Neil McFadyen

Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall witnessed over 60 musicians, who have been inspired by and shared Angus R Grant’s vision, spend an energetic, soulful, exuberant and, at times, emotional four hours celebrating his music, his humour, his unmitigated love of a good tune, and of a good time.

Neil takes us through his Top 10 albums of 2016 including Amy Duncan, Rachel Newton, Jarlath Henderson, Afro Celt Sound System, Sarah-Jane Summers and Juhani Silvola, Questio Io and more.

On the first weekend of this year’s Celtic Connections, Scottish fiddle quartet Rant introduced 4/4, A Project for Projection, in which the band work with a group of twelve young fiddlers from across Central Scotland to create a performance with a full-on fiddle sound.

On ‘A Burdensome Year,’ Benjamin William Pike’s songs offer instant musical and lyrical appeal. The positive messages that shine through on the album offer a strong sense of hope, and a belief in the therapeutic power of creative expression.

On An Dà Là, Mànran excel at distilling the energy and excitement of their live shows into studio sets that not only mirror the experience but also make room for intricate musical virtuosity that provides the very finest detail. That detail, in turn, provides the album’s lyrical and vocal content with a platform that supports enthralling performances…one to be proud of.

Ewan MacPherson’s abilities as tunesmith, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and collaborator shine through in a delightful album that should be essential listening for anyone who embraces the multi-cultural influences and contemporary folk music.

When Hands Up For Trad, the organisation that promotes and supports developing talent in Scots traditional music, invited Folk Radio UK to attend this year’s MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards we knew we’d be in for a treat, and we weren’t disappointed. Neil shares his highlights and details of the winners.

Emily Smith’s Songs For Christmas finds its strength not only in the flawless vocal performances and the engaging arrangements, but in the messages it conveys, and the delight that’s discovered in them.

The Seven Suns is replete with the wisdom wrought in a time when humanity existed in tune with nature, rather than in dominion over it. There are legends, ideas and timeless rituals to explore – from the venerable grandeur of stone monuments to the intricate, spellbinding symmetry of a snowflake…above all, though, there is enthralling music.

Beoga’s new album will undoubtedly be popular with their existing fan base, but their maturing approach to composition and arrangement will also appeal to a wider audience, one that may be new to what Beoga offer, but are sure to be instantly enchanted by this absolute charmer of an album.

In Widdershins, Highland airs, jigs, and reels are treated to a Nordic twist and the rebellious tendencies of both players are given free rein to delightful effect. It is an astounding album that deserves wide exposure, and a work for which Sarah-Jane Summers and Juhani Silvola should be resoundingly praised. Rarely is music such an overwhelming joy.

A mix of high-energy fiddle-driven along by expressive and imaginative piano; compelling songs with perfectly executed, intricate vocals and a level of musicianship that is an affirmation of the collective skill these four highly accomplished musicians.