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Based in Melbourne, Braemar, consisting of Eddie Lewis and Marc de Rijk, is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best Celtic duos delighting audiences around the country with an impressive performance resumé of classic Scottish and Irish songs. The duo is renowned for lavish harmonies and for its “passionate commitment ….. to continuing the tradition of the Celtic diaspora”. (Source: www.tradandnow.com)
At numerous festivals throughout Australia, Braemar has mesmerised full houses with the historical presentation**‘Lochaber No More’. This is a history of the Jacobite rebellions and their aftermath told in narrative and song. Reflecting the outstanding performance, the show has received a standing ovation on each occasion and often there is ‘hardly a dry eye in the house’ such has been the stirring of patriotic raw emotion. Braemar anticipates **‘Lochaber No More’ will be performed at more Folk and Celtic festivals throughout the nation in 2009.
Braemar was formed in early 2004 and since then has performed everywhere from the Australian Celtic Festival at Glen Innes to the pre-match national anthem slot at a Wallabies v Scotland Rugby Union Test to entertaining Prince Edward during the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The duo receives critical acclaim from audiences and peers alike – in 2007, Braemar received a standing ovation for a performance at the Kapunda Celtic Festival – a member of the organising committee commented that such an ovation was a first for that festival, the longest running Celtic festival in Australia.
The duo prides itself that Braemar was approached to support the City of Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and provided entertainment at numerous civic occasions – the bid was successful and even the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Liz Cameron, might agree that Braemar had some small part to play in Glasgow’s victory!
Braemar's albums, Beirt Leaids (2004) and Eire and Alba, Songs of the Gael (2006) were exceptionally well received by fans and critics alike. The pair has recorded a ‘theme’ album of **‘Lochaber No More’ which was released in late 2008. The national launch of this album will be at the National Celtic Festiva at Portarlington in June.
Traditional music – a new take on a classic story - contemporary sound, look and style – for what more could you ask? “.. the tradition is in the safe hands of Braemar, and long may it continue.” (Source: www.tradandnow.com)
**‘Lochaber No More’ as been performed in New South Wales, Victoria and in South Australia. It was performed to critical acclaim in Tasmania in January 2009.
“Excellent. Well done!! Wonderful production of a very sad time for us Scots! NORMA McPHERSON, RADIO PORT PHILLIP (3RPP)
“Opening sequence was haunting and fantastic – you guys seem to be in perfect harmony to me – great to listen to. Acoustic guitars sounded great as did all other instruments. Singing was also great, narration was perfect – clear and meaningful. TONY BURROWS.
Hi Alyson, Eddie & Marc .... Having seen the inaugural presentation (at same venue) I was amazed by the new rendition which surpassed the original in quality, performance, presentation, polish and professionalism! Rermarkable! This is a wonderfully moving, insightful and historical performance in narrative and song which showcases the talents of all involved. Well done!!! Again my thanks (and Val's too) for your efforts. Looking forward to our next meeting,
Kind regards, RAY KELLY
But great though all the acts we saw were, the highest accolade for the day would have to go to a brilliant presentation in the evening called Lochaber No More which was a history of the Jacobite Rebellions and the Aftermath in narrative and song. It was written and narrated by Alyson Fearon and the songs were performed by Braemar (another favourite act of ours). It was an amazing show and really put context around so many of the songs we have been listening to over the years. It was so emotional and I think I became Scottish somewhere like 20 minutes into the performance, it was so moving. I suspect it will be performed at other Celtic Festivals around the country (Australia) and possibly overseas. So if you get the chance to see it, I highly recommend you take the opportunity. [Source: http://www.scrapsofmind.com/newsletter-archive/080701-1/]
Two of our albums are available for purchase online through Trad & Now:
Eire & Alba - Songs of the Gael
Buy online at Trad & Now
released June 2006
Beirt Leaids
Buy online at Trad & Now
released November 2004
Our third album 'Lochaber No More', the concept album of the show is currently only available for purchase at our gigs or contact info@braemar.info Shortly it will also be available at Trad and Nowl
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