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| 04 Jul 2008 |
| Scotland on Sunday Review |
Album Review: Ailie Robertson
Published Date: 29 June 2008
By NORMAN CHALMERS
AILIE ROBERTSON
First Things First
****
Lorimer Records LORRCD1, £10.99
These innovative, assured and beautiful arrangements place the young Edinburgh harpist at the forefront of the current evolutionary surge in Scottish musical technique and accomplishment.
It's not just the molten fingering in the flying, percussively driven reels and dance grooves, or the relaxed precision in clever variations of traditional pipe tunes. But it's especially in the slow and medium tempos, as in the re-paced 'Favourite Dram' with James Ross's arresting piano chords, that her harp exerts its undeniable and inexorable tug at the heart strings.
Download this: Spirits
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| 04 Jul 2008 |
| Folkwords Review |
‘First Things First’ - an outstanding mix of passion, power and gentle reserve.
Ailie Robertson is a fine musician of that there is no doubt. She’s also individualist and inventive, and takes her virtuoso harp skills in directions many ignore or are too afraid to try. Her debut solo album reflects that, it also proves the clasarch is not simply a solo instrument, in Ailie’s hands it’s equally at home leading a band. Ailie’s album ‘First Things First’ is a golden opportunity to hear a harp played with flair, precision and consummate skill, plus passionate drive and gentle reserve. There's so much depth to her music it could take a long time to discover it all, but keep listening you'll love the journey.
Ailie’s list of awards is enough to recognise her skill. There’s many clichés you could use such as ‘old head on young shoulders’, and ‘talent beyond her years’ – but they don’t come close. Simply listen to this album to hear a harp played as never before. You know without doubt you’re listening to inspired genius. Ailie effortlessly blends traditional Scottish and Irish jigs, contemporary tunes, airs, hornpipes, reels, and polkas with her stunning original compositions. On ‘First Things First’ Ailie also enlists the help of Paul Jennings on cajon and percussion, Duncan Lyall on bass, Ewan Robertson on guitar and James Ross piano and harmonium.
Everyone will find some favourites on ‘First Things First’ – these are mine. The album opens with ‘The Exploding Bow’ - three gentle jigs, the third being Ailie’s ‘Swerving for Bunnies’, which in her words ‘reflects rabbit avoidance’ – love it. ‘The Favourite Dram’ usually rattles along but Ailie slows it down and creates a tranquil melody woven around harp and piano. ‘Spirits’ is an outstanding air and once more Ailie proves (were it needed) how delicately her fingers can touch the harp. The tone alters dramatically with ‘The Humours of Scariff/ Good Spirits’ the second being Ailie’s own composition to (in her words) celebrate the joys of whisky drinking. Amen to that. Another of her compositions is Sands of Hosta’ (my favourite on the album) it’s just exquisite that’s all you need to say. This is quite simply music for the soul.
Ailie’s standing as an accomplished exponent of the clasarch precedes her, this album will only strengthen that reputation. If the day wraps its problems too tightly round your shoulders then listen to ‘First Things First’ and let the unwind begin.
Tim Carroll
FolkWords |
| 14 Jun 2008 |
| New Album - First Things First - OUT NOW |
The new album is now arrived and we had a great album launch last night at George Watson's College in Edinburgh to a sold out audience - Thanks to everyone who came along. The album can be bought from the shop section of the website, and some audio clips are available on the music player.
The album was recorded at Watercolour Music in Ardgour, and also features Paul Jennings on percussion, Duncan Lyall on bass, Ewan Robertson on guitar and James Ross on piano, and was produced by Mary Ann Kennedy.
Hope you enjoy it!!
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| 14 Mar 2008 |
| Solo CD |
| I'm off up to Watercolour Music in Ardgour next week to start recording my debut solo album. I'll be joined by the wonderful James Ross on piano, Ewan Robertson on guitar and Paul Jennings on percussion, and its all being produced by Mary Ann Kennedy. Check back for further updates and preview tracks soon! |
| 14 Mar 2008 |
| New Outside Track website |
| We have a shiny new website which is updated with all our news and tour dates. Check it out at www.theoutsidetrack.com |
| 14 Mar 2008 |
| BBC Young Folk Award Winner Lauren MacColl joins The Outside Track |
| The band I play with The Outside Track are delighted to announce the addition of fiddler, Lauren MacColl to their lineup. Lauren is a beautiful fiddle player, composer and singer. Check out Lauren's website at www.laurenmaccoll.co.uk for more information on her and to hear some of her own tunes from solo album. |
| 30 Jan 2008 |
| Another great review from Harp Heaven |
CELTIC CONNECTIONS: HARP HEAVEN (Strathclyde Suite, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, 20 January 2008)
22 January 2008
BARRY GORDON enjoys an inspirational evening with a stellar collection of angelic – and not so angelic -harpists
INSPIRATION, as any musician will tell you, can come from any variety of sources. Life, dreams, places that have no names - enlightenment has no bounds. How odd is it then, that one of the most unique performances ever put together at Celtic Connections (an all-harp concert featuring twelve of the best players around) should be inspired by a cartoon. In this case, a Gary Larson ‘Far Side’ sketch - a strip where those entering heaven are handed harps, and those venturing into hell with accordions.
Corrina Hewat wasted no time in telling us how delighted she was to outsell their nemesis, the accompanying Accordion Hell concert taking place the following evening. Just as cheeky, another harp player (who shall remain nameless) boasted of using a friend’s accordion case to support her own harp. Accordions, it seems, are indeed the work of the
devil.
The second half saw the performers change from their all-white attire to something more commonly associated with those out on a Hen night. Indeed, in true devilish spirit, Mary MacMaster drew groans from the crowd by announcing she had performed “open harp surgery” on a broken string backstage. But that was before Laoise Kelly highlighted the plight to save the ancient Hill of Tara in Meath – a motorway is due to be built through the site – with a tune commissioned by The Distil Project written by Ailie Robertson.
Winding down the evening, it was both appropriate and heart-warming to see Mary MacMaster and Patsy Sneddon – two of the best Scottish harp players of all time – lead off with a tune dedicated to Kristen Nogues, a true innovator of Celtic harp playing who sadly passed away last year. You could almost sense her spirit in the room.
Overall, though, this was one of the most captivating and compelling concerts I have ever witnessed. One that should be repeated again - and often. I wonder if Gary Larson will ever know what magic he has unknowingly inspired [Mr. Larson is apparently a nifty jazz guitarist himself – Ed.].
© Barry Gordon, 2008
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| 28 Jan 2008 |
| Harp Heaven - 5 star review |
HARP HEAVEN *****
THE SCOTSMAN
GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL
THE first thing I noticed were the angels, resplendent
in their saintly white robes. The next thing I heard
was the sound of a dozen harps, notes hanging in the
air like snowdrops dangling from a tree. Where were
we? Heaven, of course.
Gathered together to deliver one of the most unique
aural experiences ever heard, 12 of the most amazing
harpists on the planet ensured those fortunate enough
to be in the crowd left this rare Celtic Connections
concert certain they had witnessed a small slice of
Paradise.
Conversions of bagpipe tunes were nothing short of
dramatic, the varying types of nylon, wire and
electric-stringed harps creating a compelling
never-heard-before sound. Germany's Jochen Vogel (one
of only two men onstage) showed off his ability to
bend his harp's strings, while one of the women took
great delight in using a case of an accordion (the
harp's nemesis) to prop up her own harp. Having
performed "open harp surgery" on a broken string
backstage, Mary MacMaster returned for a heartfelt ode
to Kristen Nogues, a leading innovator of the Celtic
harp who passed away last year.
If there was a gripe, it was that distorted
microphones plagued the occasional song or two. Other
than that, the only real disappointment was this
ethereal gathering of enchanting harp players left the
stage without receiving the standing ovation they deserved. |
| 08 Nov 2007 |
| Rock n' Reel Review |
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| 08 Nov 2007 |
| BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award |
Saturday night saw Ailie win through to the final of the Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award. This is just the start in what can be a career changing concert with the winner going on to make a CD and perform at many high profile events throughout 2008. The event was opened by Aileen Campbell MSP. The finalists are:
Ewan Robertson (24) – Carrbridge (Guitar, song)
Robert Menzies – (17) Dumfries (Accordion, piano)
Amy Lord (22) – Dunblane (Scots Song)
James Duncan MacKenzie - (18) Isle of Lewis (Pipes, smallpipes, flute, whistles)
Steven Blake (17) - Livingston (Pipes, whistle)
Ailie Robertson (23) – Edinburgh (Clarsach)
The six were chosen from the 12 fantastic young musicians who took part in the Award’s semi-finals concert in Coulter, South Lanarkshire on Saturday 6th October. In an amazing night of music showcasing Scotland’s strength of talent in up and coming young traditional musicians, the filled to capacity hall, which including 4 judges, were treated to an exhilarating and always entertaining exhibition of musicianship and stagecraft from the competitors.
This is the eighth year of the competition and the grand finals will take place on 27th January 2007 in The City Halls, Glasgow as part Celtic Connections Festival.
The winner of the Award will get the chance to perform at an International music festival, make a CD, 1 year’s membership of the Musician’s Union. All the finalists will get 1 years membership of the Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA), a tour of Scotland organised by the TMSA, and a session on BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk programme.
This is an Award that exists to encourage young musicians to keep their tradition alive and to maximise their musical potential by the pursuit of a career in traditional music. |
| 20 Sep 2007 |
| Distil Showcase 2007 |
| Yesterday was very exciting as it was the first rehearsal of my Distil Composition for the October Showcase. The musicians involved are Corrina Hewatt, Lori Watson, Sandy Stanage, Mattie Foulds, Helena Flint, and Rick Taylor is directing it. They all did a wonderful job yesterday and I'm really happy with how its sounding. The composition will be performed at The Stirling Tolbooth on Oct 26th, so I can't wait to hear the finished product. |
| 26 Jul 2007 |
| New Album Review! |
The Outside Track but right on course
Having heard them perform live and been mightily impressed, I’m pleased to say The Outside Track has produced their eponymous first CD. This band is a fine example of how young musicians can take ‘traditional’ acoustic folk music, ensure it continues to evolve and yet remain true to its roots. The minute you listen to them you just know they’re going a long way.
‘A Kiss in The Morning’ has some hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies entwined with flute, clarsach and fiddle, ‘Sheliah’s Spectacles’ further showcases the intricacies of their instrumental work, and ‘The Lonsome Hen’ is another fine example of their vocal talents with outstanding harmonies and wonderful phrasing, once again their instruments weave a web around their words.
So who are these talented folk? There’s Norah Rendell who plays flute with a degree of style and sensitivity envied by many, Fiona Black who plays accomplished, entrancing piano accordion, and Alan Jordan who provides the sharp guitar work with a distinct jazz influence to his playing. Tricia Clark (remember the 2005 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award) is a class act on the fiddle with a natural distinctive style, and finally, Ailie Robertson who has the most delicate of touches and makes the Scottish harp come alive in her hands.
It’s little wonder that between them the members of The Outside Track have gathered an impressive tally of awards. These young folk combine their instrumental abilities with intricately balanced vocals, which blend seamlessly to deliver some of the freshest traditional music I’ve heard in a long time. They deserve success – I’ve a feeling it won’t be a long wait to hear it happen.
Tim Carroll
FolkWords
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| 10 Jul 2007 |
| BBC Highland Café |
BBC Highland Café - 15th August
The Outside Track have just been invited to do a live session for the BBC's Highland Cafe Programme on August 15th. The show goes out at 13.15 - 14.00, and is repeated again on a Friday Evening between 19.15 - 20.00, on BBC Radio Scotland. We're really thrilled to be asked, so hope you might listen in!
Ailie xx |
| 27 Jun 2007 |
| The Outside Track - Buy online |
| The Outside Track album can now be bought online through our myspace site There's a really small button saying "Buy it" down near our biography. You can also preview tracks there and see all our gigs etc. |
| 27 Jun 2007 |
| RNG - Album of the Week |
Radio nan Gaidheal Album of the Week
We're very excited because our new album, The Outside Track, has been chosen as album of the week by Radio Nan Gaidheal.
You can listen on-line at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/radio/programme/?prog=caithream
We also did a live session for Caithream Ciùil last week, which can still be accessed through the listen again feature. Hope you enjoy it! |
| 27 Jun 2007 |
| album review - 4.5/5 |
Our First Album Review - 4.5/5 rating!
My band, The Outside Track, have just received our first official review of the album, which will appear in Maverick Music Magazine. We are very very chuffed with it! Have a read:
The Outside Track: The Outside Track
Bedspring Music : Boing: 0701
4+
Supremely talented set of young multi-national musicians blend to make a joyous sound
KM
The Outside Track formed in 2005 when they were all students at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick. This disparate group from Canada, England, Scotland and of course Ireland were brought together by a mutual love of Celtic music and 2007 sees the release of their first CD, recorded late 2006. The band, currently on a national tour to promote the album, consists of Norah Rendell from Vancouver (flute, vocals), Alan Jordan from Co. Mayo (guitar, vocals), Patricia Clark from Derbyshire on fiddle and the two Scots, Fiona Black (accordion, vocals) and Ailie Robertson (clarsach). This eclectic combination buzz and fizz together, producing modern acoustic folk music of the very highest quality. The album kicks off with a sparkling set of reels showing to great effect the superb fiddle of Patricia Clark interplaying with the flute of Norah Rendell. The set-up of flute, fiddle and clarsaich brings to mind early Chieftains and the playing is of as high a quality. Next up is the first song Thaney, a Karine Polwart song in the old ballad tradition that builds slowly into a really powerful finish. Another set of tunes follows, based round the accordion and harp to beautiful effect. In this, as in the others instrumentals, there are the sudden stops and changes in tempo that turn a straightforward rendering into a fascinating listening experience. The only Irishman in the group, Alan sings a beautiful Gaelic Do Thugas Gra Clelbh Duit, followed by a Cape Breton fiddle tune then a song from Alberta. And so it goes on throughout the album, Irish songs run hand-in-hand with Galacian harp tunes; traditional songs alongside contemporary ones. The mix of nationalities and experience gives rich picking for choice of material and The Outside Track have selected well, playing to both the group's and their individual strengths. Strong praise too for the production from Brian Bedford that is as crisp and clear as I have heard on a traditional record for many years. This is a superb debut album from a precociously talented group of musicians where the singing and playing is of the highest standards and the overall mood one of joyous exuberance. |
| 12 Jun 2007 |
| Summer Gig Plans |
| It's the start of a busy summer for Ailie with performances in Scotland, England, and Ireland planned over the next few months. Check out the gigs page and see if she will be performing near you. |
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