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Rab Noakes and Barbara Dickson |
I continue
as ever really excited about music, both new and old. My son sings in an
aberpella choir, which he enjoys. He sings those bass rhythms and also
solos. This year I saw some of my favourite Scottish folk artists - Barbara Dickson, Rab Noakes and Dick Gaughan.
I enjoyed
great musicianship at Celtic 2014 - Nicola
Benedetti, Del Amitri, Jerry Douglas, Aly Bain, Dougie McLean,
Capercaillie, Mogwai and more. I look forward to Celtic 2015, one of the
highlights of my year.
I also enjoyed
younger artists including Head and Heart and Lyla Foye There have been some fun
new albums this year - Mary Chapman Carpenter, Sarah McLachlan,
White Denim, Head and Heart, King Creosote.
Yet another
strong female singer songwriter Ella,
has secured big hits (oddly an X factor finalist how was voted off in the early
rounds!).
Eighties
icon Kate Bush returned with 30 sell
out shows in September at the Apollo Hammersmith London. She is one of the most
celebrated English singer songwriters. Kate Bush has always followed her muse entirely and so to expect
anything less from her first shows in three decades is to not really understand
what motivates her as an artist.
'Don't you think art is a tremendous
sensual-sexual expression? I feel that energy often.. the driving force! ' 'The
most important thing for me is that its interesting from a creative point of
view. Then I feel totally fulfilled as an artist and I can move on.'
One Direction became one of the biggest bands ever
worldwide. Pharrell Williams gave us
the most popular song for a while with his upbeat Happy. Some memorable songs
this year – Ghost (Ella), Royals (Lorde),
Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay), No Place I’d Rather Be.
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Del Amitri |
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Lau |
Some
exciting new Scottish artists include – Chvrches, RM Hubbert, Lau, Frightened Rabbit, Aidan Moffat, King Creoste, Withered Hand, Paolo Nutini, Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro, Belle and Sebastian.
Independent
Record Label Linn Records, Glasgow,
have secured Grammy nominations for outstanding recording quality. Linn Records
was started in 1982 - http://www.linnrecords.com
Folk music is alive and very well in Scotland. Celtic Connections goes from strength to strength with both young and older artists – it’s a highlight of my
year in cold January skies – with brilliant musicianship, dynamic
collaborations, beautiful Gaelic singers, haunting pipes, strong guitars,
melodic fiddles, energetic ceilidh bands, charged bass and percussion - the vibe is heart
warming and uplifting.
Many Celtic concerts goers attend
every year for the weeks and weekend. I meet people from far away San
Francisco, southern Ireland, north of England, cultured Paris and much more.
The audiences at Celtic are packed with serious music fans – which creates an
informed, generous and appreciative vibe at the concerts.
There is also a great deal behind the
main stage, - music workshops, open mic stages for new comers, late sessions
which are great fun, as well as the festival club itself. The festival days and
nights are a welcome feast for music fans.
IN 2010 GRAMOPHONE NAMED LINN
LABEL OF THE YEAR
In October 2010 at the annual Gramophone Awards, Linn was named
Label of the Year. For Linn, winning this prestigious award was the culmination
of nearly three decades of work, and represents the dedication of a team
striving to give the you the best music, with no compromises on quality or
support of our artists.
With a Studio Master, you
get to hear more of the music. It's the closest we can get to capturing the
artist's original performance. In fact, it's recorded with such accuracy that
you'd think the artist was performing in your room
PS
Concert Hall Steps
The top of Buchanan Street offer
striking vistas and important civic space for shoes photo shoots, for political
gatherings, for sunny lunchtimes, happy buskers, concert goers, tourists and
students and more. The Glasgow council in their ignorance, wants to take away
the steps and instead put up a large glass atrium like you would see in any
other nameless city or shopping mall. I was shocked and saddened when I heard
this, Please protest against