Fèis Rois, established for 20 years as the main development organisation for promotion of Gaelic music and culture in Ross and Cromarty, has gathered forty seven of the finest teenage solo musicians and groups together on a compilation album of traditional and contemporary Highland music.
The CD of young Highland musicians, includes the magnificent sounds of Graham Mackenzie on fiddle, Gaelic song featuring Katie Mackenzie as well as music from Fèis Rois’ sell out Celtic Connections concert in 2005 and the captivating sounds of the Fèis Rois Cèilidh Trail, on this heart warming album.
Fèis Rois manager Rita Hunter says, “This is a vibrant and exciting album which captures a taste of everything Fèis Rois has to offer such as our year-round weekly classes, monthly master classes, teenage groupwork, Summer Cèilidh Trail and of course our ever popular Senior Fèis, which reached its’ highest ever attendance level this year. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 20th Anniversary than with this album. Charlie (McKerron) showed great encouragement and infinite patience and all the participants have benefited greatly from the recording experience.”
The young musicians have worked closely with well established professional artists such as Charlie McKerron of Capercaillie, Gordon Gunn of Session A9, singer/song writer Jim Hunter and Gaelic singers Julie Fowlis and Rachel Walker to name a few.
The album also features music from Fèis Rois’ sell out Celtic Connections concert in 2005 with a special guest appearance from former Fèis Rois participant and current winner of the BBC Young Folk Musician of the Year; Lauren MacColl.
Fèis Rois are delighted to be asked to return to Celtic Connections 2006 this coming January, not only with their very own concert but also to perform with Donald Shaw of Capercaillie and his astounding “Harvest” concert. Both concerts will features many of the participants featured on this CD.
The album combines solo and groups pieces and those familiar with the Fèis Rois Cèilidh Trail who entertain thousands of people each summer in Ross-Shire will be delighted with the many rich tracks from the group.
An impressed Charlie McKerron said “This CD showcases the wealth of talent coming through today and leaves me with no worries about the future of Scottish traditional music.”
The CD has been funded by Leader +, Ross and Cromarty Enterprise and The Highland Council.
Picture: The Ceilidh Trail 2004
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