We chat to Irish traditional fiddle player Martin Hayes in Dublin about his latest project, ‘The Common Ground Ensemble’ and new album, ‘Peggy’s Dream’.
Music is rarely as rewarding as ‘Peggy’s Dream’, the new album from Martin Hayes & the Common Ground Ensemble. There really aren’t the superlatives available to do it justice.
Following his premiere of ‘Black Cuillin’ at this year’s Celtic Connections, we chat with Duncan Chisholm about his album, the concert, Sorley MacLean and poetry, plans for the future, and more.
James Duncan Mackenzie provided a rousing finale to a fabulous set of mostly original compositions, with top-drawer playing all around; I imagine anyone who didn’t already have a copy of James’s album Fìbhig didn’t leave the building without one.
Joined by Finlay MacDonald, Iain MacFarlane, Ali Hutton, and Leonard Barry, piping legend Allan MacDonald gave a memorable performance at Celtic Connections, one imbued with a sense of joy and amusement, built on the very secure foundation of his longstanding prowess.
The Transatlantic Sessions, one of Celtic Connections’ most enduring and beloved institutions, celebrated its 20th edition ft. Amythyst Kiah, Liam O’Maonlai, Martha Wainwright, Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, Karen Matheson and more.
Featuring songs from her debut album, Kim Carnie opened the sold-out evening at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, followed by Duncan Chisholm’s premiere of his new album Black Cuillin. Supported by a cast of top-notch musicians, it was a hugely entertaining evening.
The celebrations for John McCusker’s 30th Anniversary as a professional musician culminated in an unforgettable gathering of musical friends at Celtic Connections including Michael McGoldrick, Ian Carr, Eddi Reader, Julie Fowlis, Karine Polwart, Kris Drever, Roddy Woomble and more.
Celtic Connections experienced an electrifying performance from Abi Sampa & Rushil – Orchestral Qawwali left the crowd cheering wildly, giving one of the longest-standing ovations I’ve ever witnessed.
As far as Celtic Connections international musical collaborations go, the evening concert with Mali’s Trio Da Kali and special guests was fabulously varied and richly rewarding, fully utilising the alchemic opportunities that come from bringing different music traditions and cultures together.
Dave McNally shares some highlights from the 30th Anniversary Concert that kicked off Celtic Connections 2023, featuring an astonishing breadth of talent – it was a jubilant and moving three hour celebration.
In part inspired by Sorley MacLean’s poem ‘An Cuilithionn / The Cuillin’, Duncan Chisholm’s “Black Cuillin” is, by any measure, an extraordinary achievement, a complete joy and a deeply immersive experience.
