Every member of Bodega is highly talented and versatile, and together their music has a kind of fierce energy, imagination, and joie de vivre that you just dont hear very often. Their debut CD - produced by Jack Evans - is a fine mix of songs (in both Gaelic and English) and cleverly arranged tunes underscoring the fact that this band were the worthy winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2006. Check them out!
Gillian Chalmers, pipes and whistle; Ross Couper, fiddle; Tia Files, acoustic and bass guitar; Norrie MacIver accordion, guitar, djembe, vocals; and June Naylor clarsach and piano.
Customer Reviews
genius!!! sandra
magic album pure genius! hope there will b a lot more ov them cummin our way!!!!!
bodega thomas
i haven't bought this cd yet, but i saw them play at fairport "cropredy" convention and they were amazing, one of the best young bands around(this coming from a 14 year old), basically, but the cd, you wont regret it
Youthful exuberance, joyful optimism, and sheer creative audacity Joe Ross
Playing Time – 52:55 -- Every serious band wants to create its own unique, tantalizing, personalized sound that is immediately recognizable. One talented group that is well enroute to achieving that goal is Bodega. While only together since early 2005, Bodega exhibits youthful exuberance, joyful optimism, and sheer creative audacity. The five band members met at The National Centre of Excellence for Traditional Music in Plockton, Ross-shire (northwestern Scotland). After forming for a few casual gigs, they realized that something special was in the breezy Scottish air. Bodega subsequently won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2006.
Produced by Jack Evans, their debut album is an ingeniously designed triumph that particularly showcases the strong instrumental abilities of Gillian Chalmers (pipes, whistle, fiddle), Ross Couper (fiddle), Tia Files (guitar, bass guitar, snare drum, djembe), Norrie MacIver (vocals, accordion, guitar, djembe) and June Naylor (clarsach). Between the five of them, they have all the instrumental bases well covered. Their repertoire includes plenty of traditional tunes, some even sung in Gaelic. Interestingly, one of their own favorite songs is Bob Dylan’s “Wagon Wheel,” learned from The Old Crow Medicine Show. Norrie MacIver sings with considerable confidence and gusto, and his voice works best with rousing songs like “Crooked Jack” and “Greenland.” I was happy to hear some of Norrie’s own backing vocals in the mix of the latter, but the heavy effects on Ross’ fiddle break takes some getting used to. Norrie’s vocal presentation is a bit too assertive for the lovely 6-minute ballad, “Oran Chaluim Sgaire,” that could’ve also been embellished with some vocal harmonies. Of special note is the set of “Compositions” at track 8 that feature contemporary tunes penned by June, Ross and Tia. Bodega’s album debut proves that they are clever and skillful. Their versatility is a clear strength, and this CD will build them a legion of fans who can appreciate both their talent and affability. (Joe Ross)
Bodega in France Graham Duthie
Having just returned from a Fraserburgh/Bressuire 'twining' trip in France and having the pleasure to meet and listen to the musicians of 'bodega', i just had to express my amazement at their natural talent. Having not listened to much of their type of music, it was fantastic. Coupled with great wine, great hosts and great entertainment, all in all a magical few days. The CD - a must have!! & if you ever get the chance to see bodega live, you must go for it!!
fantabulous emma/fenella
smashing album guys! its tough at the top eh?! we are proud to say we are your friends!! keep up the good work! good luck for the future xXx
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