Sunday 29th of Celtic Connections saw something extraordinary happen. The piper-composer-innovator Malin Lewis (see also Malin Makes Music on the internet and social media) was included in this year’s New Voices series and it’s no overstatement to say that they blew the roof off the Strathclyde Suite. Malin’s work for this event was a dizzying … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Malin Lewis
Celtic Connections 2023: Cara Dillon with Vrï
We had checked out Vrï’s latest album before the festival and had been quite impressed with the three Welsh guys singing in Welsh. They sounded vibrant and self-assured on the album and likewise so on stage as the opening act for Cara Dillon on Sat. 28th. As far as I have understood, they play traditional … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Cara Dillon with Vrï
Celtic Connections 2023: Ímar with FullSet and ‘Ndiaz
It was a full house in the Old Fruitmarket on Fri 27th as the music crowd gathered to witness three quite different acts. Ireland’s FullSet have been around for quite a few years now but I only discovered them in 2021. I loved their show, a pretty damn excellent serving of contemporary Irish trad. Fine … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Ímar with FullSet and ‘Ndiaz
Celtic Connections 2023: FARA, Celtic Odyssée
The big CC23 event on Thu 26th was the concert in the RCH main concert hall. In my opinion, it was the opening act that stood out. I think this was the third time I have seen Orkney’s FARA live. They have always been fun and bright but now, with their thid and so far … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: FARA, Celtic Odyssée
Celtic Connections 2023: Jenna Reid with Harris Playfair
Shetland fiddler Jenna Reid has for a long time been one of the most visible and impressive of Scottish fiddlers. As a member of Blazin’ Fiddles and with already a few solo albums in her catalogue, she is a household name among the Celtic music community. In 2022, Jenna recorded, with pianist Harris Playfair, an … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Jenna Reid with Harris Playfair
Celtic Connections 2023: Guitar Night
“Is there anyone here who doesn’t like guitars?” Anna Massie asked and one guy in the audience waved enthusiastically. I hope he survived the two hours of masterful fretwork that followed Anna’s question. I won’t go into any analysis here. I will just note that it was great fun seeing and hearing Anna, Tim Edey, … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Guitar Night
Celtic Connections 2023: John McCusker and friends; Beth Malcolm
Our Sunday’s CC menu consisted of two concerts decidedly less loud but just as enjoyable as the gigs on two previous days. Celtic Connections’ New Voices series has always showcased brilliant upcoming artists and Beth Malcolm’s song cycle on theme of growing up and finding yourself was no exception. She is an immensely talented songwriter: … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: John McCusker and friends; Beth Malcolm
Celtic Connections 2023: Treacherous Orchestra + Víík
That evening was a really mighty blast 💥! Such energy levels, it’s a wonder I managed to sleep afterwards… Víík as the opening act were a really happy surprise. We had checked out their singles on Spotify and had thought they were kind of lame and perhaps self-consciously artsy. But on stage, the Danish-Norwegian band … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Treacherous Orchestra + Víík
Celtic Connections 2023: Talisk & Project Smok
Back in Glasgow after three years! Celtic Connections 2020 happened just before covid shook the world - little did we know then that we would not return here until 2023… Me and my wife launched our CC23 with quite a bang. This was our third Talisk show and by far the most epic. Musically I … Continue reading Celtic Connections 2023: Talisk & Project Smok
Catriona Price: Hert
Catriona Price may not be a household name yet but the Celtic music community is surely familiar with Orkney’s fabulous fiddle strike force FARA whose lineup Catriona is a part of. She is also 50 % of the ambitious modern folk duo Twelfth Day. With classical violin training and already a long folk/trad career, she … Continue reading Catriona Price: Hert
FolkNotes 