Celtic Connections 2016

At Celtic Connections Tim Edey put on one of the finest nights of music you could hope to enjoy anywhere, brought to life by his superb musicianship and his warm, affable character.

This was an immense show, great performances by all, but it will inevitably now stick in the memory of all present for Rhiannon Giddens’ stunning performance who brought the house down with the perfect combination of soulful vocal and explosive delivery.

In the second part of The Big Music Society’s evening of music that aims to help find a place for Piobaireachd in a modern setting, Fraser Fifield takes to the stage and demonstrates just how adaptable our indigenous music can be in the right hands.

New York band Blarvuster take to the stage at Celtic Connections – Just because it’s bagpipes doesn’t mean it’s trad; just because it’s Piobaireachd doesn’t mean it’s classical…

Featuring Martin Simpson, Karine Polwart, Robert Plant, Ryley Walker, Jacqui McShee and more, a Bert Inspired proved to be an excellent show, and a fitting tribute to a folk legend.

Yet another example of the outstanding collaborations that Celtic Connections brings to its audience. Six of highland Scotland’s finest musicians join forces to provide an evening of song, music and, of course, the usual banter.

Talisk clearly enjoy, indeed thrive on, injecting some fire into their sets, every bit as much as the audience enjoy hearing it. Although they’re also very capable of taking their music along a more sedate route, that pace is quite remarkable.

LAU and The Unthanks deliver an unforgettable evening at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, culminating in a 13-piece encore and a standing ovation for all involved.

Anne Briggs is to give a rare interview at Celtic Connections as part of a special screening of ‘Acoustic Routes’, a film that charts the story of legendary guitarist Bert Jansch. We take a brief look back at their connection and lives.

Kathleen MacInnes / Dermot Byrne / Brian Finnegan / Mike Vass joined forces for Celtic Connections to create a live set that showcased the very best in traditional and contemporary folk from both Scotland and Ireland – a rare musical treat.

In what was sure to be one of the most memorable collaborative events of Celtic Connections, kora master Toumani Diabaté and his Symmetric Orchestra teamed up with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for a special arrangement of his masterpiece of solo kora, The Mande Variations.

Orkney duo Gnoss put on an impressive performance at the Mitchell Theatre for Celtic Connections which also marked the launch of their eponymous debut album which is sure to raise the profile of this promising duo.

Her fiddle playing is peerless; her voice soft, warm and soothing; and her rapport with the audience as easy and sincere as if she was chatting with a neighbour. With a surprise guest slot from Siobhan Miller the full house at the Tron Theatre would clearly welcome Rayna back to Celtic Connections again and again.

Cam Penner & Jon Wood bring Sex & Politics to the Tron Theatre for Celtic Connections and transport the audience to the hand-built studio shack in the woods where the album was crafted.

Mischa MacPherson talks to Folk Radio UK about what she’s been up to including her new 7-piece band which will debut at Celtic Connections on 29 January ft: Mike Vass, Innes White, Ali Levack, James Lindsay and more.

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.

The Shee are warming up for the launch of their Continuum project at Celtic Connections this Friday. Watch this new video from the band rehearsing for the big night. Plus we have news of a Leeds performance in February!

In our ongoing ‘Guest Feature’ The Shee tell us all about their tenth anniversary Continuum project and their nominated collaborators. For their latest post Shona Mooney tells us about her choice – Kathryn Tickell.