Neil McFadyen

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.

With their abundant enthusiasm, a mutual empathy bordering on instinct and, above all, a collective passion for the music they play; it’s as a single, cohesive unit that the Andy May Trio shines brightest and About Time is the superb result.

Five years ago Damien O’Kane released his debut solo ‘Summer Hill’. ‘Areas of High Traffic’ is both an extraordinary and brilliant follow-up from an immensely talented musician and singer.

We catch up with Scottish folk singer Karen Matheson, our Artist of the Month, to talk about the background and inspiration behind her new album ‘Urram’. We also discuss Gaelic culture and a possible performance at Celtic Connections.

I’m Walkin’ Here is the latest gem from Rab Noakes, featuring new songs, lovingly described as 21st Century skiffle, as well as songs he’s collected for interpretation. Rab is joined by a a great lineup including a stellar array of singers with Roddy Hart, Emma Pollock, Jimmie Macgregor, Barbara Dickson and more.

We are very honoured to have Karen Matheson as our Artist of the Month for October. Her latest album ‘Urram’ is bold, imaginative and a thrill to listen to. It’s the next step in a fascinating journey, one that unites the voices of the Hebrides with traditional and classical musicians from Scotland, Senegal, and India.

Produced by Dave Stewart, The Lake Poets is the debut release from Sunderland singer/song writer Martin Longstaff, one on which his distinctive voice and capacity for forging a strong lyric from his own experience shines through.