CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2024 Review & PHOTOS

 

Kinnaris

 

One aspect of folk music  is its inclusive, open culture – its for everyone. Its not about a few musicians on stage. All can sing the choruses, dance, clap. This year traditional Scots musician Dick Gaughan made a surprise appearance at the concert for Red Clyde sider John MacLean. Gaughan had a stroke a few years back and has been unable to perform or play his guitar. 

 

I remember Dick Gaughan standing near the Celtic Connections press office. He was happy to chat, maybe he remembered me from his intimate Milngavie folk club gigs, where some musicians there said he was a Scots living legend. My younger son came to hear him and was impressed with his dramatic guitar playing, and the strength of his guttural voice on his highly memorable and meaningful folk songs. Dick Gaughan is a song collector, songwriter and traditional singer and musician. I remember Gaughan telling his stories while tuning his guitar -  The Yew Tree, What you do with what you’ve got, The Flowers of the Forrest, Westlin Winds. The first time I heard Robert Burns Parcel of Rogues was Gaughan’s interpretation at the festivals Auld Lang Syne concert in 2014? I had no idea before this that Burns was such a radical reformer and like many, I had thought he mostly wrote love songs and poems. 

 

Many of Gaughan’s generation are now getting older and I wonder who among the younger musicians can replace them? In 2012 we lost Dundonian character songwriter Michael Marra, in 2012 the iconic Scots songwriter Gerry Rafferty. (I took photos at a concert to his memory at Celtic Connections at which the Proclaimers and Rafferty’s family performed, and just last year 2023, we lost the wonderful Rab Noakes who I knew well from his concerts and taking his photos there. What an interesting gentleman and creative songwriter he was. I remember in my twenties in my folk days, we would often sing in harmonies his songs – Branch, Clear Day, Happy Days indeed! Another massive Bob Dylan fan. 

 

Brownbear

Roddy Hart

II   Celtic Connections music festival Glasgow

I spent time abroad, worked and had my family. Years later I returned to Scotland, after nine years in Cincinnati Ohio and Chicago Illinois. While its wonderful to travel its also good to return to our roots. Later , in 2008, I discovered Celtic Connections music festival. Begun in 1994, with the likes of Aly Bain – to fill the cold empty month of January – with 66 concerts at one venue. And I felt a return to the joy of the folk world, I had inhabited years before. That was the first time I heard people singing in a Scots accent and Scots words.  People travel from far and wide to enjoy this magic festival – I hear voices from Cornwall, Northern Ireland, Canada and many more. 

 

Ceiran Ryan

II  

World-renowned folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections  -  celebrated in January with 18 days of sold-out concerts, innovative musical sessions and collaborations - with 1,200 artists across 25 venues.

 

#ccfest is the biggest winter festival of its kind in Europe, known for its eclectic mix of genres and inclusive atmosphere, celebrated over 100 sold out shows across its 300 events alongside welcoming over 115,000 attendees.  Once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, rare performances from global sensations, moving tribute concerts and some of the biggest shows ever played by home grown talent were all showcased across the city for 31st edition of Celtic Connections. 

Concerts which celebrated the tradition, innovation and unifying power of music:

●      Opening Concert welcomed the genre-defying European premiere of ATTENTION! from American Grammy winner Chris Thile (Nickel Creek) and guests Rachel Sermanni, Dreamers’ Circus and Sarah Jarosz. 

●      Red Clydeside: John MacLean Centenary Concert, celebrated the music, poetry and legacy of Scottish schoolteacher and legendary revolutionary socialist John MacLean, with an evening of passion and talent. Led by Siobhan Miller, Eddi Reader, Billy Bragg and Karine Polwart, and with a surprise performance from Scottish social protest singer Dick Gaughan  a hugely emotional and iconic moment 

●      Roaming Roots Review, with Songs of Modern Scotland, celebrated some of the most phenomenal artists and iconic tracks. Joining host Roddy Hart were Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble and Rod Jones, Del Amitri’s Justin Currie, Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, singer-songwriter Emma Pollock, Hamish Hawk, Admiral Fallow’s Sarah Hayes and Louis Abbott and Brownbear  Accompanied by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Orchestra, conducted by John Logan

●      The Bothy Band, one of the most influential Irish ensembles to revolutionise the playing of traditional music, made their mark on Celtic Connections 2024 with a highly-anticipated performance. For the first time since 1979, Donal Lunny on bouzouki, Tríona ní Dhomhnaill on keyboards, Matt Molloy on flute, Paddy Keenan on Uilleann pipes and low whistle, and Paddy Glackin and Kevin Burke on fiddle came together to perform their first full-scale public concert, joined by Seán Óg Graham on guitar

●      Always a Celtic Connections highlight, Transatlantic Sessions celebrated the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. Featuring a top line-up of the awesome TS band and artists -  AmericanaFest’s “Can’t Miss Act” Lindsay Lou,  Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Carlene Carter, Irish folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, Scots Trad Music Awards Gaelic singer of the year Kim Carnie, the night saw audiences soak up an exceptional array of tunes, songs and genres.

●      Concert to celebrate legacy of Tiree accordionist Gordon Connell - A Ceilidh for Gordon at iconic Old   Fruitmarket. 

●      Grammy nominee and multi-award-winning musician Allison Russell wowed crowds at Òran Mór 

●      Traditional Music and Song Association revisited the landmark Scots Women concert from the 2001 festival. Scots Women - Generations o' Change with Musical Director Iona Fyfe and hosted by Scots Poet Len Pennie.

●      Showcase Scotland, highlighted partners Norway with international delegates from all over the UK, Europe, Australia, America and Canada to join in appreciation of the Scandinavian talent playing at the festival -  violinist Julie Alapnes, fiddle player Alexander Aga Røynstrand, traditional trios Erlend Viken and Ævestaden, Nordic folk five-piece Gangar, and Sámi band Gabba. 

●      Barony Hall proved a spectacular setting for the first time , with award-winning trad band Breabach, r folk musician John McCusker, Irish fiddler Martyn Hayes and multi-talented Damien O’Kane.

●      Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full swing over the past 18 days. From composing, bagpipes and the ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse themselves in every facet of the festival, while the festival’s free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music of 8,000 school children from across Scotland over the course of four morning shows

Dougie MacLean 50th anniversary concert

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: "This year's Celtic Connections was a testament to the creative power and enduring importance of the arts and the music of the people. The richness of talent on display, the diverse range of genres and the infectious enthusiasm of the audiences made this year’s edition truly special. It's heartening to see the festival grow and evolve, bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, joined by a shared appreciation for music, art and cultural expression. “The continued success of Celtic Connections reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved. My thanks goes to each person who bought a ticket, performed on our stages, volunteered their time, worked on or backed the event, and to the people of Glasgow who welcomed the world with open arms. Your support is the heartbeat of the festival, and it's your enthusiasm and dedication that make this celebration of music possible year after year.

“Scotland has a rich tapestry of musical traditions, and Celtic Connections is a platform that showcases the beauty and diversity of our own folk music, as well as that of other countries, and the expansive connections it has created. I am immensely proud of how well Scotland continues to champion folk music on the global stage, and feel truly excited about the path that lies ahead for what we’re proud to say has become a world-renowned event.”

Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “This 31^st edition of Celtic Connections has not only demonstrated how internationally renowned and much-loved this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how immeasurably important it is to Glasgow and to Scotland – and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in future years.”

Transatlantic Sessions 2024

Kim Carnie

Lindsay Lou

Joshue Burnside

Charlene Carter

Lindsay Lou

American singer songwriter Lindsay Lou performed at the Transatlantic Sessions as part of Celtic Connections 2024

Lindsay's silky smooth and rhythmic voice mixes bluegrass with modern Americana. Her performance was magnetic as she danced along to her emotive songs, Nothings Working and Love Calls. New album Queen of Time released 2023.   #ccfest2024

Dougie MacLean’s intimate concert Celtic Connections 2024

An intimate evening of songs, chat, drums and pipes, through his tunes and songs with Dougie’s relaxed charm and banter - as he explored his Songbook of his 50 years in the music business. Maclean began the evening solo with some of his insightful songs  - All Who Wander, and with guitarist Tim Edey, on his songs Broken Wings and Wild and Windy Night. He always enjoys on many songs to encourage the audience to sing his sing-able choruses.

He was then joined on stage by a wealth of musical talent, that he has worked with over the years - with Hannah Fisher (fiddle) Gordon MacLean (double bass) and Sorren MacLean (guitar), Jamie MacLean (percussion) for several songs – Shadow of the Mountain, Pabay More, Rocket to the Moon, Stolen and The Gael. Accordionist Pete Garnett performed on Talking With My Father, Charlotte and Hide in the Wind. He performed a poignant Not Lie Down with accomplished violinist Greg Lawson.

There were several moving moments over those fellow musicians he’s lost along the way, with songs such as They Hide in the Wind – when he was joined by the considerable talent of Ross Ainslie on whistle and bagpipes. He was also backed by Alan Sutherland on piano for Mists of Time and Hide in the Wind.

Dougie spoke of his grandfather, who spoke Gaelic, but he was told his native language was embarrassing, and a dead language. He remembered his grandfather in the evenings occasionally singing the beautiful Gaelic songs, when tears would run down his face. He said it is sad to loose a language and all the poetry and songs of that language. Dougie then sang a moving Its been Stolen From Me – also backed by Ross Ainslie, as well as the impact of pipers and drummers from the Glasgow Piping centre.

For the concert climax the Dougie played violin on his dramatic tune The Gael from the film The Last of the Mohicans, backed by the Pipes and Drums.

After Dougie solo sang his positive song This Love Will Carry Me. Of course no Dougie MacLean concert is complete without his iconic song Caledonia – which has become one of our unofficial Scots anthems and is often played at weddings and other significant occasions. The concert was a celebration of one of Scotland’s songwriting legends. Many of his songs are highly emotional, connecting and uplifting. Songs of nostalgia, resilience and hope.

 

Dougie was also joined by musicians Chris Agnew on acoustic bass, and Ali Fergusson on electric guitar on Turning Away, Hide in the Wind, The Gael and Caledonia. And by Chris Smith on percussion, and David Duncan on harmonica, on Turning Away, Thundering In and Caledonia.

**SONGS   All Who Wander, Broken Wings, Shadow of the Mountain, Talking with My Father, Rocket to the Moon, Mists of Time, Thundering In, Turning Away, Till Tomorrow, Pabay More, Charlotte, Not Lie Down, Wild and Windy Night, Hide in the Wind, Stolen From Me, The Gael, This Love will Carry Me, Caledonia, 

He has received three prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, an Honorary Doctorate and an OBE! “ 

 

Review & Photos Pauline Keightley -  https://pkimage.co.uk

Dick Gaughan’s appearance at Red Clydesides John Maclean concert

 

Billy Bragg & Dick Gaughan at concert Celtic Connections 2024

 One aspect of folk music is its inclusive, open culture – its for everyone. Its not about a few musicians on stage. All can sing the choruses, dance or clap along. 

 

This year traditional Scots musician Dick Gaughan made a surprise appearance at the concert for Red Clydesider John MacLean to a standing ovation. Gaughan had a stroke a few years back and has been unable to perform or play his guitar. Gaughan has become something of a legend on the Scottish and world folk circuits for more than 40 years. He is an interpreter of Scotland’s traditional folk ballads with his distinctive style of guitar playing, with open chords and timing that he learnt from guitarist Davey Graham. 

John Maclean socialist reformer 1879 - 1923

 

I remember Dick Gaughan standing near the Celtic Connections press office. He was happy to chat, maybe he remembered me from the intimate Milngavie folk club concerts, where some musicians there said he was a living Scots legend. My younger son came to hear him and was impressed with his dramatic guitar playing, and the strength of his guttural voice on his highly memorable and meaningful folk songs. 

 

Dick Gaughan is a song collector, songwriter and traditional ballad singer and musician. I remember Gaughan singing telling his stories and songs -  The Yew Tree, What you do with what you’ve got, The Flowers of the Forrest, Westlin Winds,

 

In 2018, Celtic Connections held a tribute concert for Dick Gaughan at the Old Fruitmarket. With the Wilson Family, guitarists Tony McManus and Martin Simpson, Karine Polwart ,The Bevvy Sisters, Mary Macmaster, Patsy Seddon and Dougie MacLean, They performed songs with a social conscience – of Grenfell tower monument to greed and selfishness, Aberfan disaster, miners strikes, Jute mill songs, Neil Gow’s fiddle. Where are the young voices of protest today to stand up for people’s rights?  DickGaughan Tribute concert 2018

 

The first time I heard Robert Burns Parcel of Rogues was Gaughan’s interpretation at the festivals Auld Lang Syne concert in 2009. I had no idea before this that Burns was such a radical reformer and like many, I had thought he mostly wrote his love songs and poems. 

Certainly an Outlaw and Dreamer like no other! An inspiration.

I have taken photos at Dick Gaughan’s concerts over the past years since 2006 and here are some of them. 

Many of this generation of folk singers are now getting older and I wonder who among the younger musicians can replace them? In 20 we lost Dundonian character songwriter Michael Marra (more later), in 2012 the iconic Scots songwriter Gerry Rafferty (I took photos at a concert to his memory at Celtic Connections) and just last year the wonderful Rab Noakes, who I knew well from his concerts and taking his photos there. What an interesting gentleman and creative songwriter he was. I remember in my twenties in my folk days, we would often sing in harmonies his early songs – Branch, Clear Day, Eden’s Flow -  Happy Days indeed! Another massive Bob Dylan fan. Noakes started out playing with Gerry Rafferty in the Humblebums.