Showing posts with label Traditions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traditions. Show all posts

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Bob Dylan and his Scots folk music traditions


I enjoyed reading the informed article 'The Scottish folk origins of Dylan’s best loved tracks', Ruairdh Mackenzie, Sunday National 15/12/2024

It reminded me that a few years back I was listening to a Radio Six Music program – Cerys Matthews: A Birthday Tribute to Bob Dylan, May - 2014 

She was having a chat with one of Dylan’s legion of serious music fans. They were discussing the influence of British or Anglo-folk on Dylan’s music. Mathews asked whether Irish folk had a major influence on Dylan’s music. 

The fan replied, “well apart from being close with the Clancy Brothers during their time in Greenwich village, not so much, but that Scottish folk music....."  Mathews interrupted and stopped him, not once, but TWICE. And then she said, “Oh we cant single out one region of the UK for particular attention.” 


I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to a discussion on Scottish traditional folk music’s influence on Dylan’s music.It took me aback and I thought, clearly those in England view Scotland as a region, merely due equal attention of other regions of England – say Yorkshire or Northumberland – and not a nation or country in its own right. This is truly shocking and clearly politically driven. 


Afterwards I felt convinced there must be messaging from the BBC to the effect of – “any reference to Scotland as a unique or separate nation should be avoided.  In all respects only the viable UK should be promoted as an entire whole – that is Wales, Scotland and NI are merely regions of the United Kingdom.” Of course I could be entirely wrong about this??!  I did receive a response from the BBC asking where in the program I heard these comments. 

 



Dylan’s early songs were adapted from Scots folk tunes – He wrote his early classis of ‘A Hard Rain a Gonna Fall’ based on the 17th century Scots border ballad Lord Randal. His ‘Times They are a Changing’ is based on Hamish Henderson’s Banks O Sicily.


Interestingly Mackenzie writes that when Dylan arrived in Greenwich village as a young 20yr old, he shared a flat with Scots singer Jean Redpath. She taught Dylan about Burns and Scots traditional music. “Giving Dylan the poetry and tunes to rise to the top of the New York folk music scene.”

 

On his 30th studio album Time Out of Mind, the final track is Highlands,

Well my hearts in the highlands, gentle and fair,

Honeysuckle bloomin in the wildwood air,

Bluebells bloomin where the Aberdeen waters flow

Well my herats in the highlands

I’m goonna go there when I feel good enough to go.”,

 




So ten years later I get some answers to the my questions over Scottish tradiitonal folk music’s influence on Dylan’s song writing! I’ve been studying both Bob Dylan and Robert Burns genius song writing over the past decade. Dylan later names Burns "A Red Red Rose" as the song that most influenced his work.  


Make music organically. In 2009 Dylan purchased a mansion at Nithy Bridge in the Cairngorms. Here was an artist going home to his roots. 


‘A Complete Unknown’ film with Timothy Chalamet, due out 17th Jan 2025 in the UK

 Sunday National - The Scottish folk origins of Bob Dylan’s best-loved tracks

https://www.thenational.scot/culture/24795016.scottish-folk-origins-bob-dylans-best-loved-tracks/


Timothy Chalamet in A Complete Unknown



Sunday, 19 February 2023

Celtic Connections Review 2023

 


2023 marked a welcome return. with long queues at the Danny Kyle open mic stage, packed venues and an excitement to have the popular festival back, after the restricted lockdown years of the Covid. (2021, 2022): and showcasing performances from some of the world’s most celebrated artists  Europe’s premier folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections drew to a close after 18 days of spectacular concerts, unique and powerful collaborations and captivating screenings. 

Celtic Connections, one of the world’s largest winter music festivals and this year saw its 30th year, celebrated with an exciting line-up for its Opening concert – The Big Band plus -  Sierra Hull’s mandolin, Hebridean Peat and Diesel folk rock; Maeve Gilchrist harp melodies; Mali’s duo Dre CaliLiam O Maonial’s band Hot House Flowers, singers Karine Polwart, Kim Carnie, Rachel Sermann, and Fergus McCreadie’s jazz piano.  

 

The concert included musicians who have been involve since its beginning, as well as providing a platform for future talent, everything from contemporary dance to punk-inspired folk rock.

The world-renowned festival,19th January to 5th February, was held without restrictions for the first time since 2020, staging more than 300 events with more than 100,000 attendances at 25 venues across Glasgow, from the famous Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to the Mackintosh Church in the west end and Tramway in the southside.(There was also over 10,000 attendances at free events). 

Irish Celtic Music. Róisín Reimagined with award-winning Irish singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Irish Chamber Orchestra teamed up for a new project that combined exceptional vocals with fresh orchestral arrangements of sean nós songs, breathing new life into the noble, classical music of 16th-19th century Gaelic Ireland. 




Another notable performance was Rise Kagona, lead guitarist and only remaining member of the mega-successful Zimbabwean rock band The Bhundu Boys. One of the most successful contemporary folk musicians from Finland, Maija Kauhanen, combined her expressive voice with Finnish kantele when she performed with composer Andrew WaiteRozi Plain performed tracks from her upcoming fifth LP, Prize and local musician Terra Kin presented their debut EP Too Far Gone.

Other highlights - Malian duo Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, with their rich and radiant blend of desert blues, Afro-pop, rock and hip-hop. Hen Hoose, a songwriting collective, brought together artists with ground-breaking music. Man of the Minch, at the forefront of Scottish folk music performed tracks from his debut album, The Tide is at the Turning. One of Mali’s most dynamic artists Rokia Koné  gave her first live performance in the UK of her debut album Bamanan, which was named one of the New York Times Best Albums of 2022.

The popular Cherish the Ladies, all-female American supergroup, champions of Celtic music, captivated with soulful singing, uplifting traditional Irish tunes and energetic dancing, as they celebrated 38 years. 

The sold out Transatlantic sessions brought together accomplished musicians and talented solo performers and went on tour to six UK venues. My personal highlights were Danny Kyle open stage, Vent du Nord, Duncan Chisholm, Kim Carnie and TS concerts


**Showcase Scotland, highlighted international partners Brittany and Wales during the six-day programme. The music industry event, which returned for the first time in two years, introduced delegates from across the world to the Scottish music sector, featuring this year’s partners Spectacle vivant en Bretagne - EPCC, and Wales Arts International - Celfyddydau Rhyngwladol Cymru.

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It has been incredible to celebrate the 30th edition of Celtic Connections and showcase folk, roots and world music, bringing communities from across the globe together in Glasgow. This year’s festival was a huge success and the calibre of the artists was incredible.

“We are honoured to have brought Europe's largest winter music festival to audiences from all over the world for the last 30 years. This year, we paid homage to all the musicians and artists who have contributed to Celtic Connections over the past three decades. We can’t wait to return in 2024 and once again bring music from around the world to the heart of Glasgow.”

Vent du Nord
Fergus McCreadie
Sierra Hull


**New Talent at Celtic Connections -  Lewis McLaughlin, who won the Glastonbury emerging talent

Kim Carnie, award winning Gaelic singer and composer, Mercury nominated Fergus McCreadie jazz pianist, 


*Danny Kyle Stage, 24th year – Binky Blue – Carnan – Chloe Matharu – Falasgair – Tem and Will Boyd-Wallis



*Winner Young Trad Musician 2023
 – pianist Amy Laurence, who mixes traditions from Shetland

This year’s winner of the prestigious award joins a list which recently has included amongst others the 2022 winner fiddler Eryn Rae, pianist Michael Biggins, piper Ali Levack, fiddler Benedict Morris and singer Hannah Rarity.  Amy said: “I am stunned and delighted to be the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician for 2023 and to follow in the footsteps of past winners, who are such an inspiration.”

Originally from Shetland, Amy began her journey through traditional music at the age of 16 when she began attending lessons from Violet Tulloch, who she still considers a large influence.   In 2017 she made the move to Glasgow to study Classical Piano at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before making the switch, in 2019, to the traditional department where she was awarded a first-class honours degree in traditional music.  As part of the 2023 award, Amy wins a recording session with BBC Scotland, an opportunity to perform at the Scots Trad Music Awards later in the year, plus a one-year membership to the Musicians Union.

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Neath the Gloamin Sky Opening Concert at Celtic Connections 2022

 

Hannah Rarity

The opening concert was hosted by the charismatic singer Hannah Rarity and Innes White, this wonderful concert included exciting Imar, and singers Jenny Strugeon, Fiona Hunter, Paul McKenna, Ellie Beaton, and Cameron Nixon. 

 

Alongside arrangements by the Alligin String Octet, whicfeatures Katrina LeeKana KawashimaSeonaid AitkenKristan Harvey (violins), Patsy ReidRhoslyn Lawton (violas), Alice Allen and Julia Wagner (Cellos), and a house band that included the talents of Anna Massie and Megan MacDonald.

 

The concerts aim was for the young folk artists to celebrate the folk revival with their perfect harmonies, on both new and old songs. And Hannah Rarity on Bonny Glen Shee - with their honest heart and soul. Bring it on!

 

 



Wednesday, 26 January 2022

FOLK music & Sandy Bells



The extended gatherings of those who celebrate live traditional music – that warm special folk magic –with its

musical intimacy, the surprise of unexpected collaborations, the joy of a larger collective all appreciating musical traditions  and heritage, the bringing together of all ages, all walks of life, and from all corners of the globe, the appreciation of the common language and connections and the intense joy live music brings us. 

 

Music is our first and last memory and is in inherently, deeply instinctive.

Abiding memories. The release and hopes. Live folk music makes me see warm wood and golden glows. With the range and quality of the artists.

 

I first came across live folk music, in my early twenties, in the folk clubs of Edinburgh and at Sandy Bells bar. I’ll never forget that experience and the impact of live traditional instruments and the poignant, expression of  a live ballad singer. Up to then I had enjoyed playing piano and listening to recorded cassettes – the Beatles, the Stones, Joni Mitchell to Bob Dylan and Mozart!. But the live traditional music was on a different level altogether with the impact of its vibrant immediacy, its heart and soul.

And for anyone who thinks folk music is our-dated or dull - there are many top names in music today who began with the folk song - Gerry Rafferty, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Proclaimers, Laura Marling, Neil Young, Eagles and many many more.

The melody and song is the heart.

 

I sincerely hope the live traditions will live on for many reasons. The folk song has so many deeper meanings an depth, tell stories across the divides. 

Julie Fowlis

Edinburgh is now full of international students. In fact I read that both St Andrews and Edinburgh universities are only 30% are now scots. And with Air B&Bs and globalization and tourism, it is crucial Scotland’s rich musical heritage can survive.

 

This is a reason people today are fighting for their sense of identity. A fight between individuality, independence, diversity, uniqueness, - and the mono-culture of blandness of global culture? Who wants a MacDonald’s on every street corner? I want to visit Italy for its art, it special and unique stories. 


Sandy Bells Bar Edinburgh
**Sandy Bells bar on Forrest road. Back in the 60s folklorists Hamish Henderson and Margaret Bennet used to attend the bar. Many musicians have been inspired by playing at Sandy Bells. 

**MY PHOTOS include fiddle player Alasdair White at Sandy Bells. 

Celtic Connection folk and roots festival hosts live Sessions at the Festival club and at the Late night sessions (although not in 2022 due to the Covid restrictions)



Tuesday, 11 January 2022

Celtic Connections 2022 cancelled events due to Covid

 

It's sad about Celtic Connections having to cancel some concerts, but they are now offering a Digital festival from 26th January.

THE ORGANISERS Celtic Connections music festival have announced that several shows will be cancelled due to the uncertainty around Covid.

FM Nicola Sturgeon announced that she hopes to be able to lift the current restrictions on indoor events on January 24 2022, so hopes are growing that this month's Celtic Connections festival, January 20, can go ahead to some extent, while some events have already been cancelled.

Celtic Connections  have announced it was with "a heavy heart" that they were confirming a number of shows within the programme are no longer able to go ahead. They are in the process of contacting impacted artists regarding cancellations and expect the majority of shows to be affected by restrictions in some way.

 "Our ambition for the 29th edition of the festival was to bring everyone together once again, however the uncertainty and disruption caused by the Omicron variant has meant it is not feasible for us to continue with our existing plans on the scale we had originally hoped.

"Artists and ticketholders for the shows affected so far are being contacted directly and we would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and patience.  We have not come to these decisions lightly and are committed to presenting a form of the festival which brings the connection and joy of Celtic Connections to audiences, while being both feasible and safe for all involved.

"We are currently working through many different scenarios and options and reviewing all shows in line with existing event restrictions. We will continue to keep our audiences up to date as the plans for Celtic Connections 2022 evolve."

The opening concert, ‘Neath The Gloamin’ Star, was to feature younger musicians and songwriters.

Cara Dillon



Before Christmas organisers said restrictions and the timeline against future reviews presented significant challenges for the festival. However, with restrictions placed onaudience numbers for indoor events at just 200 for all-seater shows and 100 for standing, and one-metre distancing, shows have sadly been cancelled.

The event, promoted by Glasgow Life, the charitable trust which runs the city's culture and leisure services, was due to be held in Glasgow from January 20 to February 6, with an 18-day programme featuring traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music. More than 1,000 musicians were due to take part in the 29th edition of the concert series.

The online version of the festival in 2021 sold more than 27,000 tickets and attracted audiences from over 60 different countries, with more than 10.5 million minutes of musical entertainment viewed over a 19-day programme.  Previous festivals have featured Robert Plant, Laura Marling, the Chieftains, Bobby Womack to name a few - and more than 100,000 attendances.

https://www.celticconnections.com


Adam Holmes

 
**Some events have already been cancelled, however. Below is a list of the affected performances.

Roaming Roots, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 23

Dean Owen at CCA, January 28

Geraint Watkins Band and Emma Jane, Drygate Brewery, January 21

 

 

Shetland 550, The Mackintosh Church, January 21

Ceilidh With The Peter Wood Band, National Piping Centre, January 22

The Lonesome Ace Stringband & The Magpies, Mitchell theatre January 22

Elephant Sessions 10th Anniversary Special, Glasgow Barrowland, January 22 (re-scheduled for September 23)

The Conundrum: International Piping Night, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (New Auditorium), January 22

Neal Francis and Unoma Okudo, Drygate Brewery, January 22

 

An Tobar: 25 Years, Drygate Brewery, January 23

Megan Henderson with Ainsley Hamill: Not Just Ship Land, Mitchell Theatre, January 23

Frankie Gavin and Màirtìn Ò Connor and Stundom, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (New Auditorium), January 23

Le Vent Du Nord, Old Fruitmarket, January 28

Ian Fraser with Josie Duncan, Mitchell Theatre, January 28

Spiers & Boden, Òran Mór, January 28

Astrid and Ewan Macfarlane, Drygate Brewery, January 27

Lera Lynn and Donovan Woods, CCA, January 27

Allison Russell and Ala de Liona and Emily Scott Robinson, Saint Luke’s, January 26

Breabach with Beòlach, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 26

Jason Wilson’s Ashara, CCA, January 29

Leventime: A Tribute To Jackie Leven, Òran Mór, January 29

Stina Marie Claire, CCA, January 30

Andrew Wasylyk and Twelfth Day, Mitchell Theatre, January 30

Hamish Henderson Night: Ballad Of The Banffies, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 30

Jill Jackson and Lady Nade, Old Fruitmarket, January 30

 

Annabelle Chvostek and Elaine Lennon, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Strathclyde Suite), January 31

Kate Rusby, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 1

Rachel Baiman and Cahalen Morrison, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Strathclyde Suite), February 1

Catriona Price, Mitchell Theatre, February 2

Amadou & Mariam, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 2

Darlingside, Saint Luke’s, February 2

Dervish, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 3

Tom Oakes, National Piping Centre, February 3

The Mastersons and Julia Taylor, CCA, February 4

Ryan Young and Chris Amer with Janice Burns and Jon Doran, National Piping Centre, February 4

Roddy Hart And The Lonesome Fire, Saint Luke’s, February 6


Tuesday, 12 October 2021

Celtic Connections 2022 RETURNS!

 

Transatlantic Sessions


Thrilling to hear that CELTIC CONNECTIONS will return January 20th to 6th Feb, to celebrate its 29th year,  as the world premier winter roots, folk and world music festival. It will be held in Glasgow’s iconic venues.  With over a thousand musicians, and events over 18 days. And is famous for its unique collaborations and connections. The focus this year is on young talent with "Tradovation". 

A bright light of emerging talent with a series of concerts from young acts that seek to find innovation, inspiration and exploration within traditional music.  New commissions from musicians at the forefront of the roots, folk, jazz and orchestral scene in Scotland.


Grit Orchestra


New Talent. The opening concert Neath the Gloaming Star – will mean a great deal , after the lockdown months of this Pandemic.“Celtic Connections 2022’s opening concert is a statement of the festival’s commitment to present and hold up emerging acts, recognising what is being done by young musicians in Scotland and internationally to carry the torch for Scots folk song into the future”, Creative Producer, Donald Shaw, “there’s no doubt that this year’s festival has an added significance to it, and in the context of the last couple of years, we’re eager to capture the collective human experience that is at the heart of what’s been missing for people – the sharing of experiences, songs, music and stories.”

Orchestra. 21 January Skye electronic Celtic fusion band Niteworks joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, with Gaelic singers Kathleen MacInnes and Sian, night of commissioned orchestrations.  Capercaillie will be joined by Scottish Symphony Orchestra, led by Greg Lawson in a world premiere of orchestrations of the band’s illustrious back catalogue.

Anniversaries. English folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby, will celebrate 30 years at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall  1 February.   Plus the 20-year anniversary for Quebecois folk quintet Le Vent du Nord, who will bring The Old Fruitmarket to life 28th January with their raucously blend of guitar, fiddle, hurdy gurdy and lusty French vocals. They blend a modern sound, rooted in Celtic music from both Ireland and Brittany, and showcase the festival’s cross-cultural spirit

Indie bands will showcase several gigs, including Twilight Sad at the Old Fruitmarket. Plus the ever popular concerts of the Transatlantic Session and the Roaming Roots Revue.


The festival line up will include Fergus McCreadie, Matt Carmichael, RANT & The Ledger, Kim Carnie, Westward The Light, Hamish Napier & Adam Sutherland, Mairearad Green, Jenn Butterworth, Mike Vass and Charlie Grey & Joseph Peach.

 

** Celtic provides a place of warm cheer with the energy of eclectic, accomplished and enriching roots music for those long, chill January nights and days – that challenge as well as being inspired by the past. Last year the festival was online only which saw over   30K fans worldwide tune in. 

Braebach

 
*Celtic Connections began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow.  Funded by - The Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund by Caledonian MacBrayne, La Bonne Auberge and Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland. The BBC has supported Celtic Connections since its first year and the festival is pleased to collaborate once again with them for 2022.

Rachel Sermanni