ONE OF SCOTLAND’S most renowned traditional folk bands are to appear in Moray this weekend as part of their current world-wide tour.
Shooglenifty will perform at Gordonstoun School tomorrow – having only recently returned from performing a series of shows around the world in their ‘Untied Knot’ tour.
Formed 25 years ago in Edinburgh, Shooglenifty still manage to whip up a frenzy in their performance – and during their current tour they continue to shine as one of the most innovating bands in the world.
Unusually for a group formed so long ago they still retain their original line-up – along with the addition of a few new members picked up along the road. That includes Ewan MacPherson, a highly acclaimed mandolin player who contributes four tracks on their new ‘The Untied Knot’ album.
The new album brings a new dimension to Shooglenifty’s sound, featuring Ross Ainslie making the first of a few guest appearances. The recording captivates from the outset with its fiddle duet and throughout the unique sounds of the band with its new line-up draws the listener into a relaxing and unique circle of sound.
Another new addition is vocalist Kaela Rowan who also graces the new album with the band for the first time.
It is a sound that springs from traditional Scottish dance music, energised by the beats and bass line of something altogether more contemporary. It is not a sit-down kind of music, it’s a ‘join-in and get on your feet’ kind of vibe!
The band are most at home playing live and matching the excitement of releasing the new album, 2015 has been a year of very special gigs. They enjoyed not one but three 25th Anniversary parties – selling out Glasgow’s iconic Old Fruitmarket venue at Celtic Connections in January.
They also blew the roof off a packed Glenuig Hall in April while in May the band celebrated at a late night album launch at La Belle Angele, Edinburgh, scene of their first residency in the early 1990’s.
Currently their world tour has taken them from Lewis to Cambridge, Borneo to Brittany – and will see them perform at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to close a fantastic year.
First though is Gordonstoun, where there will be dancing! Doors open at 7pm with tickets still available now at £15 and £10 from the booking office at tickets@gordounstoun.org.uk.
Win a copy of ‘Untied Knot’ on CD – just email editor@insideMoray.scot, including your name and postal address, with the answer to the following: “Who is the vocalist who graces Shooglenifty’s sound for this first time in this album?”