This self-titled debut album from award-winning fiddler Ryan Young brings inventive twists to old and forgotten tunes. Produced and engineered by triple Grammy award-winning Jesse Lewis, this international collaboration is set to break new ground with its precise capture of Ryan’s unique sound. Offering original compositions alongside his reinventions of traditional tunes, Ryan digs deep into his Scottish roots, while borrowing from Irish fiddle styles.
There are stories at the core, ranging from melancholy airs to upbeat jigs and reels, many of which have not been played by anyone else in recent times. These glimpses into Scotland’s past lives echo startlingly the fervour of the present, uncovering themes as relevant now as they were then. By melding styles across regions and ages, Ryan delivers uplifting rhythmic drive, depth of dynamics and a bold new heartbeat for Scottish traditional music.
Voted ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in December 2016, some memorable live performances have consolidated Ryan’s reputation in his home country. Ryan has now shared the bill with two of his musical influences: He supported fiddle player Martin Hayes at Celtic Connections this January, having previously been accompanied by guitarist Dennis Cahill onstage at Feakle Festival, Co Clare.
A finalist from BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Music Awards in both 2015 and 2016, and a Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winner, Ryan has performed on the BBC Hogmanay Show and at T in the Park for around 80,000 people, sharing the main stage with Paolo Nutini and Phil Cunningham.
Recorded and produced by triple Grammy award-winner Jesse Lewis in the beautiful sounding Opera Theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, it is one of the first traditional albums to be recorded in the UK in high resolution DSD format. This album places Ryan among a list of world-class musicians who have worked with Jesse, including The Silk Road Ensemble, Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Jan Vogler and Brooklyn Rider. Ryan is accompanied by James Ross on piano and Leo Forde on guitar.
Jesse Lewis: “Ryan’s playing is so soulful, beautiful and intoxicating, and his musical pacing is way beyond his years. It’s been a pleasure to work with someone so clearly passionate about, and dedicated to, his art. There’s so much talent in this young man already, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.”
Ryan Young: “If I’d been told five years ago that I’d be recording my debut album with Jesse, I wouldn’t have believed it. The past year has been extraordinary and I feel I’ve grown immensely as a musician. Jesse has spurred me on to find new possibilities in my music and helped me find confidence I didn’t know I had.”
‘Uniquely graceful and expressive playing. A future star of the Scottish fiddle world’ – Aidan O’Rourke (Lau)
‘Ryan’s playing brings an intense and unique approach to the burgeoning Scottish music scene’ – Ross Ainslie (Treacherous Orchestra)
Artist’s website: http://www.ryanyoung.scot/
‘The Irish Lass’ – with James Ross
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