Having just opened Folk Radio UK’s very first Levels Collective Night (more on the night soon) where they put on an unforgettable performance, Mairearad Green and Anna Massie, two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, headed off to continue their tour of the UK (dates below). They appear at London’s Green Note tonight.
Recently heralded as “a superb instrumental duo” by BBC Radio 2’s Folk Show presenter, Mark Radcliffe, Mairearad and Anna bring together guitar, accordion, banjo, bagpipes and fiddle, providing a highly energetic performance with an instantly warm and friendly stage presence.
Following their six-week spring tour and the summer festival season, the duo will tour to venues the length and breadth of the country.
Having played alongside each other for over ten years, Mairearad and Anna revel in an intuitive approach to each other’s musical ideas and interpretations, and an “almost telepathic communication” on stage (Hi-Arts), where they create “music more than the sum of just two parts” (The Scotsman).
Now based in Glasgow, they both grew up in the Scottish Highlands amidst very similar musical backgrounds, and so share an innate understanding of both traditional and contemporary Scottish culture and music. As a duo they have enjoyed many successes, becoming a much-loved live act.
Their two albums – 2009’s eponymous debut, and Doubling in 2013 – have both met wide critical acclaim. Mairearad and Anna was recorded live, just the two musicians and as many microphones – the live double act – whilst Doubling features many layered tracks, building a more complex sound, though still just from the duo. At the heart of Doubling remains the live duo sets, intricately arranged and executed with symbiotic sympathy, enhancing their “must-see” reputation.
Both award-winners, Mairearad and Anna can also, individually, be seen performing with a number of well-known bands and artists; The Poozies, Blazin’ Fiddles, Bella Hardy, and Box Club, and together they join Scotland’s Celtic Big Band, The Unusual Suspects.
Looking ahead to the autumn dates, Mairearad said: “We’re really looking forward to heading out on tour again, and to be visiting a lot of new venues this time round. Individually, we’ve visited a few of them with other projects and bands, so it’s great to be able to return with the duo.
Anna added: “Playing in the duo is a real treat for both of us, and we really do love getting out and about to as many places as possible. Within larger bands you tend to have a more defined role – be that accompanist, melody player, or whatever – but with the duo, we swap those roles back and fore a good bit. Not only does that make it great fun for us, but a different and, moreover, enjoyable gig for audiences too.”
Tour Dates
November 3 (Monday) – LONDON – Green Note
November 4 (Tuesday) – BIRMINGHAM – Kitchen Garden Café
November 6 (Thursday) – KIRKCALDY – Kirkcaldy Acoustic Music Club
November 7 (Friday) – STONEHAVEN – Stonehaven Folk Club
November 8 (Saturday) – NEW GALLOWAY – The CatStrand
November 9 (Sunday) – DRUMNADROCHIT – Glenurquhart Hall