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.

The eloquence of both George Monbiot and Ewan McLennan in raising these issues says far more than any music critic can. Breaking the Spell of Loneliness doesn’t merely tackle the issues raised, it offers solutions, it offers hope. It’s a moving, thought-provoking work that has relevance for all of us.

With Shooglenifty, Angus Grant took the spirit of the dances and dreams behind Scotland’s traditional music and catapulted that music into the 21st Century. His sudden and unexpected departure leaves a void in our music and our culture. Read our tribute with recollections from Neil and Simon Emmerson of the Afro Celts.

Eight of Scotland’s best young folk musicians are touring the country over the next three months to showcase the talent of the finalists and winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Competition (2015). The tour kicks off in Helensburgh on Thursday 6th October.

Since 1996 The Scots Fiddle Festival has been promoting and sharing traditional Scots fiddle music. In its 20 years, the number of events organised by the volunteer committee has tripled, and this year over 40 musicians will present 50 events over the space of just one weekend in Edinburgh.

The term ‘Singer-songwriter’ barely scratches the surface of Ruth Theodore’s music, quirky would be an understatement – beyond the considerable instant appeal that Cactacus wields, there’s a wealth of poetry, satire and pure, natural artistry. Cactacus is a wonderful, captivating album.

Take the time to learn about the beautiful sycamore seed sculpture, created for the album cover by Cornish artist Billy Wynter, and you’ll find the embodiment of what Teyr represent. Teyr make folk music rooted firmly in the future, that future may indeed be Far From The Tree, but then, nothing grows where nothing’s been.