I noticed Eabhal back in 2016 when I happened to hear their debut EP. It was a solid showing of potential in the field of Scottish trad, far from a beginner's first unsteady efforts. It took a while for a full album to appear but here it is, and well worth checking out. A casual … Continue reading Album Review / Eabhal: This Is How The Ladies Dance
Tag: folk music
On electronics in folk, adding drums as an afterthought and the art of arrangements: My interview with Tannara’s Becca and Owen
Tannara's Strands stands out as one of the brightest and most ambitious albums in the current Celtic folk scene. After listening to it repeatedly, a few things about it intrigued me so much I gathered up my courage and asked for an interview. I was delighted when Becca Skeoch and Owen Sinclair graciously took the … Continue reading On electronics in folk, adding drums as an afterthought and the art of arrangements: My interview with Tannara’s Becca and Owen
Album Review / Innes Watson’s Guitar Colloquium
500 Days of Summer. Yep, the movie. That's what flashed in my head by the third track of Scottish folk music string instrument wiz Innes Watson's brand new album where Mr Watson really lets his guitar self go all the way. A strange association? Not so much, really. Many of the carefully constructed and, of … Continue reading Album Review / Innes Watson’s Guitar Colloquium
Album Review / Gary Innes: Imminent
Gary Innes' third album continues his excellent work as a solo artist. As a the accordion guy in Mànran, his role is irreplaceable and on his own, he is simply fab. Imminent is, in my ears, a worthy successor and equal to ERA, his 2017 outing. The concept of the previous album is pretty much … Continue reading Album Review / Gary Innes: Imminent
Retro Review / Alasdair Fraser: Dawn Dance (1995)
When I began to get interested in Celtic trad and folk, I might have stayed a longer time in the doorstep, peeking curiously in but not really entering the house had it not been for two artists: Capercaillie and Alasdair Fraser. Capercaillie's Celtic crossover was a virtual key to this music to someone who adores … Continue reading Retro Review / Alasdair Fraser: Dawn Dance (1995)
Retro Review / Canterach (2001)
Canterach were a Scottish trad band featuring players who had been and who were to become top level musicians in the field; this is, as far as I know, the band's only album - a shame, because it's so delightful and one of my enduring favorites. It’s basically Scottish trad but with many upgrades, so … Continue reading Retro Review / Canterach (2001)
Album Review / Gráinne Holland: Corcra
Corcra is Irish folk singer / singer-songwriter Gráinne Holland's third album. It both continues the natural evolution of its very good predecessors and brings in some new elements as well. Her songs have always been excellent: the ballads beautiful without being sappy or too ethereal, the ones with her band full-bodied without being too pop. … Continue reading Album Review / Gráinne Holland: Corcra
Retro Review / Calum Alex Macmillan: Till (2017)
Calum Alex Macmillan is a Scottish Gaelic singer and piper with classy band history with Dàimh and Mary Ann Kennedy’s Na Siod. His solo album Till (the word means 'return') is a remarkable achievement. I’d characterize his niche on this album as ”Gaelic singer-songwriter”; the musical style and the sparse but very effective arrangements are … Continue reading Retro Review / Calum Alex Macmillan: Till (2017)
Album Review / Tannara: Strands
A few years ago, when my Celtic madness really got into gear, I heard Tannara's debut album Trig. It was strong and convincing and I mentally marked them in my "very good Trad" box. Now, their new offering makes me move Tannara to the "bands that make something new out of Trad" box. Strands runs … Continue reading Album Review / Tannara: Strands
Retro Review: Aidan O’Rourke’s “Sirius” (2005) and “An Tobar” (2008)
When I started this website, I inevitably did - and constantly do - some backtracking and kind of musical fact-checking, listening to stuff I haven't returned to in a while. In that context, I said hi to Aidan O'Rourke's earlier stuff, as it had been a while since I'd listened to it. I have to … Continue reading Retro Review: Aidan O’Rourke’s “Sirius” (2005) and “An Tobar” (2008)
