THE JARLATH HENDERSON BAND
Who are these guys?
Well, let’s start with Jarlath will we? It’s his name up in lights after all… Jarlath hails from County Tyrone and quickly became a fixture in the Scottish traditional music scene when he came over to Aberdeen to study medicine (yes, he’s not only incredibly musically gifted, he’s also a doctor – perhaps he can be our nominated first aider?!). Best known as a multi award winning uilean piper and whistle player, Jarlath has a long established partnership with Ross Ainslie, the duo having released 2 incredibly well received albums together. But, what we’re going to get here is something a bit different….
In 2016, Jarlath released his solo debut album Hearts Broken, Heads Turned which the Guardian decalred “one of the year’s best folk albums” and went on to praise it as both powerful and inventive. We too think it’s a cracker. The album features sensitive, yet bold arrangements of traditional songs, with Jarlath providing straight up, respectful vocals, set against a wash of fiddle, pipes and electronica. It really is beautiful and moving stuff.
Accompanying Jarlath are musicians who will be familiar to many of you, mainly Hamish Napier (keys – Back of the Moon, Nae Plans, Main’s Ruin), Innes Watson (fiddle – Treacherous Orchestra), Duncan Lyall (bass – Kate Rusby) and Andrea Gobbi (producer/electronic wizardry – Laki Mera).
Why bring them to Ceòl?
Again, with many of the artists coming this year, Jarlath and the band provide something a wee bit different. This is of course primarily due to the use of electronics, but it’s only ever in service of the song and accompanied by first class musicianship. Anyone that caught the first episode of Phil Cunningham’s most recent series will know what we’re talking about. If you don’t then there are are countless videos on youtube, but better still buy a copy of the album – you will not regret it.
As if the songs weren’t enough, the band will be letting rip on some stomping, rocking tune sets that promise to get you up off your seats and dancing in the aisles. So a genuine best of both worlds then. We cannot wait….
When are they on?
Usual disclaimer here about potential changes, but we’re expecting The Jarlath Henderson Band to perform on both Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon.
How do I get to see them?
By purchasing a ticket of course! Festival passes for Ceòl Cholasa 2018 are £80 and can be bought online (just follow the link). The pass gains you entry to all the concerts in the hall, the stomping late night Ceòl Ceilidh and the workshops. It might also get you preferential treatment at another venue…. but more of that later.
Remember, Ceòl Cholasa is a limited, bijou event. It’s best to purchase your ticket as soon as possible as then you can rest assured that you will be one of a maximum of only 250 people attending the best wee music festival in the west!
Where can I stay?
Much like the tickets, accommodation is limited on the island and sells out fast for festival week. So it’s always recommended that you sort out somewhere to stay at the same time as you buy your ticket. Check out the Isle of Colonsay website to see what’s available and to make an enquiry.