Celtic Connections

Celtic Connections to scale back on overseas acts to fight climate crisis

The festival’s creative producer said limiting the number of artists who fly in to perform was ‘the responsible thing to do’

Laura Snapes

27, Jan, 2020 @4:33 PM

Grit Orchestra/Celtic Connections review – filmic fusion from an 80-strong band

Greg Lawson’s boisterous ensemble celebrate freedom and the Declaration of Arbroath while US duo Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn add festive moonshine

Graeme Virtue

19, Jan, 2020 @2:54 PM

Celtic Connections: Transatlantic Sessions review – foot-stomping all-stars

Figures from the US and UK folk traditions pooled their talents into a 16-strong jam band, and alternated between the spine-tingling and the rollicking

Graeme Virtue

03, Feb, 2019 @1:02 PM

Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer – bewitching sister act goes from goosebumps to grunge

The Alabama songwriters’ exquisite close harmonies elevate everything they sing in this eclectic covers set

Graeme Virtue

30, Jan, 2018 @11:42 AM

Bothy Culture & Beyond review – joyous fusion of bike stunts and sonic chaos

This multimedia celebration of Martyn Bennett’s 1998 dance album, with full orchestra, was a weird fusion of the deep-rooted and brazenly off-kilter

Kate Molleson

28, Jan, 2018 @1:25 PM

Bright Phoebus Revisited review – Watersons bring a cult classic back to life

A stirring celebration of Mike and Lal Waterson’s great lost folk album gathered daughters, sons, cousins and uncles – plus an Arcade Fire star

Kate Molleson

25, Jan, 2018 @1:05 PM

Juan de Marcos Afro-Cuban All Stars review – a blast of sun-baked sultriness and Strictly magic

The Cuban musician led his globe-trotting ensemble through a smooth set of bolero, rumba and salsa-infused classics at the Celtic Connections festival

Graeme Virtue

24, Jan, 2018 @6:00 AM

Julie Fowlis/Celtic Connections gala review – Gaelic song in full force

Gaelic singer Fowlis is flawless during a solo show, while the festival’s 25th-anniversary gala misses its mark

Kate Molleson

21, Jan, 2018 @11:55 AM

Shirley Collins review – a five-star foray into the darker depths of folk

In an atmosphere charged with excitement, the secret treasure of English folk music delivered a performance of unwavering and revelatory intimacy

Kate Molleson

05, Feb, 2017 @1:48 PM

Evelyn Glennie/Trilok Gurtu review – a feelgood percussion feast

Two big musical personalities celebrated Indian independence in hurried east-meets-west scratch project, rescued by Glennie and Gurtu’s conviviality and skill

Kate Molleson

02, Feb, 2017 @12:17 PM

Mary Chapin Carpenter review – emotional heft, poise and protest

The US singer-songwriter stripped back her sound for an evening of tender, affecting storytelling

Graeme Virtue

31, Jan, 2017 @1:15 PM

Why it's time for Scottish folk to change its tune

In trad Scots music, it seems the bigger the bang the better – which means all-male bands tearing up the place. Why are so many musicians falling back on retro macho stereotypes – and who are the women challenging the status quo?

Kate Molleson

25, Jan, 2017 @12:53 PM