Albums

Kim Edgar’s ‘Consequences’ features collaborations with the likes of Louis Abbott, Rachel Sermanni, James Grant, Boo Hewerdine, and Horse McDonald. It was initially released as a song a month but is now gathered together in this superbly ambitious album to be launched at Celtic Connections.

Graham Mackenzie and the six musicians he has assembled for ‘The Dawning’ have not only successfully fused the styles and techniques of the folk tradition with the structures of jazz, they’ve also created music that delights and intrigues in equal measure but, above all, is hugely enjoyable.

Complete Mountain Almanac may well be the boldest, most daring album to come out all year. Its unique blending of sounds and structures makes it required listening for anybody that appreciates everything that music can be and do.

On Sex & Dying, Marin Patenaude gets right into the nitty-gritty essence of human existence…don’t shy away, rather revel in its luxuriant sonics, acknowledge its poetry and, as you listen – just as she has – maybe ponder what it is to be human.

More experimental in character and challenging in places than his last album, Bile Bear’s “Cage Mates” is a sure sign of creative progression from a musician who remains intriguing and quite singular. 

With ‘How Can I Say This?’, an all-woman-supported project with contributions from over 40 artists, Annie Capps finds a way to speak about the hard things in her life in the most eloquent and moving way. 

Meg Baird’s ‘Furling’ is unlike anything she has done before. Impressively, she and Charlie Saufley recorded every instrument and the intimacy of their musical connection is plain to see. Baird has mastered the balancing act between maturity and eclecticism perfectly, and the results are spellbinding.

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.

Musically and lyrically, Every Acre is H.C. McEntire’s most complex work yet, at times impressionistic, at others painfully direct, it’s an album you need to immerse yourself in over repeated listens, but the rewards are immense.

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.