Capercaillie’s 30th anniversary album At the Heart of It All

Capercaillie - At the Heart of It AllAt the Heart of It All, Capercaillie’s brand-new 30th anniversary album, revisits and reinvigorates songs sourced from a wealth of centuries old Hebridean folk songs. The material has been enriched further by compelling contemporary arrangements, with contributions from many special guests who represent the pinnacle of today’s flourishing Scottish music scene.

“We’d never really done much in the way of collaboration on previous albums, but this time it seemed like a nice way to go,” says band member Donald Shaw, “We didn’t want Capercaillie’s 30th anniversary being all about us and our record, but more about celebrating how Scottish and Gaelic music as a whole has expanded and progressed in that time with so many younger musicians coming through.”

Album guests include vocalists Julie Fowlis, Kathleen MacInnes, Darren MacLean, Sineag MacIntyre and Kris Drever ( Lau). Also, Irish banjo legend Gerry O’Connor, uilleann piper Jarlath Henderson, fiddler Aidan O’Rourke (Lau), percussionist James Mackintosh and jazz saxophonist Tommy Smith.

Folking was lucky enough to catch Capercaillie at this years Cambridge Folk Festival and they were on top form. I’ve dug out a video memory of part of that performance when the crowd was treated to rousing version of Alasdair Mhic Cholla Ghasda. Hope you enjoy it, and if nothing else, it makes you want to rush out and be a part of this brilliant 30th anniversary album release.

Artist’s website: http://www.capercaillie.co.uk/