In celebration of their tenth anniversary last year, The Shee commissioned six of their most favourite, influential composers to write original songs or tunes for the band. The results were spectacular, as witnessed at their Celtic Connections launch when they treated the audience to a unique premiere of some wonderful new music, and a host of unforgettable duets (read our live review here).
Prior to the launch, Folk Radio UK featured a personal Guest Post from each member of The Shee as they spoke about their chosen collaborators. They were Andy Cutting, Brian Finnegan, Karine Polwart, Martin Simpson, Kathryn Tickell and Chris Wood (read them here).
The Shee then took Continuum on tour and later released an album in September 2016 which was a Featured Album of the Month on Folk Radio UK (read the review here). Although each of the collaborators did not feature on recording sessions their influence was clearly their, as noted by Neil McFadyen in his FRUK review:
Continuum is a perfect combination of The Shee‘s inventiveness and the creative voices of their contributors. Those voices, although not involved in the recording sessions, can be heard loud and clear in Continuum’s arrangements. Kathryn Tickell’s deeply cherished Northumbrian roots, Karine Polwart’s peerless song craft, the sheer joy of Andy Cutting’s compositions and the complimentary strength of Chris Wood’s; Brian Finnegan’s never ending supply of airs, jigs and reels and Martin Simpson’s beautifully poetic lyrics. Each of these are tangible elements in a unique, enthralling project that celebrates the power of collaboration, a shared love of traditional music and The Shee‘s ten years as a major force in folk music.
The last Continuum tour was so well received that it comes as no surprise, and no doubt a relief to many fans who missed the first round, that The Shee are to take it on the road again next month. See dates below:
The Shee: Continuum April Tour
09.4 Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare
10.4 Otley Courthouse, Otley
11.4 The Sage, Gateshead
12.4 Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon
13.4 The Met, Bury
14.4 Universal Hall, Findhorn
15.4 The Stables, Cromarty
16.4 Workshops and acoustic show alongside mini-festival featuring local artists as curated by The Shee, The Old Brewery, Cromarty
17.4 Lyth Arts Centre, Wick