the artistsMichael MarraExpelled from school at 14, Michael went on to make a name for himself as a songwriter in the 1970s. Commercial success was beckoning but unhappy experiences in the London music scene put pay to that. He returned to Scotland and in 1985 released the fantastic solo album ‘Gaels Blue’. Michael is regarded as a songwriters’ songwriter and his most recent album, ‘Posted Sober’, rates as one of the finest albums to come out of Scotland in recent years. Recently Michael wrote an opera and he remains much in demand as a collaborator on many musical projects. Quite simply he is a living Scottish hero. Blair DouglasBorn and raised on Skye, Blair was a founder member of Runrig before pursuing a more solo career. He is now firmly established as one of Scotland’s finest living tune masters and his most recent album, ‘Angels From The Ashes’, was released last year to widespread critical acclaim. He continues to live with his family on Skye. Rod PatersonLike Michael Marra, Rod hails from Dundee. He is now regarded as one of the finest exponents of the songs of Robert Burns. However, is musical pedigree is more extensive with his involvement in groups such as The Easy Club, Jock Tamson’s Bairns and Ceolbeg. He was also involved in the influential ‘Transatlantic Sessions’ with Emmylou Harris and Phil Cunningham. He has a degree in philosophy and lives in Perthshire. MackenzieThe Mackenzie sisters, Eilidh, Gilian and Fiona, are from Gress in Lewis and have been singing together since they were children. Their first album, ‘Camhanach’, rapidly established their reputation as some of the finest exponents of Gaelic song. A second album, ‘Fama Clamosa’, followed in 2002 and in addition the sisters have worked extensively with other traditional musicians. All three are established songwriters in their own right and, although no longer living on the island, the influence of Lewis remains at the heart of it all. Anne MartinA native of Trotternish in north west Skye, Anne has been collecting and singing Gaelic songs since childhood and she remains actively involved in collecting, performing and recording these songs. She has released two albums so far, ‘Co…?’ (a solo album) and ‘Nighean nan Geug’ (a duo with Ingrid Henderson) with another in the pipeline. In between she is a partner in an outdoor centre, runs a post office, provides music advice for the Scottish Arts Council, is involved with Fèis Thròdairnis and is a full-time mother. She also performs regularly around the world. Anne lives with her husband John and their young family in Trotternish. Peatbog FaeriesBased on Skye, the Peatbogs have established a loyal fan base around the globe with their own brand of “celtic funk”. They have produced three albums, ‘Mellowosity’, ‘Faerie Stories’ and ‘Welcome to Dun Vegas’ (which has received great reviews). The individual members of the group also have other musical interests that they pursue. A new album, ‘Croftwork’, will be out in 2005. The Cauld Blast OrchestraDescribed as an anarchic blend of jazz, folk, classical and rock the Cauld Blast Orchestra has graced the Scottish music scene for the best part of two decades. Outstanding performers in their own right they have also provided the perfect condiment to other established Scottish artists. Jennifer Forrest BandJennifer was raised in Airdrie, next door to Sheila, but her mother hails from Skye. She has played the accordion since childhood and is well known in the traditional music scene through her fine Scottish dance band and through her work with BBC Radio Scotland’s traditional music programmes, ‘Take The Floor’ and ‘The Reel Blend’. She has released an album, ‘The Skye Connection’, on Portree-based label Macmeanmna. Jennifer lives with her young family in rural Aberdeenshire. Donnie MunroDonnie is a Skye man through and through. After graduating from art school in Aberdeen, Donnie worked as an art teacher before teaming up with former Skye friends to become involved full-time with Runrig. He had a long and illustrious career with the band before leaving with a view to pursuing a career in politics in 1997. Unfortunately this political career didn’t materialise but politics’ loss was music’s gain, as it allowed Donnie to pursue a solo career. Since then he has produced a number of solo albums and he continues to perform on a regular basis both at home and abroad. He lives with his family on Skye where he is involved with the Gaelic college Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Ingrid HendersonBorn and raised in Lochaber, Ingrid is a virtuoso clàrsach player and talented multi-instrumentalist. She won the prestigious ‘BBC Radio 2 Young Traditional Musician’ as a teenager in 1990 and more recently she has established herself through her work with Anne Martin and with Cliar. Her brother Alan is a member of Blazin’ Fiddles and there are several other talented siblings waiting in the wings. With a first solo album, ‘The Little Beauty’, due for release in 2005, Ingrid also finds time to work for Fèisean nan Gàidheal as a development offcier in Lochaber. She lives with her husband, Iain MacFarlane, in Glenfinnan. Iain MacFarlaneBorn in Glenfinnan, Iain was immersed in traditional music from an early age and ultimately graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with a BA in traditional music. Another multi-instrumentalist, Iain is currently best known as a member of Blazin’ Fiddles. With a number of albums under his belt, Iain is now regarded by many as the finest of the current crop of young Scottish fiddlers (which makes it kind of ironic that on this album he plays the whistle!). |
   
|
Site design kindly donated by Sitekit Solutions Ltd