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TMF Newsletter | December 2020
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TMF Newsletter | December 2020
This newsletter is a space for our members, and others active in traditional music in Scotland, to share news, stories and thoughts. Contributions are always welcome.
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FROM THE NETHERBOW
We just want to wrap up this dismal year by offering a huge thanks to everyone who has worked to make it less dismal. The rug was not only pulled out from under our feet but thrown over our faces. However, people in the performing arts have got back on their pins (albeit a bit groggily at times) and attempted to make the most of a bad situation. Musicians have played to hearten everyone (Duncan Chisholm, Tim Edey, John Carmichael and hundreds more) often with no thought of a reward. Then they've found ways of presenting themselves over the internet to bring some money in. Teaching organisations, strathspey and reel societies, choirs have moved online, and folk have had to learn new audio-visual skills and new ways of connecting. People have tirelessly lobbied government for some means of alleviating the situation, which has brought a measure of relief. Never enough, of course, but plenty of folk have been helped in some measure. Resilience is what you would call it, an acknowledgement that the only way is up. Our thoughts are with everyone who has suffered in the course of this year, and is facing the future with uncertainty. Never has the phrase 'Happy New Year' come more freighted with hope. Good luck and joy be with you over the coming season.
David, Tina, and the TMF Board
TMF BLOG:
URRANTA - by Deirdre Graham
The latest fantastic TMF blog is by Gaelic singer, Deirdre Graham. Read about her reflections on song stories and the songs she recorded on her new album URRANTA.
CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2021
INITIAL LINE-UP AND EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Celtic Connections 2021 has announced the first names of the artists who will be performing at the digital festival. There will be online performances every night of the festival between Friday 15th January and Tuesday 2nd February 2021.
The early bird pass, available for a limited time only, gives unlimited access to the 19 nights of entertainment for just £30. Tickets available here.
The line-up for Celtic Connections 2021 will include:
Admiral Fallow / Aidan O'Rourke 365 / Amira Kheir / Bassekou Kouyate & Amy Sacko / Blazin' Fiddles / Blue Rose Code / Breabach / Cherish The Ladies / Chris Stout & Catriona McKay / Declan O'Rourke / De Temps Antan / Duncan Chisholm & Scottish Ensemble / Eddi Reader / Edwin Morgan 100th / Elephant Sessions / Fara / Fergus McCreadie Trio / Fiona Hunter / Georgia Cécile / Gnoss / Grosse Isle / Ímar / James Grant / José González / Kinnaris Quintet / Kris Drever / Karen Matheson / Kathleen MacInnes / Le Vent Du Nord / Lyre / Mairearad Green / Mànran / Paul McKenna Band / Project Smok / RANT / Rachel Newton / Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi / Roaming Roots Revue / Rory Butler / Ross Ainslie / SCO with Karine Polwart & Pekka Kuusisto / Shooglenifty / Sian / Siobhan Miller / Sona Jobarteh / Sorren MacLean & Hannah Fisher / Talisk / The Secret Sisters / Transatlantic Sessions / TRYST / Westward the Light / Xabier Diaz / Zoe Bestel.
The festival is creating unique digital content from specially commissioned projects and performances filmed across many of Glasgow’s much-loved venues. In doing so the festival will support and encourage the creative industries to help protect Scotland’s rich musical legacy.
The initial line-up has been announced with some of the most well-known and best-loved acts who have traditionally graced the festival stages confirmed to take part in this digital-first event.
celticconnections.com
SURVEYS
Creative Scotland is asking for responses to a survey about the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic for Scotland’s creative sectors.
Fill out the survey here.
Deadline for responses: Monday 21st December 2020
YOUNG SCOT SURVEY
Engaging with Gaelic Online/ Cleachdadh na Gàidhlig Air-Loidhne
Young Scot have launched a national survey to find out more about how young people engage with Gaelic online.
The survey will help them to learn more about the Gaelic content young people want to see on social media – and the platforms they want to see it on.
The survey will run until 28th February 2021.
More info and how to fill out the survey here.
MUSIC TEACHING DURING COVID-19
The Musicians' Union have put together some guidance for musicians who teach. Make sure to scroll down to the guidance for Scotland.
NEW MUSIC
NORRIE MACIVER - THE LOCKDOWN SESSIONS
Released 7th November 2020
Available from norriemaciver.co.uk
Since the start of lockdown singer, Norrie MacIver has performed each weekend live on Facebook. He decided to make an album of some of the songs he was performing and let his fans choose which songs made it onto the album.
MIKE VASS - AND IN LIGHT
Released 13th November 2020
Available from Spotify
'And In Light' was originally meant to be released under the pseudonym 'Chasms Alive' but due to a wee tech issue Mike has released it under his own name for now. A slightly more experimental sound using only a Dulcitone layered and processed many times.
AVES O' MAY - STILL THE NIGHT
Released 20th November 2020
Available from bandcamp
Still the night is the debut christmas album from Aves o' May (Beccy Amphlett and Lucie Hendry). The duo’s creative approach to arranging music brings new light to Scottish songs and melodies with sensitivity and elegance, effortlessly blending their varied musical backgrounds.
SKERRYVORE - YOU & I
Released 27th November 2020
Available here
'You & I' is the brand new single from Skerryvore.
ALI LEVACK - MY NOTES: VOL 1
Released 1st December 2020
Available from alilevack.com
'My Notes - Vol.1' is the debut EP from Ali Levack, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2020. It is a collection of original compositions written by Ali over lockdown. With every physical copy purchased you will receive a a download link of the EP via email.
DEIRDRE GRAHAM - URRANTA
Released 4th December 2020
Available from bandcamp
Deirdre Graham is a Glasgow-based Gaelic singer whose musical stylings reflect her family home on the Isle of Skye.
URRANTA is Deirdre's long-anticipated debut album which weaves together a rich tapestry from her traditional heritage and her broad cultural influences to become a powerful celebration of Gaelic music.
PAUL MCKENNA BAND - HOME
Released 4th December 2020
Available from bandcamp
'Home' is the brand new single from The Paul McKenna Band.
SOUNDS LIKE KNOCKENGORROCH 2020
Released 4th December 2020
Available from bandcamp
The album features 20 tracks from artists who performed at Virtually Knockengorroch – an interactive Knockengorroch festival livestream held in May 2020. The compilation includes two tracks written in honour of Knockengorroch including the single 'Roll On' by Ewan McLennan released in Nov 2020, another three recorded for the first time for the album and donated recordings from an inspiring mix of folk, world and electronic music acts who were part of the virtual celebration earlier this year.
KAREN MATHESON - STILL TIME
Released 4th December 2020
Available here.
'Still Time' is the title track from Karen Matheson's forthcoming album. The single is out now.
IONA FYFE - IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER (SCOTS)
Released 4th December 2020
Available from bandcamp
In The Bleak Midwinter is the new single from Scottish folksinger, Iona Fyfe, translated into Scots, one of Scotlands three national languages with over 1.5 million speakers (2011 census). Iona has owerset (translated) the carol into Scots and has written an additional verse. The song features Michael Biggins on piano. Both Iona and Michael are finalists in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021.
NORRIE MACIVER & THE GLASGOW BARONS - SONGS OF GOVAN OLD
Released 4th December 2020
Available from norriemaciver.co.uk
The Glasgow Barons, Govan’s orchestra, have teamed up with singer songwriter Norrie MacIver to release their debut album, Songs of Govan Old – a collection of material celebrating the Glasgow neighbourhood’s rich heritage.
The album is a tapestry of stories from the vibrant, close-knit community of Govan’s days gone by and pairs Scots and Gaelic folk music, rooted in the tradition of social commentary, with the stunning sounds of a string orchestra.
Govan’s ship building era is brought back to life as The Glasgow Barons and Norrie celebrate the area’s working class heroes and heroines, and recognise its Gaelic population.
RON JAPPY - VINCULAR
Released 4th December 2020
Available from ronjappy.com
Vincular - the debut album from Ron Jappy is available now.
ROSS & RYAN COUPER - AND DEN DEY MADE TAE
Releases 11th December 2020
Available from bandcamp
"Treasure this CD, it is rare, it is two brothers (and their sister) at their very best, not holding back, giving generously of themselves for our listening pleasure." - Chris Stout
KIM EDGAR - HELD
Releases 11th December 2020
Available from kimedgar.com
Kim Edgar's new album is released tomorrow.
RACHEL WALKER - GAOL
Releases 11th December 2020
Available from rachelwalker.co.uk
Whilst Lockdown appeared to make time stand still, for creatives across Gaeldom it has presented an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection through creativity. For Lochaber-based Rachel Walker, the fruits of the season are gathered together in Gaol, her first album in ten years.
BENEDICT MORRIS - IN SIGHT
Releases 18th December 2020
Available here
'In Sight' is the new single from Benedict Morris, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2019.
MEC LIR - LIVEWIRE
Coming soon...
Available for pre-order now from meclir.com
Three years in the making, Livewire is the brand new album from Mec Lir and it is available for pre-order now.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MG ALBA SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARDS
12TH DECEMBER 2020
For the first time since they were founded in 2003 Na Trads 2020 will take place online. It will be broadcast by BBC ALBA this Saturday 12th December but this year with no live audience.
There will be fantastic pre-recorded performances by Karen Matheson, Phil Cunningham, Project SMOK and many more. Leading up to the awards BBC ALBA will broadcast live music, between 1pm and 9pm, from Kinnaris Quintet, the Paul McKenna Band, Ryan Young and Jenn Butterworth, and more presented by singer-songwriter Findlay Napier. Following the awards will be a DJ set from Innes Strachan of Niteworks.
On the evening before the awards, Friday 11th we will see the latest inductees into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. For the first time this will be shown on BBC ALBA in a programme presented by Joy Dunlop. Some of the inductees to perform on the show will include Old Blind Dogs, Gary West, and Margaret Stewart.
This year the awards ceremony on the 12th will be presented in Gaelic, Scots and English for the first time with comperes Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair Heather.
The TMF would like to congratulate everyone at Hands Up For Trad for their amazing efforts in making sure that this fantastic event, which promotes Scottish culture, can still go ahead during these uncertain times.
FLUTEFLING WITH CLAIRE MANN
12TH & 19TH DECEMBER 2020, ONLINE
FluteFling are delighted to announce a workshop mini-series with Claire Mann. As we head into Midwinter, make some space and time for you and your music as Claire guides you through ideas to develop your technique and repertoire.
More info and how to book here.
PANTO GÀIDHLIG
17TH DECEMBER 2020, 7PM
Join Fèisean nan Gàidheal live on Facebook on Thursday 17th December for their Gaelic Panto 2020.
More info here.
AN TOBAR - MUSIC FOR WINTER SOLITUDE
DUNCAN CHISHOLM WITH HAMISH NAPIER
17TH DECEMBER 2020, 8PM
Join AnTobar for the live premiere performance by Duncan Chisholm, as part of their Music For Winter Solitude series.
The series will run over the winter months and has been recorded in a remotely operated film studio that is based in AnTobar on the Isle of Mull.
Watch live on Facebook.
PHIL CUNNINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK
19TH & 23RD DECEMBER 2020
It is great to see that Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook is still going ahead this year in a new online format. There will be two one-hour shows featuring the full cast. Volume 1 will be premiered on the 19th December at 7pm, and volume 2 on the 23rd December at 7pm.
Once the premieres have been aired you can buy both concerts and watch them as many times as you like right up until the 27th December. This means whether you're an international viewer, or you would like the perfect background music to your Christmas dinner, you can tune in at a time that suits you!
The artists are Phil Cunningham, Karen Matheson, Eddie Reader, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire, John McCusker, and The Songbook Brass Ensemble.
Get the fire on, the mince pies out, the mulled wine poured and get settled in for a wonderful festive concert with Phil’s Christmas Songbook!
Tickets and more info here.
THE BIG CHRISTMAS SING
22ND DECEMBER 2020, 7.30PM
Hosted by Josie Duncan, The Big Christmas Sing will take place on Facebook from 7.30pm on 22nd December 2020.
You will be able to pay whatever you want and all proceeds will go towards supporting people in Glasgow without a home - The Simon Community are a vital and mighty charity that carry out amazing work.
ISLAY SESSIONS
9TH JANUARY 2021, 7.30PM
The Islay Sessions Online Presents: Daimh, Maeve MacKinnon, LB Salter & Jenn Butterworth, and David Foley & Jack Smedley.
Get your tickets now from Eventbrite.
BIRD ON A WIRE - ONLINE SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS
18TH - 22ND JANUARY, 15TH - 19TH FEBRUARY, 15TH - 19TH MARCH 2021
These 5-day online songwriting retreats with Boo Hewerdine and Findlay Napier are aimed at creative people in Scotland whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Funded by Creative Scotland, the Bird on a Wire songwriting courses will be free to attend. There are a limited number of spaces.
More info and how to apply here.
WINTER HARP FESTIVAL
29TH - 31ST JANUARY 2021, ONLINE
Join acclaimed harp tutors Gráinne Hambly (Ireland), Tristan Le Govic (Brittany), Ailie Robertson (Scotland) and Adriano Sangineto (Italy) for this online Winter Harp Festival.
This festival is open to harp players of elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Gráinne Hambly will be teaching tunes from the Irish tradition by ear; Ailie Robertson will be teaching tunes from the Scottish tradition; Adriano Sangineto will give a workshop about “Getting the groove”, aimed at exploring the rhythmic aspect of the harp, developing that rhythmic-harmonic awareness that is essential for playing dance music; and Tristan Le Govic will be teaching some wonderful tunes from the Brittany region of France.
More info and tickets from Eventbrite.
OPPORTUNITIES
PARAORCHESTRA
MUSICIAN CALL OUT 2020
In November Paraorchestra launched a second callout for D/deaf and disabled professional-level musicians, composers, and music creators based in the UK.
Paraorchestra have many exciting projects in the pipeline for 2021 and beyond, and this is your chance to play a part in their truly unique orchestra.
They are looking for musicians, vocalists, music makers and composers from across the spectrum. Whether jazz is your thing or electronica; classical or drum & bass; folk or R&B – they want to hear from you.
You do not need to have had professional or classical training but you must be able to play (sing, compose, or perform) to a professional level.
More info: paraorchestra.com
Applications close: 21st December 2020
BATTLE OF THE FOLK BANDS 2021
Hands Up for Trad are inviting bands to send in a demo to take part in The Battle of the Folk Bands 2021 competition to be held in Glasgow on Saturday 20th February 2021. If you are in a band or have an idea for a band that you haven’t tried out yet this could be for you!
Deadline for entries: 20th Dec 2020
More info and how to apply here.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SEEKS NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR CREATIVE SCOTLAND
The Scottish Government is seeking to appoint up to 4 new Board members to help Creative Scotland in the delivery of its work to the benefit of the creative and culture sector and to the people of Scotland as a whole.
The Board members will play a key role in making strategic decisions on the delivery of Creative Scotland’s statutory functions, overseeing its effective governance, financial accountability and its delivery of value as a public body, in line with Scottish Government and Ministerial priorities.
Applications deadline: 8th January 2021
More info here.
RESOURCES
EWEN HENDERSON
STEALL 2021 CALENDAR
Available now from ewen-henderson.com
Learn a tune a month with the Ewen Henderson 'Steall' Calendar 2021!
Featuring all Ewen’s own compositions from Steall plus a couple of bonus tunes including recent prize-winner “Clos nan Caman” (“The Silence of the Camans”).
GARY INNES
THE FIRST FORTY YEARS
‘The First Forty Years’ is a book full of tunes, stories, pictures and songs that have all been written by highland born musician, Gary Innes to help celebrate his 40th birthday at the end of this year.
Available as a physical book and as a digital download.
Released 27th November 2020
Available from garyinnes.com
AILIE ROBERTSON
FIRST THINGS FIRST BOOK
Scottish, Irish and Original tunes arranged for Celtic Harp
Ailie Robertson has made a book of all the arrangements from her album 'First Things First'.
It is available as a physical book and as a digital download.
Available from ailierobertson.com
101 SESSION TUNES
BY ALI & PHILIPPE BARNES
Releases 11th December 2020
Available from philippebarnes.com
101 Session Tunes is an essential collection of the most popular traditional tunes found in Irish sessions, perfect for new players or those looking to expand their repertoire.
Compiled by husband and wife duo Ali and Philippe Barnes, the couple have used their collective experience as traditional musicians to both catalogue their favourite popular tunes, but also the most common phrasing and variations of these tunes too. In the hope of creating a useful companion for any musician looking to play in a folk music session for the first time, or those just looking to increase their database of trad tunes!
ROSS AINSLIE
HOMEMADE TUNES! 2
TUNEBOOK
Available from bandcamp
This is multi-instrumentalist, Ross Ainslie's second collection of original material including 70+ tunes from his solo albums Remembering, Sanctuary, Vana, albums Symbiosis and Symbiosis II with Ali Hutton and a lot of commissions from over the years.
ÍMAR
TUNEBOOK
Available from imarband.com
The brand new tunebook from Ímar is available now, featuring notation for all the 49 tunes from their albums Afterlight and Avalanche.
PODCASTS
CLAIRE'S CEILIDH
29/10/2020
An hour of toe-tapping ceilidh tunes featuring Jim Lindsay, Deoch n Dorus, Bobby Crowe, Eriska, Simon Howier & more.
www.clairegullanmusic.co.uk
MR THOUMIRE'S FINE TUNES - FOOT STOMPIN' FREE SCOTTISH MUSIC PODCAST
No. 208
With music from Ali Levack, Salthouse, Fiddlers' Bid, Gerry Rafferty and the Humblebums, Ross Ainslie, Martyn Bennett and Martin Low, Robyn Stapleton, Ewen Henderson, Norrie MacIver and the Glasgow Baron, Laura-Beth Salter, and Ron Jappy.
No. 207
With music from Ímar, Norrie MacIver and the Glasgow Baron, Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Jack Badcock, The Chair, Kim Edgar, Dowally, Shooglenifty, Brian Ó hEadra and Fionnag NicChoinnich, Iona Fyfe Trio, Fraser Bruce, and RURA.
GET INVOLVED
Do you have an event or news item you'd like us to promote? Would you, or anyone in your organisation, like to write a blog for us? We welcome submissions! Please contact us.
Not a member yet? Join us for just £20 a year and benefit from being round the table, receiving support and access to our services.
The more organisations that join us, the louder and stronger our voice. Membership is open to organisations and individuals working in the field of traditional music in Scotland.
Website
TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) is an organisation that brings together three forums: The Storytelling Forum, The Dance Forum and The Traditional Music Forum in a collaborative alliance designed to improve the knowledge, practice, development and advocacy of Scotland’s traditional arts in a contemporary world.
The Traditional Music Forum is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Scottish charity no. SC042867
Copyright © 2020 Traditional Music Forum, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Traditional Music Forum
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