Calasaig
 Calasaig
are one of the Scottish traditional music scene’s hardest-working
young groups, with acclaimed appearances at home and abroad.
Although three of the band members have only two
first names (Keith Easdale, Kirsten Easdale and Keith Johnston) and
two surnames, and three initials to share among them, they also play
a score of instruments, including guitar, piano, cittern, fiddle, flute,
whistle, highland pipes, Scottish small pipes, uilleann pipes, mandolin,
mandocello, bodhran, talking drums, accordion and Hammond organ.
Their
principal points of reference seem to be the Tannahill
Weavers, Jock Tamson's Bairns, Ossian, and
other Scottish bands. And, given their youth, they stand such comparisons
remarkably well.
Extract from review by Steve
Winick, Dirty Linen, September 1999
The Corra Ceilidh Band
The Corra Ceilidh Band features The Cameron Brothers
in a line up
who have become hugely popular after recent performances and a two-week sell
out tour of Moscow. The Band features Sean O'Rourke (flute, whistle, guitar,
bazouki)
and James McVey (accordion) Johnny and Wallace Cameron, highly respected and
talented duo, instrumentation includes guitar, banjo and mandolin along with
vocal harmonies producing an exciting, powerful and passionate sound.
Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra
(USFO)
 USFO
was formed in October 2000 for the purpose of presenting Ulster-Scots
cultural traditions at a professional level.
Prior to the popularisation and commercialisation of Irish culture
in the 1970's, there existed a rich cultural tradition in parts of
Ulster that were distinct and clearly of strong Scottish influence.
The
fiddle is the dominant instrument, but many other instruments are
incorporated in their performances. There are also many songs
and recitations
in the broad Ulster-Scots tongue - which is still commonly spoken
in rural parts of Counties Antrim, Down, Donegal and Londonderry.
The
Low-Country Boys often accompany the folk orchestra with their
unique blend of Appalachian/Ulster-Scots Gospel music.
The Orchestra's
performances give an informative insight into the Ulster-Scots cultural
heritage, but more importantly, their high
energy and humour,
provide great entertainment. They passionately represent the
Ulster-Scots musical genre in their performance while rejuvenating
the old styles
with a fresh energetic approach.
Since their formation, USFO have
been performing regularly in many festivals and events throughout
Northern Ireland and have
had successful
visits to England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and the USA.
Smaller ensembles of USFO also perform under the names of 'Wheen O
Fowk' and 'Clatter O Fowk'. A new off shoot is also being
developed entitled 'Rhythms of Ulster' featuring Lambegs
and other traditional
wood or brass-shelled goat skin drums.
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