryear
https://open.spotify.com/album/1tdt1XGMVVz3eeNUQvVFXs

Snows of Yesteryear.

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