Strathmannan – Self Titled

“This band gives your feet wings” The large and rich repertoire of Scottish fiddle music from traditional and contemporary sources is the inspiration for the tune sets on this excellent CD. With Kate Scott and Mark Jenner on fiddle, Jane Ellis on piano and Peter Bucke on bass guitar, the tunes and playing on this CD are just wonderful. From The Hut on Staffin Island to Johnnie Faa and to a tune written by Claire McLaughlin in honour of Sharon Shannon, this CD has heaps of great tunes and lovely playing. Other featured musicians are Martin Barker – cello, Colin McJannett – banjo, Jonathan Jones – percussion and Tony Hunter – mandolin.
The current line up of Strathmannan explores the wealth of Scottish fiddle music and on the way distils three centuries of its richness, vigour and beauty. Kate and Marks’s driving twin fiddle sound is invigorated by the contemporary jazz influenced piano playing of Niall. They play at dances, festivals, folk clubs and celebrations in and around the Canberra region, and have recorded a self-titled CD. In concert, the band teams up with well known singer, Seamus Gill.