Their first
two albums were recorded traditionally – Crosswinds (1987) and Sidewaulks (1989).
In the 80s
Capercaillie were greatly influenced by Irish folk music of the 80s, with bands
like Clannad and Planxty. Irish music was more advanced then and the Irish band
Clannad proved the wider appeal that was possible with their chart success for
the theme Hurry’s Song.
So for their
albums Delirium (1991) and Secret People (1993) Capercaillie added basslines,
drum machines and synthesisers and this fusion sound let to chart success in
the 1990s. Shaw said that some may feel they sold out from the folk traditions
but he feels they would have sold out by making the same record over and over.
The band preferred to move on and try
new things. Their sound became
contemporary traditional music. The band toured worldwide and continue to tour
today.
Now in the
2000s, Capercaillie have returned to a slightly more traditional arrangements
and instruments with a more subtle fusion of modern instruments.
Capercaillie
are considered folk royalty. Donald Shaw has been the musical director for Glasgow’s highly
successful Celtic Connections since 2007. I cover the festival each year and I
am well aware of the diversity, quality and musicianship that Donald pulls
together to make this highly successful event for the city of Glasgow.
One aspect
that makes the band stand out is the clear beauty of Karen Matheson’s subtle
expressive voice. She often sings in Gaelic. There are some wonderful clips of
her on YouTube singing with the unmatchable quality of the Transatlantic
band - nothing much beats a perfect
vocal, beautiful melody and the TS band!
In a BBC documentary Karen said as a
teenager she was dragged around venues to sing by her dad. It was only when she
met Donald and realised his drive and creative enthusiasm for the folk music
that she was able to see the purpose of it all. Donald and Karen married ( ) - I notice at
Celtic there are several married couples in folk music!
On this
documentary about the bands thirty years together Shaw said that there was no
music industry compared to 30 years ago and that it is all about making music
for the live experience now. Donald Shaw
is very much the musical driving force of the band. He is also a successful
composer and arranger and recently he composed music for the BBCs 'Hebrides; Islands on the Edge.'
The present
day line up of the band consists of - Karen Matheson (vocals), Charlie McKerron
(fiddle), Michael McGoldrick (flute, whistle, pipes), Manus Lunny (bouzouki,
guitar), Donald Shaw (keyboards, accordion), Ewen Vernal (bass), David Robertson
(percussion), Che Beresford (drums), James Mackintosh (drums).
