Following on from Chris’s widely praised first album, First o’ the Darkenin’, Devil’s Advocate marks a major leap forward in the careers of this remarkable musician and composer and his quintet. Acclaimed on its live debut for taking traditional music into exciting new territories, the quintet has developed into an international class outfit demonstrating the discipline of a classical ensemble and a jazz group’s sense of adventure while celebrating all the spirit and flair of traditional music.

Devil’s Advocate intentionally reflects - and provides a natural link between- Chris’s love of traditional and contemporary music. The opening, joyously skirling title track and the closing, deeply emotive Dynrost are rearrangedmovements from Chris’s highly successful commission for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, performed at Celtic Connections 2007. In between, the music covers an amazing dynamic range from atmospheric solo fiddle airs and intricate, quicksilver ensemble passages to the kind of rollicking Shetland-Scandinavia hoolie that Chris’s fans from Fiddlers’ Bid know so well.

It’s all played with passion, precision and huge musicality by Chris (fiddle and viola), Fraser Fifield (saxophone), Catriona McKay (piano and harp), Neil Harland (double bass) and Malcolm Stitt (guitar).

“There are some who can play like nobody’s business and set the heather on fire in the process, and there are those who are possessed to the extent that they achieve standards that are out there beyond the reach of almost anyone else. Stout sets a new benchmark” – Maverick Magazine