Session A9

Session A9 with Kris Drever

Friday 29th January 2010, 9.00pm

Old Fruitmarket

Although famed first and foremost as a fiddle band, the Scottish supergroup Session A9 are much more besides. Alongside their four-man frontline of Charlie McKerron, Adam Sutherland, Kevin Henderson and Gordon Gunn (drawn from such leading acts as Capercaillie, the Peatbog Faeries and Fiddlers’ Bid), their line-up also comprises piano, guitar, percussion and vocals, making music as exquisitely accomplished as it’s viscerally exciting.

Having added 2008’s Instrumentalist of the Year title at the Scots Trad Music Award to his collection of major accolades, the spellbinding singer, songwriter, guitarist and ex-Session A9 member Kris Drever tonight launches his hotly-anticipated second solo album, Mark the Hard Earth. As well as his own set, featuring sundry special guests on new original songs and freshly-worked material by Sandy Wright, Boo Hewerdine and Hamish Henderson, he’s sure to join his former bandmates for a number or two…

Le Vent du Nord with Breabach.

Le Vent du Nord with Breabach

Thursday 28th January 2010, 8.00pm

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall : Strathclyde Suite

Always a Celtic Connections favourite, Québécois quartet Le Vent du Nord recently released their fifth studio album La Part du Feu. Centred on the traditional sounds of fiddle, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, guitar and four-part vocals, the new songs and tunes redouble the band’s trademark joie de vivre with seasoned maturity and cohesion.

Breabach, here previewing material from their imminent second album, The Desperate Battle of the Birds are one of Scotland’s top young traditional acts, with a line-up of twin bagpipes, fiddle, flute, whistles, guitar and vocals. Tonight’s show launches the two bands’ joint Tune Up tour, and will feature specially devised collaborations as well as individual sets.

Another shindig at Hatton Castle, Newtyle (PH12 8UN).

Apologies if you have received this information already via another list, but Mike and Patsy have asked me to let you know of an upcoming house concert at Hatton Castle…anyone welcome!

Another shindig at Hatton Castle, Newtyle (PH12 8UN).
Saturday 21st November, 7.30 pm

Abby Newton, probably the finest cellist in Scottish Music, and a lovely person, from New York. Accompanied by Kim Robertson on Harp and Mairi Campbell on Fiddle. All top quality!

Usual rules… 7.30 start, bring family and friends, bring £10 a head (at least) for the musicians’ hat (not for me!). and BYOB. There will undoubtedly be a session later for anyone with an instrument and stamina.

Come! RSVP if possible, to let us know numbers

Mike and Patsy