scottish

Julie Fowlis Via Streaming

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If you are on the move today and want mobile music, you can give Julie Fowlis a listen. Her songs are traditional in style, but they are also relatable in an urban setting. Something to go along with your coffee, perhaps? I discovered Fowlis in the late 2000s via MySpace and kept following her through the years. She has always continued to spice her traditional Scottish sounds with contemporary styles that sound refreshing.

There is that thing in her sound that appeals to folk and rock listeners. It is in her voice and her delivery. She also plays fast tunes if you are in the mood to dance or do your chores. Her music is energetic without being noisy. That is the thing that I love about artists rooted in the traditional genre. They don’t make music for the sake of being loud and sensational. They make music for the soul that’s relatable and heartfelt. That is all we need in these uncertain times, right?

Revisiting Calum Stewart’s Superb Talent

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Calum Stewart – Uilleann Pipes Yann Le Bozec – Double Bass Sylvain Quéré – Cittern Mathilde Rio – Step Dance Video – Guénolé Diguet Sound – Olivier Renet http://www.calum-stewart.com http://www.lennproduction.fr “Garster’s Dream” trad. Shetland “The Seven Men of Glen Moriston” © Calum Stewart “Fisherman’s” trad. Ireland

This music video came out months ago while the world was still deep in the pandemic. Now we have the Russia and Ukraine war. And although I am not the type who posts political content, I want to say that the situation is getting worse. After one problem, there’s another one, all because of greed, hubris and people not learning from history.
To appreciate this type of music that I talk about, one must understand history. History has taught us that it repeats itself. History has shown us that leaders fall because of hubris. I created this blog after a crash course in Celtic history. It’s remarkable what you can learn when you pick up a book. The book will take you anywhere…maybe to a series of books, movies, and albums you need to hear.

I interviewed Calum Stewart way back. It was a happier time, and I was also a different person. I loved writing and asking artists about their craft and creative habits. So it was a pleasure to have that interview featuring Scottish traditional music.

Now, he is going places and has collaborated with different bands and artists. You can tell a superstar when you talk to one. This video is a testament to that. After seeing his post on my feed regarding the recent “Saerim” session on BBC Alba, I also wrote this. Unfortunately, I cannot watch the whole episode on iPlayer because I don’t live in the UK. I was fortunate enough to find this recent upload on his channel, even though this is ten months old.

Craving for new sound? Get Windmills in the Sky by Coast.

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River is one of the catchiest Celtic rock songs I have heard in ages. There is no comparison because the style is original. Perhaps I would  mention a little bit of Dougie MacLean, Luka Bloom and Simple Minds for reference but I mean when I say that they’re quite unique and captivating. The song (River) starts with a banging of (alsmost gated) drums. The chorus “Take me down to the river..’ is so well-written and recorded that it makes me sing along! It is taken from their new album Windmills in the Sky, consisting of ten songs reflecting their Scottish roots but with modern appeal.

COAST Windmills in the Sky cd cover HIGH RES

New album: Windmills in the Sky

There are five people in the band with Paul Eastham ( Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano)
Chris Barnes( Percussion and Vocals), Finlay Wells (Electric & Acoustic Guitars and Vocals)
‘Mop’ Youngson ( Drums) and Dave Williamson (Bass and additional Vocals). Here’s a brief background from their website:

COAST is a world class, UK based professional rockband started by brothers Paul Eastham and Chris Barnes in 2009.

Paul is an outstanding songwriter, vocalist, performer, producer and virtuoso pianist with an extensive industry CV which includes credits and collaborations with some of the most highly regarded international artists, songwriters and producers.
Having spent many of their childhood years on the Island of Benbecula in Scotlands’ Western Isles, the musical work of COAST has a character and style which is shaped and coloured by the dramatic landscapes and cultural aspects of the region.
With two albums, three EPs and many UK, European and Scandanavian festival appearances behind them, COAST continue with what has been a rapid rise to international acclaim with a new album launching in early 2017 followed by extensive touring of their new high energy show.

Their songs touch various topics and one has such historical content like the ballad “1884.” At times, their music approaches a cinematic scope like the soaring and frisky “Old Atlantic Sky.”  Like their Irish cousins Clannad (who ventured into soundtracking), they’re able to come up with a haunting instrumental piece called “You’re So Beautiful To Me.” I think this track will get Celtic music aficionados (like me) to put them in the elite category of the musical culture. They know how to make a grand close with the title track which showcases their propensity for a grand sound.

Windmills in the Sky is now available for purchase through their website. You can also pre-order CD and vinyl versions.

Lau, So Happy To Be Playing Live in the US (Q & A with Martin Green)

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lau-live2016

 

The band members of Lau are in middle of their American tour. You can get the tickets here. Now is your chance to hear their epic recordings getting a live treatment. And if you are lucky enough, you might even get to interview band members. I am so happy to have my questions answered by Martin Green (accordion, wurlitzer, keys, electronics) courtesy of my friend Anita Daly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HhgbPF5fhg

1. You are starting  your US tour. Are you excited?
Always exciting to be in America, we have some good friends here and there is such remarkable music to enjoy.

2. Is this your first time performing in the US?
Lau have been in the US several times, but this is the longest tour to date, fantastic to get a chance to explore a bit more.

3. The Bell that Never Rang continues to receive positive reviews. How’s the recording process?
It was an extremely enjoyable process Joan Wasser came over from New York to record with us in Scotland, she has an amazing energy about her as a person and as a musician. We learned a lot from her during the recording.

4. The title track is an epic track that calls to mind British bands like Renaissance and Fairport Convention. What’s the story behind this song?
The Bell that Never Rang is part of the city of Glasgow’s coat of arms. The piece was commissioned by Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow. It is a celebration of Glasgow (a place we love very much).

5. What have you learned collaborating with other bands and also maintaining Lau creatively?
Lau is a small band, and has never changed line-up (and never will) and so we find it hugely useful to collaborate with other musicians, it brings new ideas on and helps keep us open to new ways of thinking.

6. What’s your favorite song in the new album?
Death of the dining car, Kris sounds like Paul Simon, and I’m into that.

7. Your message to fans?
It’s great to be over here, hope you can make it out to one of the shows!
Cheers
Martin

My Short But Sweet Interview With Scottish Superstar Eddi Reader

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Screen Shot 2016-05-29 at 7.43.50 PM

I put Eddi Reader up there with the best artists in the world. Artists whose every release is always anticipated and also celebrated. She recently dropped her Best Of album and if you haven’t read my review yet, please check it out.

This little Q&A was arranged by my good friend Anita Daly. I got a kick after discover this in my mailbox. Eddi Reader has taught me that tact and simplicity always yield good results.  $_35

She also shares with us how she is able to maintain that amazing voice! We should all try her techniques if we want to have a singing career.

  1. The Best of presents the evolution of your musical evolution through the years. Was it an arduous process trying to decide what tracks finally make it to the compilation?

I didn’t choose the tracks, it would have been almost impossible.. I never look back musically so although it sounded like the right time to assess and look at the path I have been on, It was best to keep a good distance so that when I listened I could hear it as a new complete experience.  I set aside some time one afternoon and listened afresh to what my Manager Tom Rose chose.

I was very happy with it.

  1. Looking back, have you known all along that you are going to be this influential?

I don’t have any idea that I am.  I do meet people and younger ones who love bits and pieces of what Ive offered up.  But if I have influenced I didn’t mean any harm. haha

  1. What do you miss the most about being with Fairground Attraction?
Being in my twenties with energy of a cheetah!
  1. Your voice is a fascinating instrument. How did you develop that style of singing and how do you maintain the your beautiful voice?
I drink loads of water when I work.  I try to nap if I have no energy.  Sleep repairs muscle and tissue.  I try to remember not to shout too much when I talk.
  1. How’s the book coming along?(Reader is writing a book for publication  about her great-uncle Seamus (or James) Reader).
I will be relieved when it decides its done with me.  I miss it when I’m away from doing it. But it sometimes seems endless.
  1. Your success has influenced young women singer-songwriters to be brave. How do you see the music business today as compared to the time you fronted your first band?
Thank you . I hope that’s somehow true. But I think every human has a love of something and a feeling of purposeful drive.  Nothing can stop anyone expressing themselves musically if that’s what they love to do.
I am not sure what the music biz is doing now. I ignore it as much as possible.  I think the same is true today as it was before my time: Do it with love and light and the joy will be a great reward, the Mercedes will come later.
  1. And finally, your message to your fans?

To anyone who has spent time listening while I sing I want to say thank you so much. xxxxx