Celtic Connections in Glasgow

A quick Blip of St Enoch's Square, still in festive decoration, before heading to the Concert Hall for "The Monumental Scott" event at Celtic Connections.

The first half was the premiere of the specially-commissioned new work The Trossachs Suite, by Phil Cunningham. Words by Sir Walter Scott, narrated by Bill Paterson and music led by Phil and John McCusker. There were also photographs and film above the performers, of places in the Trossachs. The piece was inspired by Scott's Lady of the Lake.

"These drew not for their fields the sword,
Like tenants of a feudal lord,
Nor owned the patriarchal claim
Of Chieftain in their leader's name."
Lady of the Lake : Canto VI The Guardroom

The second half featured Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson singing pieces linked to Scott or about the landscape. I particularly enjoyed Karen singing Border Widow's Lament and Puirt a Beul - a traditional Gaelic song. Eddi's Wild Mountainside by John Douglas was a treat as always.

A superb evening of traditional music, so glad we went along.