Neil McFadyen

Read our Live Review of The Shee’s launch of their Continuum Project at Celtic Connections also featuring Karine Polwart, Chris Wood, Andy Cutting, Kathryn Tickell and Martin Simpson.

With ‘Undercurrents’, Amy Duncan takes us beneath the visible surface, beyond our immediate perception, to the myriad, unpredictable depths. Words like ‘captivating’, ‘exceptional’ and ‘powerful’ only scratch the surface.

We catch up with our Artist of the Month, Jamie Smith’s Mabon, who are part-way through a very busy tour schedule. Jamie talks to Neil about the concept and inspirations behind their new album ‘The Space Between’.

Whilst their music belies their age, Mortal Tides are clearly destined to do great things. Light In / Light Out sets them firmly on that path, in what is sure to be one of the most notable debut albums of the year.

Yet We Sing is the delightful result of a detailed and organic process of writing, planning, arranging and recording that spanned 3/4 of the last year with Cara finding a new level maturity as a creative unit. They deserve to hold their heads high among the extensive family of tradition-based writers and performers.

On ‘The Space Between’ Jamie Smith’s Mabon, our Artist of the Month, create and play music that, rather than attempt to faithfully reflect the closely related cultures around the Celtic Fringe, breaks free of the perceived boundaries and re-unites the ancient Western European musical forms.

German based band Fleadh spread their wings with a UK release. With distinctive songs that echo the approach of Irish contemporary song writers and arrangements that provide a more solid link to the Irish tradition, it’s easy to see why they enjoy such popularity in Germany. The same is sure to follow in the UK.

We catch up with Kate Rusby, our Artist of the Month, before she heads out on Christmas tour – bringing a Merry Yorkshire Christmas to venues around the country. She also reveals plans for the coming year and we have her new video to share!

This year’s MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards at The Caird Hall in Dundee proved yet again it was the event of the year on the Scottish music calendar and we were fortunate enough to be there for it all!

Vesevo are a new musical trio that take the bucolic sounds of the region around Naples, blend them with world beats and modern arrangements to create some utterly enthralling new music that beats with a primal heart.

With her new album Kate Rubsy takes her own, beloved, Christmas traditions; adds some of that unique Rusby magic and provides her audience with a large helping of genuinely warm, heartfelt Christmas cheer.

‘Best Day’ is the third album from Mairearad and Anna and firmly establishes them as one of Scotland’s most talented mutli-instrumental duos – one listen and you’ll be hooked!

With a wealth of songs, stories and experience to bring to his performance, Rab Noakes in concert is an event that every lover of acoustic music should make the most of.

On ‘North’ Blazin’ Fiddles manage to combine everything there is to enjoy in Scottish fiddle music. Most of all, though, there’s that infectious, enlivening and irresistible euphoria that comes about from a passion for the music and a longing to share it.

What impresses most about ‘Woven’ is Sarah’s skill as an arranger; an interpreter of song, story and music. In taking these snatches and fragments of traditional song, adding her own intricate and fascinating musical themes and merging them into a narrative on the fleeting but complex nature of human existence, she has created an utterly compelling tapestry.

On Open Airs Kyrre Slind exhibits a gift for composition, a proficiency as an instrumentalist and a capacity for translating the joy he finds in nature into music. All woven together in a treasure trove of musical delights.

Read our in-depth interview with Northern Irish, Coleraine born, musician and singer Damien O’Kane. HIs new album ‘Areas of High Traffic’ is an extraordinary and brilliant follow-up to his 2010 solo debut.

The Ultimate Guide To Scottish Folk is a collection that’s worth delving into, but with Mary Ann Kennedy’s notes, there’s also a wealth of insight and information, especially for anyone who’s beginning to realise just what’s on offer from Scottish Folk music.