Mairearad Green

The strength of Mairearad Green & Rachel Newton’s distinctive boundary-pushing “Anna Bhàn” doesn’t lie in nostalgia…it is history in the very living sense of the word, ripe and ardent, and not afraid to look forward.

Watch ‘Coigach Lass’, taken from ‘Hearth’, the latest offering from multi-instrumentalist Mairearad Green featuring a collection of five limited edition 12” singles, inspired by the women and landscapes of Coigach.

On Farran, Mairearad Green & Anna Massie highlight their tight-knit musical telepathy, and relaxed ease of expression, a simply wonderful album from two fine and versatile musicians setting their own course with the clearest sense of direction.

This week’s Folk Show features rituals, Cuckoos, poachers, Lapwings, Gypsies and a Golden Plover to name just a few of the themes that crop up in the folk songs we’ve pulled together. We’ve also got a sneak peek at some advance releases from Martin Simpson, Tom Russell, The Young’uns and Mairearad Green and Mike Vass plus more.

Today, Mairearad Green releases her new remix single ‘Island Folk’ as part of an exciting collaboration with Isle of Skye band, Niteworks, fusing Gaelic music and electronic influences. Watch the new video by Ullapool filmmakers Steven and Gabriel.

Our Song of the Day comes from Mairearad Green with ‘The Island’ from her latest album Summer Isles, the release of which will be celebrated by a series of special UK dates from May 31st – June 29th 2016.

For ‘Summer Isles’, Mairearad’s taken what seems like a whole new approach to writing, a wealth of new influences and woven a warm, finely crafted tribute. It’s as enchanting as the islands that inspired it and as full of riches as their history.

Part Two – Best Folk Music Albums of 2015 including: Bella Hardy, Damien O’Kane, Fabian Holland, Jackie Oates, Karen Matheson, False Lights, O’Hooley & Tidow, Martyn Joseph, Richard Thompson, Rachel Taylor-Beales, Eliza Carthy, John Jones and more.

We have another great song premiere to share with you from Mairearad Green’s stunning new album Summer Isles. This is Star of Hope which features King Creosote and is also our Song of the Day.

‘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!

We are incredibly excited to share with you a beautiful song premiere from the wonderful Mairearad Green. Tanera Talisman is also our Song of the Day and is taken from her new solo album Summer Isles which also features some great guests including King Creosote and Mike Vass.

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.

Collective schemes thought up whilst travelling between gigs for a Christmas No 1 and a fitness video…we continue with the tour blog from The Poozies.

Folk Radio UK invite that talented bunch The Poozies as guest bloggers this week. They are currently on tour so catch them if you can – don’t forget the gin.

The Poozies are returning to UK stages this month – their first tour since founder member Sally Barker’s success on BBC1’s The Voice UK.

Mairearad Green and Anna Massie, two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, are currently on tour… they also opened for Folk Radio UK’s very first Levels Collective gig.

Folk Radio UK launch The Levels Collective. A live music night starting in October 2014. First acts booked: Mairearad Green & Anna Massie / Galley Beggar / Bill Caddick / Sproatly Smith.

Scottish folk singer Emily Smith is on the road with a tour of mainland Europe taking in Germany, Austria and Switzerland before returning home to Scotland. She’s also going to appear on BBC Alba soon.