William Jackson a founding member of Ossian was, in 1984, commissioned by Tennent Caledonian Breweries to write a piece of music which would celebrate 100 years of the history of the City of Glasgow.The result was The Wellpark Suite premiered at Glasgow's Mayfest in 1985. This new combination of traditional and contemporary instruments was met with widespread acclaim and was described at the same time as "A milestone in Scottish Music".
In 1990 the same sponsor returned to commission William Jackson to compose a piece of music to celebrate the City of Glasgow's tenure as as European City of Culture during that year. St. Mungo was premiered at the Henry Wood Hall in May 1990.
Well Park Suite Musicians: William Jackson: clarsach, keyboards George Jackson: fiddle, whistle Iain MacDonald: Highland pipes, flute, whistle John Martin: fiddle Tony Cuffe: guitar John Gahagan: fiddle, whistle Chris Miller: fiddle Wendy Weatherby: cello Ron Shaw: cello Cy Jack: double bass, electric bass Jim Sutherland: cittern, bodhran Peter Cairney: electric guitar Alex Baird: drums
St Mungo Suite Musicians: William Jackson: clarsach, whistle Iain MacDonald: flute, whistle John Martin: fiddle Tony Cuffe: guitar Mae McKenna: vocals Chris Miller: fiddle, Northumbrian smallpipes Christine Nelson: violin Mary MacFarlane: violin Wendy Weatherby: cello Ron Shaw: cello Ninian Perry: double bass Jim Sutherland: cittern, bodhran Fiona Elliot: French horn Mike Travis: percussion
Customer Reviews
Wellpark Suite Lori Charles
I first heard the entire Wellpark Suite live in Glasgow in 1989, in its second live performance. Having known the members of Ossian since 1982, and having been enamoured of their superb interpretation of Scottish Traditional music as well as their own compositions, I was unprepared for the brilliance of this complex and multilayered piece. While those of us who knew the band members could well understand the attraction of writing an ode to a brewery, I think its depth and interpretation were a delightful surprise. Billy was and is a consumate musician with a tremendous feeling for counter melody and themes. The arrangement of the instruments into an orchestral work is fantastic, and the witty use of actual voices in the final segment representing enjoyment of the brewer's end product, is excellent.
Each musician in the orchestra is fabulous and they work together is "perfect harmony".
Equally impressive is the St Mungo's Suite, which collates the history of Glasgow into music. In this piece the added attraction is Mae McKenna, whose vocals are sublime. The use of the cello to underscore the theme is deep and sweet.
You will not be disappointed - buy this CD and be transported. Beautifully done, Billy!
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