An astonishing, vibrant mix of traditional tunes, contemporary song-writing and blazing instrumental brilliance. Acoustic music rooted in Shetland but with the energy, intelligence and fire to take on the world.'
Tom Morton, BBC Scotland
Like generations of seafarers from their beloved Shetland, Rock Salt and Nails have successfully travelled the world, growing, learning but never losing touch with their island roots.
Since 1992, when the band formed as a musical excuse to party, and then took the famously-critical audiences of the Shetland Folk Festival by storm, the geographical range of their touring has been astounding. From concert halls throughout the United Kingdom, Spain and Belgium they have triumphed at festivals in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia, and roamed through North and South America, from Winnipeg through San Francisco to Santiago and Valparaiso...always the returning to recharge in their gale-lashed northern islands.
It is the unique mixture presented by Rock Salt and Nails over five albums and countless concerts, which constantly wins over audiences of astonishing diversity. Praise for their sheer technical brilliance is universal, but it is that dexterity which has given them the ability to adapt their set to suit any audience or venue. From dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists swooning at a Shetland slow air or finely judged reel, to hardened teenage party goers knocked sideways by the energy and ferocity the group are capable of, RS&N leave audiences screaming for more wherever they play.
The secret is in the mix: Paul Johnston's dynamic skills as guitarist, frontman, and songwriter merged with the new twin-fiddle line featured on the new album `Boxed.' Released by the band's original record company Iona, and produced by legendary London guitar wizard Ron Kavana, it marks a return to a live feel, and is a natural follow-on from the four previous CDs. `Waves' (1993) 'More and More' (1995), on lona and their two recording for Chrysalis subsidiary Hit, `4621' (1996) and `Stand Your Ground' (1998) both produced by Blue Nile, Runrig and Wet Wet Wet stalwart Calum Malcolm.
1999 alone saw RS&N in the UK, Spain, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Full-time and utterly committed to their music, the band are looking to a new millennium of new territories, new musical adventures and new converts to the Rock Salt and Nails cause.
Since then RS&N have realsed a further 2 albums. In 2003 under the newly engaged Park Records, Midnight Rain was realsed. Produced once again by Calum Malcolm. Later on in May 2005 the bands first live album was released, "Live & Harzardous". This album saw yet another change in the line up creating a fresh and vibrant feel to the music. 2007 may bring plans for a new album.
'RS&N have managed to turn the dread word `eclecticism' into something original'
Archie Fisher, BBC Radio Scotland
'Paul Johnston is a talented songwriter whose songs deserve to be heard'
Somerset County Gazette
Hello from the Drama Section! Glad to see you know what my purpose in the band is for Ryan!!! Looking forward to our gigs in June - you all set Boyo!?!
