Kaela Rowan announces second solo album

Kaela Rowan

Kaela Rowan’s second album returns to her roots in the Scottish Highlands, to the songs she learned as a young session singer, and to the sounds of those who inspired her. The Fruited Thorn contains 11 traditional ballads, ancient and modern, coalescing into a work of raw and powerful beauty.

Kaela co-produced the album with James Mackintosh, best known as the innovative percussionist driving the irresistible grooves behind Acid Croft pioneers Shooglenifty and Transatlantic Sessions. And together with third band member Ewan MacPherson (Shooglenifty, Salt House), they have amassed a dream team of guest musicians, all carefully chosen for their unique musical voice.

 “This album is really a homage to all the amazing ballads and ballad singers past and present. Those great singers who bring songs to life and helped awaken the young singer in me. No matter how often I sing these songs, they move me with their universal and timeless beauty. Sheila Stewart said, ‘You search and you find your soul and you put that into the singing’ – I think that is what makes a good storyteller.

“Part of the story involves several journeys to Rajasthan. James Mackintosh and I were first invited to perform at Jodhpur Riff in 2012 and have been back very year since. Two of the songs ( Eilean Fhianain and Grioghal Cridhe) are the result of out collaborations with the amazing Rajasthani singer Dayam Khan Manganiyar.

“In every one of these ballads, there is a mesmerising age-old story, as relevant today as the day it was written. These songs connect us to those before us and, in some moments, it’s as though time itself doesn’t exist.

“I am indebted to the uniquely talented instrumentalists who were so generous with their contributions to the album, not least my band mates James Mackintosh and Ewan MacPherson”. Kaela Rowan

Artist’s website: https://kaelarowan.bandcamp.com/

‘Now Westlin Winds’ with James Mackintosh:


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