Keeping the Celtic Traditions Alive

 

A decade ago I spent a few days in Montrose. My partner said there’s not a lot to do here. I went a walk to the library and to my surprise discovered that Montrose had been the centre of a Scottish Renaissance in the 1930s, led by the poet Hugh MacDiarmid. 

Nearly a century ago there was the Scottish Cultural Renaissance from Montrose – with figures such as poets Hugh MacDiarmid, Willaim Soutar, Edwin and Willa Muir, Plus novelists Neil Gunn, Lewis Grassic Gibbons, Catherine Carswell, Nan shepherd, Sorely Maclean, Iain Crichton Smith, RB Cunningham Graham, George Douglas Brown.

RB Cunningham Graham

Later in the 1960s there was the Scottish Folk Revival -  with poets, musicians and song collectors such as Hamish Henderson, Margaret Bennet, and Dick Gaughan - who worked to keep the Scots traditions alive.... Just as poets back in the 1700s – Allan Ramsey, Robert Fergusson, Robert Burns - wrote to keep the Scots language, culture, ballads and heritage alive after the union 1707 (and the suppressions of Scots musical instruments and highland dress after Culloden)

Twisted Pine

Julie Fowlis

Celtic Connections music festival has brought folk music (and indie, world, roots, Americana) onto the bigger stage. Back in the 70s I had little idea when I attended Sandy Bells bar Edinburgh, and folk festivals – that there was a revival happening. I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed this experiences of the wonderful live music. So odd looking back!  

Today there are Celtic musicians keeping Scotland’s musical traditions alive such as – Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever, Karine Polwart, Manran, Braebach, Capercaillie, Duncan Chisholm, Ross Ainslie, Glasgow Trad Collective and many more. My impression is that many younger musicians are highly aware of the traditions. 

Sadly troubadours such as the folk legends Dick Gaughan, Rab Noakes, Michael Marra, Gerry Rafferty, are no longer with us and performing. I remember Noakes saying – ‘A present with no past has no future.’ Scotland has a centuries old tradition of believing in the rights of all people. From the clan system, Declaration of Arbroath, scholars such a George Buchanan, Enlightenment, and Robert Burns humanity. 

 

The voices of the ordinary folks. In 1960s Hamish Henderson wrote, ‘Freedom Come All Ye’

 

Rab Noakes & Barbara Dickson

The Importance of Culture on our Lives and Keeping the Traditions Alive - Some might wonder, does all this matter, in a globalized world of mono culture, online social network algorithms, fast food outlets global chain stores, and even one track politics of click bait conspiracy theories and right wing closed off thinking. As empty rhetoric sweeps through online media – and its more important than ever before to retain our diversity, freedom of thought, to study our sense of place, culture and history. For diverse, informed thinking. Have we lost the craft of informed debates? 

 

I agree with George Kerevan in the National newspaper about the significance of culture over live, in his article, ‘Do not lose sight of the Scotland that we are all fighting for’. 

I believe people vote with their hearts not their heads. Then again there’s Bill Clintons quote, it’s the economy stupid. At least we’re persuaded by the press that we vote with our back pockets. The trouble is there’s not much to choose between the political parties right now – except the British ones are aim to protect the status quo that has been failing Scotland for decades. 

(I was sorry to read it was Kerevan’s last weekly column and hope he continues to contribute. I’ve enjoyed reading his articles in the national. The National has been one of the biggest positives to come our of the 2014 referendum.)

 

Concerts such as Transatlantic Sessions proves the size of the audience for this kind of traditional, acoustic music. Celtic Connections music festival has taken the closed off live local pub sessions on to the bigger stage. And also taken Celtic music forward, while respecting the traditions. In particular certain folk musicians aim to keep carrying the stream. 

 

In 1922 Lenin expelled the free thinkers, artists, poets on the Philosophy steamer from Russia. He was afraid of their creativity. The one thing free thinkers believe in is ‘uncertainty. ‘In the world of science or philosophy, nothing can be  proved totally, the only thing that is certain is that things change. (The Philosophy Steamer, Lesley Chamberlain)

Sometimes (if not often) culture leads the way for new visions. And new collaborations of how to view the world today and how our futures might be. Celtic Connections shines a light on this vision, after all music is the universal language. 

People remember best the songs, books, art and film that moved them or touched our hearts and not political leaders. Only a few politicians are even remembered. And often not in a good way!

PHOTOS & Review 25TH CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2018!

Opening concert Siobhan Miller & Kris Drever

Celebration this year of 25 years of Celtic connections music festival

 ‘The Sights and Sounds of Celtic Connections’

from the many lights overhead of the Danny Kyle stage that illuminate the aspirations of many young musicians; to those playing accordion, Uilleann pipes pipes , fiddle or piano in the concert hall foyer; the photographers images of concerts they’ve enjoyed; the old oak warmth of the atmospheric Old Fruitmarket where folk musicians or ceilidh bands never cease to amaze; to the packed anticipation of the concert hall audiences for another year of Celtic cheer to lift the gloom of January chills – and  as the snow falls on the opening night I feel grateful to be there! To the last Transatlantic Sessions concert when the days are longer. 

*Highlights for me this year were – Vibrant line up at the Opening concert; Beth Orton;  Bothy Culture and Beyond; Tribute concert Old Fruitmarket for Dick Gaughan;  film composer Max Richter; Shawn Colvin; Session A9; Transatlantic Sessions;

*Tribute concerts –  ‘Arrest this Moment’ for Michael Marra;  Tribute concert for Dick Gaughan.

Saltfishforty

Niteworks

One of the more interesting aspects of the festival is spotting the new talents emerging.

*The young musicians who drew attentions this year –  Talisk, Siobhan Miller, Siobhan Wilson, Friel Sisters,  Rura,  Alasdair Roberts, Kathryn Joseph, Misha Macpherson, Elephant Sessions, Saltfishforty Rose Code Blue. 

*Danny Kyle Stage Winners 2018,

Dlu  band, Lynne Carson, The Canny band, Galloway, Savannah Donolnoe and Charlie, Joel Gardner, Sam Begbie and Joe Doyle,

*International artists and visitors included - Cuban singer Juan de Marcos and Americans Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan.

Northern Celtic Routes -  Connections to our Gaelic Irish cousins and also our strong links to Northern Celtic Routes from Norway, Canada, Finland and Sweden. Swedish accordionist Leif Ottossen. Quebec quartet Le Vent du Nord. This year Celtic connections twinned with Ireland.

Beth Orton

Eddi Reader

Julie Fowlis

On top of this CC hosts film, art exhibitions, workshops, ceilidh nights, talks, late sessions,

The biggest audience for Gaelic scots music at Bothy Culture and Beyond. Plus a whisky festival at SWg1. The FILM, the Groove is not trivial path to joy - social change through the arts.

The 18 days of the festival - Over 300 events over 26 stages and ticket sales over 130,000. Over the last 25 years the festival has grown at an unprecedented rate, increasing from 66 events in 1 venue with 27,000 attendees in 1994 to 172 events across 11 stages. to now over 350 events across 28 stages and an attendance figure of over 130,000.

There is always such a wide variety , eclectic, accomplished line up – from established and emerging talents.

Celtic Connections offers subtle intonation, creative musicianship, artistic storytelling, friendly collaborations.

Bothy Culture & Beyond

My Top Celtic concerts

I have enjoyed some of my best ever concerts at Celtic Connections – The opening concert with the GRIT orchestra, Cara Dillon, Rura the Old Fruitmarket, Jerry Douglas and his band, the legendary Rab Noakes and Dick Gaughan. Mary Chapman Carpenter, Richard Thompson, The Chieftains, Punch Brothers, concert for Gerry Rafferty; concert for Michael Marra, the awesome Transatlantic Sessions, beautiful Gaelic singers – Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheson, Rhiannon Gibbons.

Celtic Connections 25th festival!

World class musicians from all corners of the roots, folk, world, Americana, indie music world. https://www.celticconnections.com/

Martin Simpson & Tony McManus

Sharon Shannon

Far Far from Ypres

Transatlantic Sessions Celtic Connections 2018

Golden highlights of another memorable festival Transatlantic Sessions, the jewel in the Celtic Connections crown, and led by musical maestros Shetland fiddler Aly Bain and US Dubro master Jerry Douglas. In 2017 the Transatlantic Sessions did both a UK and US tour. For singers it must be a treat to be backed by the quality of this TS band.  

We were treated to top tunes from - Phil Cunnigham, Russ Berenberg, John McCusker and Michael McGoldrick, backed up with the piano of Donald Shaw and the rhythm sections of John Doyle, Danny Thompson and James Mackintosh.

And alongside classy songs from tonight’s top line up of singers. From the States we had sublime harmonies from the Secret Sisters who sang bluegrass and swing; plus award winning songwriter Shawn Camp and multi-instrumentalist from Arkansas (who has worked with Garth Brooks).

US country queen singer Suzy Bogguss stood out with her commanding performance. She also commented on the quality of Doyle’s rhythm guitar, he certainly is the engine room of this band! Irish folk singer Daoiri Farrell treated us to his individual voice. From Scotland favourite songstress Julie Fowlis charmed with her Gaelic songs and also a folk song called Go Your Own Way, when she said, some songs we simply have to sing. The ever popular Phil Cunningham performed his tune Eternal Fling.

Fiddler Aly Bain commented, ‘Music is the real connections, for our special relationship to the States is in music. While Dubro master Jerry Douglas spoke of his long term work of 40 years with guitarist Russ Barenberg. 

Always the fitting finale!

Julie Fowlis

Shawn Camp

Secret Sisters

Celtic Connections 25th festival 2018!

Karen Matheson & Julie Fowlis

Celtic Connections festival celebrates its 25^th anniversary 2018 - with an ambitious and eclectic line-up of world class musicians from all corners of the roots, folk, world, Americana, and indie music world.

I’ve enjoyed some of my best ever concerts at Celtic Connections – The opening concert with the GRIT orchestra, Cara Dillon, Rura the Old Fruitmarket, Jerry Douglas and his band, the legendary Rab Noakes and Dick Gaughan. Mary Chapman Carpenter, Richard Thompson, The Chieftains, Punch Brothers, concert for Gerry Rafferty; concert for Michael Marra.

the awesome Transatlantic Sessions, beautiful Gaelic singers – Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheson, Rhiannon Gibbons,

Some at the bigger venues, some at intimate smaller venues and the many medium sized. In fact Glasgow is ideal, providing colour, history and upbeat vibes. Celtic takes over most of Glasgow’s renowned venues from the warm hub at the concert hall, the atmospheric Fruitmarket, the world famous Barrowlands, intimacy Oran Mor, the historic St Andrews in the Square.

There is always such as unique vibe – from the behind the scenes meetings, the quality musicians who come worldwide, the exciting new talents at the Danny Kyle Stage, the fun Fruitmarket ceilidhs, the famous names, late sessions and so much more.  

Celtic Connections offers subtle intonation, creative musicianship, artistic storytelling, friendly collaborations

Thursday 18 January - Sunday 4 February 2018. The 18 days of the festival will brighten up the winter nights with one-off musical collaborations, talks, workshops, film screenings, ceilidhs, art exhibitions, free events and late night sessions. Celtic Connections festival now has over 300 events across 26 stages and an attendance figure of over 100,000. Begun 25 years ago, some wondered how successful a time January might be, but it has proved that fine music certainly warms the soul in mid-winter nights!

Aly Bain

Highlights of the 25^th Festival

Following its stand out opening concert at the Celtic Connections 2015, the GRIT Orchestra of folk, jazz and classical musicians, will world premier Martyn Bennett’s Bothy Culture at the Hydro, arranged by Greg Lawson. They will be joined by stunt cyclist Danny MacAskill (55m views YouTube). The GRIT Orchestra is a unique ensemble of Scotland’s diverse contemporary music scene, a scene that Bennett himself helped pave the way for.

Blazin Fiddles

Gaelic singers with the Scottish National orchestra – Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheosn.

There will be a tribute concert for Dundee bard, the late great Michael Marra with friends and fans, at the Glasgow Pavilion.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS include - American singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin, Shetland’s Fiddler’s Bid, Finnish seven-piece Frigg, award-winning Kate Rusby, punk folk band the Levellers, Irelands Sharon Shannon, Skerryvore, The Mavericks, Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer, Julie Fowlis, Dougie MacLean.  

Highlanders Blazin’ Fiddles, have their 20^th anniversary show, with Jenna Reid, Rua MacMillan, Kristan Harvey, Anna Massie and Angus Lyon – PLUS Duncan Chisholm, Aidan O’Rourke, Catriona Macdonald, Iain MacFarlane, Allan Henderson, Marc Clement and Andy Thorburn.

The ever popular Celtic finale, Transatlantic Sessions concert will have special guests, the US country queen Suzy Bogguss, duo The Secret Sisters, Southern gospel, bluegrass and swing; Arkansas instrumentalist Shawn Camp; blue grass players Douglas in the Flatt & Earls of Leicester, Dubliner Daoirí Farrell, and North Uist Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis.

This year the festival will partner with Ireland with many well known and emerging Irish talent appearing at the festival.

Tickets on sale from Wednesday 25 October 2017.  The festival will run from Thursday 18 January - Sunday 4 February 2018.

Follow the conversation @ccfest

For the programme line-up and tickets : www.celticconnections.com

**Celtic Connections 2018 will embrace music from the past to music of the present and will look ahead to the future of an increasingly experimental and exciting music scene. With this year’s line-up and collaborations the festival will show how much Scotland’s music scene has changed over the last 25 years, with more musical styles and cross genre fusions of jazz, classical, folk, world and electronica.

Donald Shaw, Artistic Director of Celtic Connections, said: “Since the inception of Celtic Connections in 1994 the Scottish music scene has developed and diversified hugely. When the festival began there was still significant compartmentalisation of genres, which although has its place at times, has become less prevalent over the years. The influence and inspiration that the traditional music scene has had across the whole musical landscape in Scotland and worldwide has helped to make the journey of Celtic Connections all the more adventurous and exciting. As an internationally renowned festival we continually strive for better and the 25^th edition is no exception. Audiences will be treated to performances from some of the best artists from across the world and an array of unique collaborations and an eclectic mix of world music.”