The acclaimed quartet Breabach are one of the most inventive and diverse bands to have emerged from the Scottish folk scene in recent years. From their foot-stomping reels to their heartwarming delivery of songs, there can be no doubt why Breabach has become a household name for many on the folk and roots music scene.
Nominated in the Scots Trad Music Awards for ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ in 2006 and ‘Best Folk Band’ in 2007 and 2008, Breabach’s huge sound is dominated by the twin Bagpipes of Calum MacCrimmon and Donal Brown. This uncompromising force is complemented by the extraordinary fiddle playing of Patsy Reid and is further supported by the charismatic yet propulsive guitar playing of Ewan Robertson, named BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2008.
As one of the most versatile outfits to grace the folk scene, Breabach never fail to impress their audience with their collective charm and talents. Ewan Roberston and Patsy Reid share the vocal duties whilst multi-instrumentalists Calum MacCrimmon and Donal Brown alternate between pipes, flute, whistle, bouzouki and step-dance. One by one, these musical gems are unleashed like musical artillery, and to breathtaking effect.
After the release of their debut album ‘The Big Spree’, 2008 revealed further success with a bounty of UK festival appearances and tours of England, Wales and Western Europe. Having kicked off 2009 in style at Glagsow’s Celtic Connections, Breabach are preparing for their busiest year to date. Having embarked on their UK Spring Tour, the band are looking forward to the recording and release of a widely anticipated second album.
Breabach's enviable musicianship is coupled with a delightful ability to connect with their audience, a combination that has gained the band international recognition as one of Scotland’s leading new acts.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the gig last Saturday at the Empire Hall in Graffham. You played a great set, and it was good to see the audience respond so warmly - pretty animated for a bunch of Sassenachs, I must say!
Been listening to your CD a lot, and look forward to the new one when you manage to get in the studio!
Hope the gig was worth the long journey.. and look forward to seeing you live again at some point.
I hope you're having a wonderful week. I'm sending Spring your way. This is a picture of Mt. Rainier. I see this on my way to work every morning. Very beautiful. Happy Monday. Chery :)
