Skerryvore (band): Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by D0o14N (talk): original research (HG) (3.4.12)
Neelg218 (talk | contribs)
25 edits
Made grammatical and tonal changes, change the heading paragraph, and the artist table.
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Skerryvore
| name = Skerryvore
| image = Skerryvore 2019 P60.jpg
| image = Skerryvore 2019 P60.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Tiree, Argyll and Bute]], Scotland
| origin = [[Tiree, Argyll and Bute]], Scotland
| genre = [[Celtic rock]]
| genre = [[Celtic rock]]
| years_active = 2004–present
| years_active = 2004–present
| label =
| label =
| website = {{URL|http://www.skerryvore.com/}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.skerryvore.com/}}
| current_members =
| current_members = * Daniel Gillespie
*Martin Gillespie
⚫
| past_members =
* Fraser West
* Alec Dalglish
*Craig Espie
*Alan Scobie
*Jodie Bremaneson
*Scott Wood
⚫
| past_members =
}}
}}
'''Skerryvore''' is a Scottish [[Celtic rock]] group formed in [[Tiree, Argyll and Bute]] islands in 2004. Its founding members are the Gillespie brothers, Daniel and Martin. Regular Tiree visitors include Fraser West and his friend Alec Dalglish, both from [[Livingston, West Lothian]]. The group took their name from the [[Skerryvore]] lighthouse which lies {{convert|12|miles}} off the coast of Tiree. The group's current members include [[Craig Espie]], [[Alan Scobie]], [[Jodie Bremaneson]] and Scott Wood. Skerryvore have released six studio albums, with the addition of a ‘deluxe’ version of one. It includes some live tracks, a compilation album, and a live album.
'''Skerryvore''' is a Scottish [[Celtic rock]] band formed in [[Tiree, Argyll and Bute]] in 2004. The band was formed by brothers Daniel and Martin Gillespie. The band is named after the [[Skerryvore]] lighthouse which lies {{convert|12|miles}} off the coast of Tiree. The band currently resides in [[Glasgow]]. The band have released six studio albums, a compilation, and a live album. Now based in and around [[Glasgow]], Scotland, Skerryvore have toured around Europe, as well as in United States, the Middle East, and China.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 September 2009 |title=Scots Rock Beijing |newspaper=Beijing Daily}}</ref> Their earlier work was inspired by the music of their native Scotland. Later artistic influences include [[Rock music|rock]], [[pop music|pop]], [[jazz]], [[Cajun music|Cajun,]] and [[Country music|country]].

Their earlier work was ‘West Coast Ceilidh’ inspired, with Celtic influences. As the band developed, [[Rock music|rock]], [[pop music|pop]], [[jazz]], [[Cajun]] and country influences have also emerged.

Now based in and around [[Glasgow]], Scotland, Skerryvore tour throughout Scotland, in Europe, and in the United States, the Middle East, and in China.<ref>{{cite news|title=Scots Rock Beijing|newspaper=Beijing Daily|date=13 September 2009}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 27: Line 30:
[[File:Skerryvore Band.jpg|thumb|left|A photograph of the band Skerryvore shot before their Celtic Connections gig at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket Venue 2016 by Rachel Keenan]]
[[File:Skerryvore Band.jpg|thumb|left|A photograph of the band Skerryvore shot before their Celtic Connections gig at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket Venue 2016 by Rachel Keenan]]


The four founding members of Skerryvore all had some experience of performance prior to the band. Tiree has produced lots of musicians, playing traditional Scottish instruments such as [[bagpipes]], whistle and [[accordion]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Pratt + Jeffcutt|title=Creativity, Innovation and the Cultural Economy|year=2009|publisher=Taylor and Francis US}}</ref> Both Daniel Gillespie and Martin Gillespie were pupils of [[Gordon Connell (accordionist)|Gordon Connell]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Gordon Connell, music tutor |date=8 July 2013 |url=http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2013/07/tiree-music-festival/ |publisher=Folk Radio UK}}</ref> and [[Robert Beck (piper)|Robert Beck]]. Martin added whistles to his instrumentation and Daniel pursued the accordion only. The brothers played regularly on the island for friends, at local ceilidhs and parties, and in the ‘Lean To’, part of the [[Scarinish]] Hotel.
The founding members of the band have performed in bands prior to formation. Both Daniel and Martin Gillespie were students of the Scottish folk music tutors [[Gordon Connell (accordionist)|Gordon Connell]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Gordon Connell, music tutor |date=8 July 2013 |url=http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2013/07/tiree-music-festival/ |publisher=Folk Radio UK}}</ref> and [[Robert Beck (piper)|Robert Beck]]. Between the two, Daniel and Martin learned various Scottish instruments including the bagpipes and accordion. They regularly performed at traditional Scottish dances and venues.


Fraser and Alec were products of the Music Department of [[Deans Community High School]] in [[Livingston, West Lothian]] and of the supportive policy towards music education and performance of [[West Lothian Council]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Arts in Education|url=http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/arts-in-education/}}</ref> Both played in their school's wind band and in West Lothian School's wind band and big band, and in other local bands. For much of this time, Fraser's main instrument was trumpet and Alec's was euphonium.
Fraser West and Alec Dalglish would later join the band with Daniel and Martin. Fraser and Alec were students of the Music Department of [[Deans Community High School]] in [[Livingston, West Lothian]]. The school benefited from the policy for music education and performance of [[West Lothian Council]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Arts in Education|url=http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/education/arts-in-education/}}</ref> Fraser primarily played trumpet and Alec played the [[euphonium]].


Fraser met Daniel on holiday on Tiree, when Daniel and other musicians played in the Lean To. In 2000, after Daniel moved to the mainland to study, the two played [[ceilidh]] music together at functions. In summer 2003, with Martin and Alec, they toured small venues in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Up to this point, they were known variously as ‘The Gillespie Brothers’, ‘The Gillespie Brothers and Fraser,’ and ‘Brois,’ allegedly a Tiree Gaelic word loosely translated as ‘a complete cock up’.
Fraser met Daniel on holiday on Tiree. In 2000, after Daniel moved to the mainland to study, the two played [[ceilidh]] music together at functions. In the summer of 2003, with Martin and Alec, they toured small venues in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Up to this point, they were known variously as "The Gillespie Brothers," "The Gillespie Brothers and Fraser," and "Brois," a Tiree Gaelic word which translated to "a complete cock up."


In 2004 the band adopted the name ‘Skerryvore’ and started work on their first album, ‘West Coast Life’. This was recorded at Watercolour Music, [[Ardgour]] and produced by Allan Henderson. It was released in summer 2005. The album featured as ‘Album of the Month’ on [[Mary Ann Kennedy (Scottish singer)|Mary Ann Kennedy]]’s [[BBC Radio Scotland]] programme ‘Celtic Connections’, and consisted predominantly of arrangements of traditional tunes, including a vocal rendition of ‘Home to Donegal’, and a vocal arrangement of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's ‘Blackbird’.
In 2004, the band adopted the name "Skerryvore" and started work on their first album, "West Coast Life." It was recorded at Watercolour Music, [[Ardgour]], produced by Allan Henderson, and was released in the summer of 2005. The album was the "Album of the Month" on [[Mary Ann Kennedy (Scottish singer)|Mary Ann Kennedy]]"s [[BBC Radio Scotland]] programme "Celtic Connections," and consisted predominantly of arrangements of traditional tunes, including a vocal rendition of "Home to Donegal," and a vocal arrangement of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Blackbird."


Following the release of ‘West Coast Life,’ Skerryvore's volume of gigging increased, both in number and in scale. The band experimented with guest musicians and, in 2006, started work on their second album. Fiddler [[Craig Espie]] and bassist [[Barry Caulfield]] were added to the line-up. This increased the range and scope of the musical styles they could bring to their sound.
Following the release of "West Coast Life," Skerryvore's volume of gigging increased, both in number and in scale. The band experimented with guest musicians and, in 2006, started work on their second album. Fiddler [[Craig Espie]] and bassist [[Barry Caulfield]] were added to the line-up. This increased the range and scope of the musical styles they could bring to their sound.


When the second album, ‘On the Road’ was released in 2007, a brass section (The Horn Supremacy) was included. Tracks on ‘On the Road’ are also predominantly rearrangements of traditional tunes but with a rockier, funkier feel to them. Following a gig in their adopted home town of Glasgow, reviewer Stuart Morrison, in 'The Herald' stated that 'we could well have found a [[Runrig]] for the 21st century'.<ref>{{cite news|title=Glasgow review|newspaper=The (Glasgow) Herald|date=26 January 2009}}</ref>
When the second album, "On the Road" was released in 2007, a brass section (The Horn Supremacy) was included. Tracks on "On the Road" are also predominantly rearrangements of traditional tunes but with a rockier, funkier feel to them. Following a gig in their adopted home town of Glasgow, reviewer Stuart Morrison, in "The Herald" stated that "we could well have found a [[Runrig]] for the 21st century."<ref>{{cite news|title=Glasgow review|newspaper=The (Glasgow) Herald|date=26 January 2009}}</ref>


The band continued to build their following by touring throughout Scotland and by adding a growing number of foreign gigs. They featured increasingly at larger events such as [[T in the Park]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Folk band - Skerryvore|url=http://www.scottish-folk-music.com/bands-singers-pages/band-skerryvore.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.scottish-folk-music.com}}</ref> and similar festivals. They became ‘ambassadors for Scotland’ when they accompanied a Scottish Government delegation to the 2008 Ryder Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fife (Platform of Partnership): 8 Oct 2008: Scottish Parliament debates|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/sp/?id=2008-10-08.11617.0|access-date=2020-09-30|website=TheyWorkForYou|language=en}}</ref> Their company, Skerryvore, won the [[PSYBT]] Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Case Study|url=http://www.psybt.org.uk/case-study/skerryvore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PSYBT award winners 2009|url=http://forargyll.com/2009/11/skerryvore-bring-psybt-young-entrepreneurs-of-the-year-to-tiree-and-argyll/|publisher=For Argyll}}</ref>
The band continued to build their following by touring throughout Scotland and by adding a growing number of foreign gigs. They featured increasingly at larger events such as [[T in the Park]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Folk band - Skerryvore|url=http://www.scottish-folk-music.com/bands-singers-pages/band-skerryvore.htm|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.scottish-folk-music.com}}</ref> and similar festivals. They became "ambassadors for Scotland" when they accompanied a Scottish Government delegation to the 2008 Ryder Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fife (Platform of Partnership): 8 Oct 2008: Scottish Parliament debates|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/sp/?id=2008-10-08.11617.0|access-date=2020-09-30|website=TheyWorkForYou|language=en}}</ref> Their company, Skerryvore, won the [[PSYBT]] Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Case Study|url=http://www.psybt.org.uk/case-study/skerryvore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PSYBT award winners 2009|url=http://forargyll.com/2009/11/skerryvore-bring-psybt-young-entrepreneurs-of-the-year-to-tiree-and-argyll/|publisher=For Argyll}}</ref>


Skerryvore's third album, ‘Skerryvore,’ released in 2010, is almost entirely made up of the band's own compositions plus a few rearrangements of traditional songs. They retained their instrumentation of accordion, pipes, whistle, fiddle, guitar, bass and drums, dispensed with the brass section and added keyboards to both their album arrangements and to many of their live performances. The album received a considerable amount of critical acclaim, including from the 'Daily Record's' John Dingwall who described Skerryvore as 'the hottest new Celtic rockers on the block'.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dingwall|first=John|title=Album reviews|newspaper=Daily Record|date=2 July 2010}}</ref>
Skerryvore's third album, "Skerryvore," released in 2010, is almost entirely made up of the band's own compositions plus a few rearrangements of traditional songs. They retained their instrumentation of accordion, pipes, whistle, fiddle, guitar, bass and drums, dispensed with the brass section and added keyboards to both their album arrangements and to many of their live performances. The album received a considerable amount of critical acclaim, including from "The Daily Record's" John Dingwall who described Skerryvore as "the hottest new Celtic rockers on the block."<ref>{{cite news|last=Dingwall|first=John|title=Album reviews|newspaper=Daily Record|date=2 July 2010}}</ref>


In 2011, ‘Skerryvore’ brought the band awards including Scottish New Music Awards Album of the Year and, for Alec Dalglish, ‘Frankie Miller Songwriter of the Year’.<ref>{{cite web|title=Winners of 2011 Scottish New Music Awards|date=24 September 2011 |url=http://scottishnewmusicawards.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/hello-world/}}</ref> In December 2011, Skerryvore also won the award as 'Best Live Act' in the 2011 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=2011 MG Alba Scottish Traditional Music Award winners|url=http://www.scottishcultureonline.com/mgalbascotstradmusicawardswinners/}}</ref> The band continued their work with the charity ‘Live Music Now’, working with youngsters and other groups in settings including HMP Cornton Vale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Live Music Now (charity) Annual Report 2008-2009, pg10 |url=http://resources.pihomebuild.com/sites/802/docs/lmn_impact_report_2008-2009.pdf}}</ref>
In 2011, "Skerryvore" brought the band awards including Scottish New Music Awards Album of the Year and, for Alec Dalglish, "Frankie Miller Songwriter of the Year."<ref>{{cite web|title=Winners of 2011 Scottish New Music Awards|date=24 September 2011 |url=http://scottishnewmusicawards.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/hello-world/}}</ref> In December 2011, Skerryvore also won the award as "Best Live Act" in the 2011 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=2011 MG Alba Scottish Traditional Music Award winners|url=http://www.scottishcultureonline.com/mgalbascotstradmusicawardswinners/}}</ref> The band continued their work with the charity "Live Music Now," working with youngsters and other groups in settings including HMP Cornton Vale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Live Music Now (charity) Annual Report 2008-2009, pg10 |url=http://resources.pihomebuild.com/sites/802/docs/lmn_impact_report_2008-2009.pdf}}</ref>


Their fourth album, ‘World of Chances,’ released in 2012 is a departure from the style of their previous ones. Although retaining their traditional instrumentation, the album is almost entirely made up of songs penned by [[Alec Dalglish]], with one tune composed by Martin Gillespie. Alongside their traditional roots, many more ‘world’ influences are apparent in this album, from country to cajun to jazz and rock. The album entered the top 10 in iTunes singer/songwriter chart in June 2012. A limited edition deluxe version of ‘World of Chances’, incorporating live and acoustic versions of some tracks, alongside a live version of [[Runrig]]’s ‘Rocket to the Moon’ was released in late 2012.
Their fourth album, "World of Chances," released in 2012 is a departure from the style of their previous ones. Although retaining their traditional instrumentation, the album is almost entirely made up of songs penned by [[Alec Dalglish]], with one tune composed by Martin Gillespie. Alongside their traditional roots, many more "world" influences are apparent in this album, from country to cajun to jazz and rock. The album entered the top 10 in iTunes singer/songwriter chart in June 2012. A limited edition deluxe version of "World of Chances," incorporating live and acoustic versions of some tracks, alongside a live version of [[Runrig]]"s "Rocket to the Moon" was released in late 2012.
Skerryvore feature on BBC Scotland and BBC Alba's output, playing tracks from albums on radio programmes, excerpts from concert and festival performances, interviews and also featuring the band in the first 'A Gharaids' programme from BBC Alba in February 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC appearances 2011 - 2013|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/search/schedule/?q=skerryvore}}</ref>
Skerryvore feature on BBC Scotland and BBC Alba's output, playing tracks from albums on radio programmes, excerpts from concert and festival performances, interviews and also featuring the band in the first "A Gharaids" programme from BBC Alba in February 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC appearances 2011 - 2013|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/search/schedule/?q=skerryvore}}</ref>
Late in 2012, [[Barry Caulfield]] left the band and was replaced by Colin Cunningham, formerly with [[Wolfstone]], on bass. Prior to recording their fifth album, Colin left and was replaced by [[Jodie Bremaneson]]. Producer of their albums since 2010, and keyboard player, [[Alan Scobie]] joined the band on stage in all gigs and, following a diagnosis of [[focal dystonia]] for Martin, Scott Wood was added on pipes and whistles. When on tour, the band are seldom without 9th member, [[Paul Hoolahan]].
Late in 2012, [[Barry Caulfield]] left the band and was replaced by Colin Cunningham, formerly with [[Wolfstone]], on bass. Prior to recording their fifth album, Colin left and was replaced by [[Jodie Bremaneson]]. Producer of their albums since 2010, and keyboard player, [[Alan Scobie]] joined the band on stage in all gigs and, following a diagnosis of [[focal dystonia]] for Martin, Scott Wood was added on pipes and whistles. When on tour, the band are seldom without 9th member, [[Paul Hoolahan]].


'Chasing the Sun', released in September 2014, was described as the band's most mature sounding album,<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2014/07/skerryvore-chasing-the-sun/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.folkradio.co.uk|date=22 July 2014 }}</ref> reflecting the various styles that have influenced their development, as well as re-emphasising their traditional roots. 'Chasing the Sun' was also the band's first international collaboration with platinum ward winning producer Chris Kress, [[Dave Matthews Band]] on two of the tracks ('Blown Away' and 'By Your Side').
"Chasing the Sun," released in September 2014, was described as the band's most mature sounding album,<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2014/07/skerryvore-chasing-the-sun/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.folkradio.co.uk|date=22 July 2014 }}</ref> reflecting the various styles that have influenced their development, as well as re-emphasising their traditional roots. "Chasing the Sun" was also the band's first international collaboration with platinum award winning producer Chris Kress of the [[Dave Matthews Band]]. Chris worked with the band on two of the tracks: "Blown Away" and "By Your Side."

⚫
Skerryvore celebrated their 10th birthday in 2015. In May 2015, they held a ‘Decade’<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rita|title=Skerryvore celebrate 10th anniversary with Oban gig|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/596350/oban-celebrates-skerryvores-decade/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> event in [[Oban]]. The open air concert, held at Mossfield Stadium, attracted an audience of 6000 who enjoyed various artists including [[The Red Hot Chilli Pipers]], Trail West, [[Dougie MacLean]], [[Sharon Shannon]], [[Skipinnish]], Scott Wood Band and, of course, Skerryvore.


⚫
Skerryvore celebrated their 10th birthday in 2015. In May 2015, they held a "Decade" event in [[Oban]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Rita |title=Skerryvore celebrate 10th anniversary with Oban gig |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/596350/oban-celebrates-skerryvores-decade/ |access-date=2020-09-30 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> The open air concert, held at Mossfield Stadium, attracted an audience of 6000 along with various artists including [[The Red Hot Chilli Pipers]], Trail West, [[Dougie MacLean]], [[Sharon Shannon]], [[Skipinnish]], and Scott Wood Band.
To coincide with the occasion, Skerryvore's ‘Decade’ album was also released. Described as a celebration of their 10 years, the CD is a collection of many live versions of Skerryvore classics, some recorded at Festivals, including [[Tonder Festival]] in [[Denmark]], with others recorded as ‘live’ studio sessions. It also included previously unreleased tracks, including the single ‘Happy to be Home,’ featuring [[Sharon Shannon]].


In collaboration with [[Bruichladdich distillery]], they released a limited edition, 10 year old, single cask, single malt, ‘Decade’ whisky. With only 290 bottles produced this has become a collector's item.
After returning from the concert, Skerryvore's "Decade" album was released. Described as a celebration of their 10 years, the CD is a collection of many live versions of Skerryvore classics, some recorded at Festivals, including [[Tonder Festival]] in [[Denmark]], with others recorded as "live" studio sessions. It also included previously unreleased tracks, including the single "Happy to be Home," featuring [[Sharon Shannon]]. After this release, in collaboration with the [[Bruichladdich distillery]], the band released a limited edition, single malt whisky named after the "Decade" album. With only 290 bottles produced, this has become a collector's item.


Following the success of their ‘Decade’ event, Skerryvore launched ‘Oban Live,’ a two-day festival which was held at Mossfield Park, [[Oban]] in May 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2016/06/skerryvores-oban-live-2016-review/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.folkradio.co.uk|date=June 2016 }}</ref> June 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rita|title=Thousands turn out for eclectic Oban Live festival|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1259978/oban-live-has-it-all/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> June 2018<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rita|title=Oban Live pulls in the crowds|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1494633/oban-live-pulls-in-the-crowds/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> and June 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Glen|first=Louise|title=Sun shone on revellers at Oban's biggest ever live music show|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/1768804/sun-shone-on-revellers-at-obans-biggest-ever-live-music-show/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref>
Following the success of "Decade," Skerryvore launched "Oban Live": a two-day festival which was held at Mossfield Park in [[Oban]] on May 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2016/06/skerryvores-oban-live-2016-review/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.folkradio.co.uk|date=June 2016 }}</ref> June 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rita|title=Thousands turn out for eclectic Oban Live festival|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1259978/oban-live-has-it-all/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> June 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rita|title=Oban Live pulls in the crowds|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1494633/oban-live-pulls-in-the-crowds/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> and June 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Glen|first=Louise|title=Sun shone on revellers at Oban's biggest ever live music show|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/1768804/sun-shone-on-revellers-at-obans-biggest-ever-live-music-show/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref>


Skerryvore once again won the 'Best Live Act' for 2016 at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2016/12/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2016-live-review-winners/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.folkradio.co.uk|date=6 December 2016 }}</ref>
Skerryvore won the "Best Live Act" for 2016 at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2016/12/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-2016-live-review-winners/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=www.folkradio.co.uk|date=6 December 2016 }}</ref>


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Skerryvore released a single, 'Everyday Heroes.' The music, composed by Martin Gillespie, featured, alongside Skerryvore, a range of musicians from the Scottish Traditional music scene, as well as former UK Government press secretary [[Alastair Campbell]], and reached number 1 in the official charts. 'Everyday Heroes' won the 'Original Work of the Year' award at the 2020 MG ALBA Scottish Trad Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|date=12 December 2020 |url=https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-announces-2020-winners/}}</ref>
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Skerryvore released a single, "Everyday Heroes." Composed by Martin Gillespie, the single featured a variety of guest musicians from the Scottish music scene, as well as former UK Government press secretary [[Alastair Campbell]]. The reached number 1 on the Scottish Singles chart. "Everyday Heroes" won the Original Work of the Year award at the 2020 MG ALBA Scottish Trad Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|date=12 December 2020 |url=https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards-announces-2020-winners/}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

Revision as of 02:44, 14 December 2023

Skerryvore
Background information
OriginTiree, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
GenresCeltic rock
Years active2004–present
Members
  • Daniel Gillespie
  • Martin Gillespie
  • Fraser West
  • Alec Dalglish
  • Craig Espie
  • Alan Scobie
  • Jodie Bremaneson
  • Scott Wood
Websitewww.skerryvore.com

Skerryvore is a Scottish Celtic rock band formed in Tiree, Argyll and Bute in 2004. The band was formed by brothers Daniel and Martin Gillespie. The band is named after the Skerryvore lighthouse which lies 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Tiree. The band currently resides in Glasgow. The band have released six studio albums, a compilation, and a live album. Now based in and around Glasgow, Scotland, Skerryvore have toured around Europe, as well as in United States, the Middle East, and China.[1] Their earlier work was inspired by the music of their native Scotland. Later artistic influences include rock, pop, jazz, Cajun, and country.

History

A photograph of the band Skerryvore shot before their Celtic Connections gig at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket Venue 2016 by Rachel Keenan

The founding members of the band have performed in bands prior to formation. Both Daniel and Martin Gillespie were students of the Scottish folk music tutors Gordon Connell[2] and Robert Beck. Between the two, Daniel and Martin learned various Scottish instruments including the bagpipes and accordion. They regularly performed at traditional Scottish dances and venues.

Fraser West and Alec Dalglish would later join the band with Daniel and Martin. Fraser and Alec were students of the Music Department of Deans Community High School in Livingston, West Lothian. The school benefited from the policy for music education and performance of West Lothian Council.[3] Fraser primarily played trumpet and Alec played the euphonium.

Fraser met Daniel on holiday on Tiree. In 2000, after Daniel moved to the mainland to study, the two played ceilidh music together at functions. In the summer of 2003, with Martin and Alec, they toured small venues in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Up to this point, they were known variously as "The Gillespie Brothers," "The Gillespie Brothers and Fraser," and "Brois," a Tiree Gaelic word which translated to "a complete cock up."

In 2004, the band adopted the name "Skerryvore" and started work on their first album, "West Coast Life." It was recorded at Watercolour Music, Ardgour, produced by Allan Henderson, and was released in the summer of 2005. The album was the "Album of the Month" on Mary Ann Kennedy"s BBC Radio Scotland programme "Celtic Connections," and consisted predominantly of arrangements of traditional tunes, including a vocal rendition of "Home to Donegal," and a vocal arrangement of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Blackbird."

Following the release of "West Coast Life," Skerryvore's volume of gigging increased, both in number and in scale. The band experimented with guest musicians and, in 2006, started work on their second album. Fiddler Craig Espie and bassist Barry Caulfield were added to the line-up. This increased the range and scope of the musical styles they could bring to their sound.

When the second album, "On the Road" was released in 2007, a brass section (The Horn Supremacy) was included. Tracks on "On the Road" are also predominantly rearrangements of traditional tunes but with a rockier, funkier feel to them. Following a gig in their adopted home town of Glasgow, reviewer Stuart Morrison, in "The Herald" stated that "we could well have found a Runrig for the 21st century."[4]

The band continued to build their following by touring throughout Scotland and by adding a growing number of foreign gigs. They featured increasingly at larger events such as T in the Park[5] and similar festivals. They became "ambassadors for Scotland" when they accompanied a Scottish Government delegation to the 2008 Ryder Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.[6] Their company, Skerryvore, won the PSYBT Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2009.[7][8]

Skerryvore's third album, "Skerryvore," released in 2010, is almost entirely made up of the band's own compositions plus a few rearrangements of traditional songs. They retained their instrumentation of accordion, pipes, whistle, fiddle, guitar, bass and drums, dispensed with the brass section and added keyboards to both their album arrangements and to many of their live performances. The album received a considerable amount of critical acclaim, including from "The Daily Record's" John Dingwall who described Skerryvore as "the hottest new Celtic rockers on the block."[9]

In 2011, "Skerryvore" brought the band awards including Scottish New Music Awards Album of the Year and, for Alec Dalglish, "Frankie Miller Songwriter of the Year."[10] In December 2011, Skerryvore also won the award as "Best Live Act" in the 2011 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.[11] The band continued their work with the charity "Live Music Now," working with youngsters and other groups in settings including HMP Cornton Vale.[12]

Their fourth album, "World of Chances," released in 2012 is a departure from the style of their previous ones. Although retaining their traditional instrumentation, the album is almost entirely made up of songs penned by Alec Dalglish, with one tune composed by Martin Gillespie. Alongside their traditional roots, many more "world" influences are apparent in this album, from country to cajun to jazz and rock. The album entered the top 10 in iTunes singer/songwriter chart in June 2012. A limited edition deluxe version of "World of Chances," incorporating live and acoustic versions of some tracks, alongside a live version of Runrig"s "Rocket to the Moon" was released in late 2012. Skerryvore feature on BBC Scotland and BBC Alba's output, playing tracks from albums on radio programmes, excerpts from concert and festival performances, interviews and also featuring the band in the first "A Gharaids" programme from BBC Alba in February 2011.[13] Late in 2012, Barry Caulfield left the band and was replaced by Colin Cunningham, formerly with Wolfstone, on bass. Prior to recording their fifth album, Colin left and was replaced by Jodie Bremaneson. Producer of their albums since 2010, and keyboard player, Alan Scobie joined the band on stage in all gigs and, following a diagnosis of focal dystonia for Martin, Scott Wood was added on pipes and whistles. When on tour, the band are seldom without 9th member, Paul Hoolahan.

"Chasing the Sun," released in September 2014, was described as the band's most mature sounding album,[14] reflecting the various styles that have influenced their development, as well as re-emphasising their traditional roots. "Chasing the Sun" was also the band's first international collaboration with platinum award winning producer Chris Kress of the Dave Matthews Band. Chris worked with the band on two of the tracks: "Blown Away" and "By Your Side."

Skerryvore celebrated their 10th birthday in 2015. In May 2015, they held a "Decade" event in Oban.[15] The open air concert, held at Mossfield Stadium, attracted an audience of 6000 along with various artists including The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Trail West, Dougie MacLean, Sharon Shannon, Skipinnish, and Scott Wood Band.

After returning from the concert, Skerryvore's "Decade" album was released. Described as a celebration of their 10 years, the CD is a collection of many live versions of Skerryvore classics, some recorded at Festivals, including Tonder Festival in Denmark, with others recorded as "live" studio sessions. It also included previously unreleased tracks, including the single "Happy to be Home," featuring Sharon Shannon. After this release, in collaboration with the Bruichladdich distillery, the band released a limited edition, single malt whisky named after the "Decade" album. With only 290 bottles produced, this has become a collector's item.

Following the success of "Decade," Skerryvore launched "Oban Live": a two-day festival which was held at Mossfield Park in Oban on May 2016,[16] June 2017,[17] June 2018,[18] and June 2019.[19]

Skerryvore won the "Best Live Act" for 2016 at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.[20]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Skerryvore released a single, "Everyday Heroes." Composed by Martin Gillespie, the single featured a variety of guest musicians from the Scottish music scene, as well as former UK Government press secretary Alastair Campbell. The reached number 1 on the Scottish Singles chart. "Everyday Heroes" won the Original Work of the Year award at the 2020 MG ALBA Scottish Trad Music Awards.[21]

Discography

Albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
SCO
[22] 		UK
[23]
West Coast Life — —
On the Road
  • Released: 1 July 2007
  • Label: Skipinnish
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 — —
Skerryvore
  • Released: 5 July 2010
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 — —
World of Chances
  • Released: 2 December 2012
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 — —
Chasing the Sun
  • Released: 1 September 2014
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 38 —
Decade
  • Released: 1 June 2015
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 97 —
Evo
  • Released: 11 June 2018
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 13 —
Live Across Scotland
  • Released: 10 July 2020
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 17 —
Tempus
  • Released: 28 April 2023
  • Label: Tyree
  • Formats: CD and digital download
 1 36
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or were not released.

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
SCO
[24]
"Caledonia" 2009 — World of Chances
"Path to Home" 2010 — Skerryvore
"On The Road"
(Charity Single) 		2011 99 Non-album singles
"Happy to Be Home"
(featuring Sharon Shannon) 		2015 52
"Live Forever" 2017 49 EVO
"Soraidh Slàn & the Rise"
(featuring Oban High School Pipe Band) 		2019 13 Non-album singles
"Everyday Heroes"
(NHS charity single) 		2020 1
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or were not released.

References

  1. ^ "Scots Rock Beijing". Beijing Daily. 13 September 2009.
  2. ^ "Gordon Connell, music tutor". Folk Radio UK. 8 July 2013.
  3. ^ "Arts in Education".
  4. ^ "Glasgow review". The (Glasgow) Herald. 26 January 2009.
  5. ^ "Folk band - Skerryvore". www.scottish-folk-music.com. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  6. ^ "Fife (Platform of Partnership): 8 Oct 2008: Scottish Parliament debates". TheyWorkForYou. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Case Study".
  8. ^ "PSYBT award winners 2009". For Argyll.
  9. ^ Dingwall, John (2 July 2010). "Album reviews". Daily Record.
  10. ^ "Winners of 2011 Scottish New Music Awards". 24 September 2011.
  11. ^ "2011 MG Alba Scottish Traditional Music Award winners".
  12. ^ "Live Music Now (charity) Annual Report 2008-2009, pg10" (PDF).
  13. ^ "BBC appearances 2011 - 2013".
  14. ^ "StackPath". www.folkradio.co.uk. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  15. ^ Campbell, Rita. "Skerryvore celebrate 10th anniversary with Oban gig". Press and Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  16. ^ "StackPath". www.folkradio.co.uk. June 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  17. ^ Campbell, Rita. "Thousands turn out for eclectic Oban Live festival". Press and Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  18. ^ Campbell, Rita. "Oban Live pulls in the crowds". Press and Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  19. ^ Glen, Louise. "Sun shone on revellers at Oban's biggest ever live music show". Press and Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  20. ^ "StackPath". www.folkradio.co.uk. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
  21. ^ "StackPath". 12 December 2020.
  22. ^ Peak positions for albums in Scotland:
  23. ^ "Skerryvore | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
  24. ^ Peak positions for singles in Scotland:

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Skerryvore_(band)&oldid=1189800555"