HAMISH NAPIER & INNES WATSON
Who are these guys?
Kudos to all our super keen Christmas Countdown followers who recognise Innes and Hamish from Jarlath’s band. Yes, they will be gracing the stage at the hall alongside Mr Henderson, but first they have something very important to do…..
Hamish Napier is a flautist, singer and keyboard player from Grantown-on-Spey. In the Scots Trad Music Awards, he has been nominated in several categories including: Tutor of the Year, Up and Coming Artist (twice), Folk Band, Live Act (twice), Composer and Album (6 times). He has recorded on nearly forty folk albums with leading Scottish artists such as Duncan Chisholm, Treacherous Orchestra, Eddi Reader and Martyn Bennet. Hamish’s much acclaimed recent solo album ‘The River’ was ‘Album of the Week’ on four BBC Radio folk music shows last year. He tutors at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the Traditional Music degree course. Having said all that, Hamish admits he’s often late, over-enthusiastic, intense, forgetful, slightly bossy, forgetful, occasionally self-centred and rarely manages to finish anythi
Innes grew up in the Borders playing fiddle and guitar, but now resides in Glasgow where he teaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He is a past winner of the ‘Instrumentalist of The Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards and has appeared on at least 25 Scottish released albums. He is part of numerous bands and projects and also performs solo shows armed only with his guitar.
Why bring them to Ceòl?
For two very good reasons:
1. To elevate the bar as bona fide second venue. That’s right, we’re going to test out a new set-up at the hotel. The little restaurant, as it is known (host of many a late night singer/songwriter session), will be transformed into a mini performance space with a living room vibe. Sofas, rugs and armchairs will be the order of the day to create a seriously relaxed place to enjoy some great music. This is just a trial so do not worry about gigs here clashing with the hall – they won’t. We just thought it was time for something different and to make more of the hotel. We really hope it works, so… no pressure boys!
2. Because these are guys for the job. They are fantastic musicians and great fun. They both sing, they both play multiple instruments, they both tell hilarious stories. And beyond that… well who knows? Anything could happen. Expect the unexpected. Whatever transpires it is sure to be brilliant and a gig not to be missed.
When are they on?
Fingers crossed the new venue will be christened on Friday afternoon, so make sure you come for the whole festival. Thursday to Sunday. It will most certainly be worth it.
How do I get to see them?
Strictly speaking this is a free event, but if you physically want to be able to see the performers then you’re going to need a full festival pass. That’s because all seats will be reserved for those with the appropriate wristband. You’ll still need to be quick though – there are only so many seats we can fit in there…
If you don’t get a seat then fear not, the performance will be piped into other areas of the bar at a level which means you can enjoy the music at the same time as indulging in a spot of lunch and a catch up with old friends.
Desperate to see the boys up close? Dreaming of sinking into one of the sofas and being spirited away on a journey of musical bliss? Then you’ll need a Full Festival Pass! For Ceòl Cholasa 2018 passes 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. Not to mention the chance of a comfy seat at the hotel gigs.
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.