Transatlantic Sessions at Celtic Connections 2022

 

The Transatlantic Sessions concert celebrates the important connections between Scots, Irish and American traditional music. Those sometimes forgotten stories of emigration across the rough seas in often small wooden sailing ships, with so many hopes and dreams of building a better life and enjoying democratic freedoms – and they took their old ballads and tunes with them. Sometimes they had no choice. 

And it’s important to remember. 

 

Fiddler Ali Bain toured in the States, decades back, and after he enjoyed his special collaborations there, he was a part of setting up Celtic Connections 29 years ago in 1994. Normally Celtic Connections welcomes 80 musicians from America – festival director Donald Shaw said, “but due to all the Covid restrictions for this year only five Americans were able to make it across and they are all on stage tonight!” 

Paul Brady

The TS 2022 included veteran, long standing members along with new faces, From the States and US roots music we were treated to the talent of is a Grammy-award winning American singer songwriter Sarah Jarosz. She has a quiet stillness and one of those hypnotic voices that pulls you in. She sang Orange and Blue, Blue Heron, Hometown and Dylan’s Ring them Bell. 

Siobhan Miller

Sarah Jarosz

New faces also included, Haitian-American musician Leyla McCaila sang Merci Mon Dieu with her cello and is an earthy and soulful singer (previously with the band The Carolina Chocolate Drops)  Award-winning and talented Scots singer songwriter Siobhan Miller sang traditional songs May Morning Dew, Honest Man and her own song Drifting and was clearly thrilled to have joined this elite band!

 

Long standing member Dirk Powell from Kentucky, he is a leading expert of Appalachian music. He performed songs of his family’s inspiring history; Bright Light of Day, Waterdown and Walking Through Clay, He said its important to tell our stories and spoke of his grandfather carving his name on an old tree with his young hopes. 

 

Popular Irish musician Paul Brady was another highlight and performed a top class show finale when he sang Concert Going, and Harvest time. Followed by a grand finale which was as always of exhilarating Scots tunes. A special mention for the talents of the band’s outstanding musicianship, they don’t come any better than this!

 

Highlights from the wide variety of styles – Dirk Powell’s Waterdown, Sara Jarosz’s vocals along side Douglas’s dubro and Daniel Kimdro on double bass. And of course Ali Bain’s accomplished Shetland fiddle – Phil told how his musical partner Ali, after 35 years playing together, told him how talented he was!

Long may we be treated to such accomplished musicians! I hope there will be some recordings of the Transatlantic sessions to enjoy on YouTube! I highly recommend checking out.  

 

**The Transatlantic Sessions band is led by musical directors of Shetland fiddle legend Aly Bain, accordion legend Phil Cunningham and dobro genius Jerry Douglas, the line-up includes John Doyle, Daniel Kimbro, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Donald Shaw and James Mackintosh. 

 

“Part melting pot, part jam band. .  spinetingling and rollicking” (The Guardian)

 

 Dirk Powell is an American fiddler, banjo player from Kentucky and a leading expert of Appalachian music. He has won several Grammys.   

Celtic Connections welcome return!

 

Alligan String Octet

 Celtic Connections brought light and joy to Glasgow’s iconic venues

Glasgow came to life over the weekend with the welcome return of the winter Celtic Connections festival. Audiences enjoyed a busy weekend of performances as part of the 29th offering of Europe’s premiere winter festival took place at the Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, Tramway, the Mackintosh Church, Old Fruitmarket, and St Luke’s.

Stand-out events included the renowned British-Indian sitar player Anoushka Shankar performing her father Ravi Shankar’s iconic Concerto No.3 with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, foot-stomping gigs from festival favourites Mànran and Mec Lir and a sell out show with the energy of Talisk. 

Scottish singer songwriter Kathryn Joseph was joined by the 20-strong Tinderbox Collective - an exciting cross-genre line-up of young musical talent with professional collaborators, 

 

While the festival’s partnership with BEMIS Scotland culminated in a stunning 

Tramway show, headlined by young energetic Guinean artist N’famady Kouyaté.

Hannah Rarity

I'm looking forward to the second Celtic Connections weekend!

- 3^rd February at St Luke’s the ever popular Blue Rose Code and at the historic Macintosh church Gnoss

- 4th February, Adam Holmes at Drygate and Sharon Shannon New Auditorium Concert hall.

- 5th February, Rura Theatre Royal, Old Blind Dogs at St Lukes.

- 6th February, Transatlantic Sessions, Royal Concert hall

Anoushka Shankar

 

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

Celtic Connections 2022 RETURNS!

 

Transatlantic Sessions

Thrilling to hear that CELTIC CONNECTIONS will return January 20^th to 6^th Feb, to celebrate its 29^th 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

Celtic Connections opening concert 2021

Celtic Connections 2021 Big Band

The opening of Celtic Connections 2021, had sets from some of the very best musicians on both the Scottish and international music scenes, with 12 performances: including fiddler Duncan Chisholm with Scottish Ensemble, Ímar, Fiona Hunter, Kinnaris Quintet, Le Vent du Nord.

Perfect tunes and accomplished musicians. 

Celtic Connections 2021 Big Band, with a quality line up - Donald Shaw, Michael McGoldrick, Greg Lawson, Ross Ainslie and more. They performed new tunes by New Voices series. 

The concert began with pipers led by Finlay MacDonald. Followed by excellent tunes by the Celtic Big band. This was contrasted by perfect harmony singing with Karine Polwart’s ‘Come Away in’ - a welcome song for refugees at the impressive City Chambers – Aaron Jones, Eddi Reader, Siobhan Miller, Rab Noakes, Findlay Napier, Dave Mulligan. 

Followed by festival favourites Le Vent Du Nord from Quebec. 

Fiddler Duncan Chisholm played the tune ‘The Precious Place’ with sweet poignant tones along with Innes Watson, Hamish Napier, Jarlath Henderson & the Scottish Ensemble 

Duncan Chisholm

The concert celebrated cultures from around the world with the energetic singing of Xabier Diaz from Galicia and Adufeiras De Salitre. Also Sona Jobarteh multi-instrumentalist and composer from the Gambia.

The Kinnaris Quartet did an energetic set at the Old Fruitmarket venue with their tune, This Too Shall Pass. Fiona Hunter sang the Burns song ‘Aye Walkin O’. We were also treated to a Gaelic song from Karen Matheson: and fun tunes by young bands Imar and Elephant Sessions. 

Celtic Connections big band   Fiddle: Patsy Reid, Graham Mackenzie, Laura Wilkie, Hannah Fisher. Whistles and Saxophone: Fraser Field. 
Flute and Whistles: Michael McGoldrick
. Pipes and Whistles: Ross Ainslie.  Guitar: Anna Massie, Sorren Maclean
. Percussion: James Mackintosh, Alyn Cosker
. Piano and accordion: Donald Shaw.
 Double bass: Duncan Lyall
. Trumpet: Neil Yates. 
Saxophone: Paul Towndrow. .Trombone: Chris Greive
. Violin: Greg Lawson, Alistair Savage, Fiona Stephen, Kobus Frick Viola: Georgia Boyd, Liam Lynch
.  Cello: Sonia Cromarty, Jessica Kerr
. 

Celtic Connections celebrates Scottish music  and traditions and also places it alongside other global traditions, cultures and music. The festival is about improving our well being by the process of coming together in Glasgow’s most historic buildings. The festival does workshops and talks.  

On the BBC Radio Scotland artistic director Donald Shaw thanked Glasgow Life for organising venues, such as Kelvingrove with amazing grand pianos that were waiting to be played. Siobhan Miller spoke of how emotional and joyous and over-whelming it was to come together in these spaces. 

Imar

Celtic Connections first online festival 2021!

Transatlantic Sessions 2020

At this cold and dark time of year the accomplished and melodic fires of music light up our hearts and the evening skies

 

Celtic Connections, the world's biggest winter folk festival, first online festival will celebrate the musical connections, accomplished musicians, perfect melodies, musical traditions and much more. Its hard to explain what its like to miss the buzz that surrounds folk festivals and the importance to our lives of live music. So I'm looking forward to seeing some top class Celtic concerts online and on the BBC

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MUSICIANS IN THESE DARK TIMES 

Celtic Connections has now listed their first online digital festival. 

Some photos for the Danny Kyle stage.

The festival will run from Friday 15^th January to Tuesday 2^nd February 2021. Follow the conversation at @ccfest

TICKETS AND PROGRAM - : www.celticconnections.com

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

Monday 25th January

*BBC Scotland channel: BURNS NIGHT with the BBC SSO, EDDI READER and KAREN MATHESON 7pm - 8pm.  

 

*Some of CELTIC CONNECTIONS festival will be on BBC Alba

Friday 15th January - Celtic Connections 2021 Online Celebration Concert (Various Artists) 7.30pm - 9pm £10.  On BBC ALBA: EP1 Cuirm@Celtic Connections: Duncan Chisholm 9pm 

Monday 18th January - Come Away In with Karine Polwart, Eddi Reader, Rab Noakes, Siobhan Miller & Finlay Napier 7.30pm - 9pm £7

 

Wednesday 20th January   Blue Rose Code - Karen Matheson - LYRE - Rory Butler 7.30pm - 9pm £7

 

Friday 22nd January - Blazin Fiddles - Xabier Diaz - Gnoss - Deirdre Graham 7.30pm - 9pm £7. On BBC ALBA: EP2 Cuirm@Celtic Connections: The Staves 9pm

Sunday 24th January - The Secret Sisters - Kinnaris Quintet - An Tobar Presents 7.30pm - 9pm £7

Friday 29th January -  Transatlantic Sessions with Special Guests 7.30pm - 8.30pm £10

Saturday 30^th January - Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi - Kris Drever - Dean Owens with Joey Burns (Calexico) 8pm - 9.30pm £7

Musical Director Donald Shaw - “The resounding feeling that has come out of the recording days is a space for musicians to come back, to play again, to feel part of the community that they helped to create. The last time a lot of the contributing artists performed was at Celtic Connections 2020 and now they are back playing as part of the festival one year on after what has undoubtedly been the hardest year of their careers. We feel incredibly proud that as a festival, along with our funding partners, we have allowed for this safe space for them to play again, embrace their creativity and ultimately give them hope that there is a future for them within this industry.”

Aly Bain

 The Celtic Connections online festival will begin one week today. Across 19 days, the festival will present over 30 online performances between Friday 15^th January and Tuesday 2^nd February 2021.

World class concerts will be available to view online with some of the biggest names on the Scottish music scene and beyond appearing on screens across the world as part of the winter festival. Celtic Connections has created unique digital content from specially commissioned projects and performances filmed across many of Glasgow’s much-loved venues. International artists have also contributed to the eclectic line-up by recording performances remotely.

Traditionally, the festival welcomes over 100,000 attendees to Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, and on announcing the digital-first festival organisers hoped it would appeal to the wide international audience they usually see attending the festival. The 19-day event undoubtedly has caught the attention of music fans across the world with festival passes purchased in 35 countries already. With the festival’s global audiences in mind, they have allowed for all shows to be available for a week after they are first streamed to alleviate any restrictions for different time zones enjoying the range of content.  

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “The announcement of the full festival programme today marks a huge moment for me and the wider team. The concept for a digital-first Celtic Connections was borne out of a desire to promote wellbeing and optimism amongst fellow musicians as much as it was about still being able to offer entertainment to our loyal Celtic Connections audiences during the dark nights of January. 

John Paul White

Rab Noakes

Eddi Reader and the RSNO