2001 A Musical Celebration of 550 Years of the University of Glasgow
In 2001 Glasgow University celebrates its 550th anniversary and to celebrate this occasion the Information Services Planning Unit has commissioned a Recording of new compositions for the event. The whole project has been supervised and produced by Steve Lawrence and has been overseen by the University's Media Services Department.
It features many prominent names from Britain's Traditional and Roots Music scene .The University was delighted to receive the support of KRL / Lochshore for this project and hopes that there may be more collaborations of this nature.
Although rich in musical tradition and heritage this is the first commercial release from the hallowed halls of the University. All the titles on the release relate to buildings, people and events synonymous with the University over the years.
MUSICIANS
CHRIS ARMSTRONG (Bagpipes): The best young piper to come out of Scotland in the last 10 years. Chris has won many competitions, has recorded two albums featuring his own compositions and has toured all over the world and all this achieved by the age of 19.
MARC DUFF (Recorder, Whistles,Percussion): Founder member of highly successful Scottish band Capercaillie .Toured and recorded with the band for 10 years achieving two gold discs and being involved in the music for the film Rob Roy. Now in demand as a session musician. Marc is a graduate of Guildhall School of music and Drama,London.
ANGUS LYON (Accordion,Keyboards ): A well known figure on the Scottish Dance Band scene and now in demand as a session player. Was a member of World Dance Band Champions ,Hot Toddy. Has toured with Tannas and Canterach and is currently recording his first album.
ANNA MURRAY (Gaelic Vocals, Scottish Smallpipes): Well known as an actress and TV presenter Anna is also an outstanding singer and piper. She was main character in the STVsoap Machir and is co-presenter of children's programme Dotaman. She has released 3 albums and is in demand for many music and media projects.Anna was a student at the University.
STEVE LAWRENCE (Guitars,Bouzouki,Percussion): Toured and recorded with Scottish Band Iron Horse for 3 years and currently a member of Canterach. Now involved in Producing, arranging and various studio and touring projects.
FRASER SPIERS (Harmonica): One of Britains best known Hannonica players. Has worked with many Internationally renowned acts such as Carol Kidd, Prefab Sprout, Karen Mathieson, Love and Money and Lloyd Cole. Released his first solo album in June recorded live at the Celtic Connections festival in January 2000.
MAGGIE MacINNES (Clarsach): Well respected Singer and Clarsach player. Has toured and recorded with many bands and artists such as Ossian and Hamish Moore. Has released her own album on DunkeldRecords this year. Maggieis a graduate of the University.
ROSS KENNEDY (Guitar,Bouzouki): Toured all around the world with Tannahill Weavers before returning to Glasgow and forming Iron Horse. Now singer and guitarist with Canterach. Also recognised as one of the best traditional singers ofhis generation.
TROY DONOCKLEY ( Uillean Pipes): Troy is our guest musician for the project. He is a highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and very much in demand as a session musician. He first came to prominence in "YOU Slosh" and then became a member of IIlona" and has featured on all their recorded work. He is now working with Maddy Prior Of" Steel eye Span II fame and also working as a duo with Midge Ure. Has also released highly acclaimed solo album .
FIONA CUTHILL ( Violin ): A member of Early Music Group, Whirligig. Has recorded two albums with the band and is in demand as a Multi-lnstrumentalist. Fiona is a Graduate of the University.
SEAN 0' ROURKE (Saxophone): A founder member of JSD band who toured with David Bowie and Status Quo in the seventies. Was a member of Scottish band Alba who were a huge influence on many of the modern Scottish traditional groups. Still plays with JSD and fusion group Keltz.
WENDY WEATHERBY (Cello): A highly respected Cellist and vocalist. Has worked within Classical, Jazz, Rock and Traditional music as well as being featured in the stage productions of Bill Bryden's "The Ship" and "The Big Picnic" .Has performed on many recordings and her own album, "A Breath on the Cold Glass" was released earlier in the year. Wendy is a Graduate of RSAMD/ Glasgow University.
ANNIE GRACE ( Vocals ): Vocalist with Scottish band ,Iron Horse, and also an established Piper and Whistle player. Is in demand as a session vocalist and also tours with Female Factory, a group of female singers from all over the world.
IAN F. MacLEOD (Guitar): Has worked with many of the leading Gaelic singers and musicians with numerous T.V. and radio appearances to his name. Is also heavily involved in television work and has produced, directed and script edited for BBC , STV , EOLAS and other Independant companies. Ian is a Graduate of the University.
ALASTAIR McCULLOCH (Fiddle): Outstanding Scottish Fiddler currently working with Scottish bands "Coila" and "Canterach". Has toured extensively with The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra .Also in demand as a Teacher of the instrument and tutors at the Glasgow Fiddle Workshop. Recently released his first solo album, "Highly Strung" on FellsideRecords.
