Autumn brings around some sensational acts you are bound to fall in love with …
The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive, emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of contemporary Celtic music. John is renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries. Since 2008 John has been a member of Mark Knopfler’s studio and touring band, in John’s words: “turning my world upside down in the best possible way. I have learned so much from Mark and the rest of his band, not least how to perform on big stages in arenas around the world including Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall.” As a live and studio guest he has also performed with David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, Idlewild, The Proclaimers, Texas, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader. You can see The John McCusker Trio at Broadford Hall on Thu 11 Sep.
On Sat 13 Sep we have Nuair a Bha Gàidhlig aig na h-Eòin (When the Birds Spoke Gàidhlig) at TDC, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. There are many songs and tunes featuring birds in the Gaelic tradition from Bràigh Rusgaich to Skylark’s Ascension. Join Màiri MacMillan, Alana MacInnes, Gillebrìde MacMillan, Padruig Moireasdan and Shona Mhoireasdan for an evening of tunes, songs and good craic all on the theme of birds!
On Tue 16 September SEALL presents Mairi Campbell: Living Stone. The journey begins with the discovery of the ancient mill stone on Mairi’s great-grandmother’s croft on the isle of Lismore. Mairi explores the stone’s stories and mysteries, the images she finds within it and some of the 100 drawings she made of it. Living Stone is a distinctive blend of live music, song and viola as well as striking visual art, creating a rich, multi-sensory experience highlighting the mystery and beauty of everyday life. Co-created with director Kath Burlinson and composer Dave Gray it was described as “An exquisite 60-minute show full of wisdom, peace and contemplation.” (Joyce McMillan, Scotsman)
Project SMOK is the indie-trad trio of Ali Levack, Ewan Baird and Pablo Lafuente, whose nonconformist and progressive style has set them apart since their formation in 2017. Known for their ability to effortlessly blend traditional Scottish and Irish music with contemporary new-age pop influences, Project SMOK are at their most comfortable when pushing boundaries, making listeners stop and re-evaluate their musical expectations.
They do away with perceived genre limits from the first note. The close-knit group transitions effortlessly between the innovative, explosive and emotive, drawing outside inspiration from indie pop, to more time-honoured West Coast styles of playing. Their tunes are built around the distinctive whistle playing & piping of Ali Levack, winner of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year award in 2020.
With Ewan Baird’s fierce bodhrán playing and Pablo Lafuente’s nuanced guitar style, the trio effortlessly blends their styles into a powerful and dynamic sound. Throw in instrumental virtuosity, blistering drive, infectious rhythm and a delicate sensitivity and you have the unique and thirst-quenching sound of Project SMOK.
In addition to their high energy live performances, the band’s eclectic discography has solidified their place at the forefront of the traditional music scene, amassing over 15 million streams worldwide. Blending innovation with their fearless and distinctive style,
Project SMOK continues to push the boundaries of modern traditional music. Their seamless fusion of genres captivates new audiences, making traditional music more accessible to those who might not have explored it before. See them at LAS Portree on Sun 5 Oct.
Finally following on from performances at prestigious International festivals such as Celtic Colours in Cape Breton and Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Staran are set to release their much anticipated second album in October 2025.
Comprising a group of established musicians in their own right, this collective is a meeting of musical minds that traverses a diverse range of styles and backgrounds. While the overall sound is rooted in Scottish traditional music, there are undoubtedly elements of inspiration from the genres of jazz, minimalism and experimental electronica.
The band features Kim Carnie (vocals), John Lowrie (Piano), Innes White (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), James Lindsay (Bass) and Jack Smedley (Fiddle). See them at LAS Portree Thursday 30 October.