#fiddle

[dougielombax]

Banjo and fiddle with Mongolian throat singing.

Let’s make it happen.

[baileys-folk-world]

Released May 2026. For more than two decades, The McDades have been carving out a sound that refuses to sit still. Rooted in Celtic and Canadian folk traditions, the Juno Award–winning ensemble blends the freedom of jazz improvisation with global rhythms, deep grooves, and an unshakable sense of family. What began as a shared language learned at home has grown into a musical conversation that continues to evolve onstage and in the studio.

At the core of the band are siblings Shannon Johnson (fiddle, vocals), Solon McDade (bass), and Jeremiah McDade (whistles, saxophones, vocals), whose musical upbringing was shaped as much by traditional fiddle tunes as by the artists, cultures, and collaborators they encountered along the way. Joined by longtime collaborators Andy Hillhouse (guitar) and Eric Breton (percussion), The McDades operate less like a typical ensemble and more like a living organism, responsive, intuitive, and deeply connected. Improvisation is central to the group’s identity. No two performances are the same, and the band thrives on risk, interaction, and listening as much as virtuosity. Their instrumental music can be expansive and rhythm-driven, while their songs—sung in English and French, carry emotional weight through close vocal harmonies that only a family can deliver.

Over the years, The McDades have quietly built a reputation as a band that bridges worlds: traditional and contemporary, acoustic and electric, festival energy and late-night club intimacy. Critics have described their sound as landing “somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after-hours club, and a folk festival,” a balance the band continues to refine rather than define.

The McDades are winners of the Juno Award for Best Roots Album (Group) and multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, including World Group of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Instrumental Album of the Year. Their catalog reflects a steady arc of growth, curiosity, and collaboration, culminating most recently in Thread The Light a new release that push further into groove, composition, and collective exploration. Still driven by the same curiosity that brought them together, The McDades remain committed to the long game, making music that honours tradition while constantly asking what comes next.

https://themcdades.com/

https://www.facebook.com/themcdades https://www.youtube.com/@themcdades/videos

You can find their Album on their Web page, Bandcamp and Spotify. https://themcdades.bandcamp.com/album/thread-the-light https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/7rkCAd8ZANMvxd2QULWN7D

[thats-what-sidhe-said]

Harpist playing a jig slowly:

Fiddler playing a jig slowly:

[cameforthemmrs]

Hey Tumblr can you play a glissando on a doodle or is it called something else?

[baileys-folk-world]

Ryan Young - In the Quiet After.

Released May 2026 - Ryan Young is a Scottish fiddle player working within the traditional music of Scotland. His playing is noted for its distinctive tone and phrasing, with an approach that places melody and expression at the centre of the music.

He first came to wider attention with his debut album, produced by four-time GRAMMY winner Jesse Lewis (Béla Fleck, Yo-Yo Ma), establishing the foundations of a career that has since developed an international reach. He has toured extensively across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, and is recognised for a style that draws on both Scottish and Irish traditions.

Young is a multi award-winning artist and has received multiple nominations at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, including back-to-back nominations in recent years and most recently for Musician of the Year in 2025. He has also been a finalist in both the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

His recordings have received consistent critical attention, with The Scotsman awarding five-star reviews across his work. In live performance, he has been described as “a force of nature.” Young’s third studio album, released in May 2026, is produced by and features Martin Hayes. Recorded with engineer Patrick Phillips (The Gloaming, Peter Gabriel), the album includes contributions from Stuart McCallum (The Breath, Cinematic Orchestra) and Louis Campbell (Sam Lee, Sam Sweeney).

Reflecting on the project, Hayes said: “I had the pleasure of being in the studio with Ryan as producer of this latest recording. For the most part I just sat back and enjoyed the music as it unfolded. I have known Ryan and his music for many years, and it has been wonderful to witness its continuous evolution. On this recording you can hear his ability to inhabit the tunes fully and let them speak with honesty and depth. This is a deeply felt and soulful recording, drawing on both the Scottish and Irish traditions.”

https://ryanyoungfiddle.com/home https://www.facebook.com/RyanYoungFiddle https://www.youtube.com/@RyanYoungfiddle/videos

You can listen / download his Album on his Web page and on Bandcamp and Spotify.

https://ryanyoungfiddler.bandcamp.com/.../in-the-quiet-after https://open.spotify.com/int.../album/2BfSp78oUqqHoZhZjj2ziq

[baileys-folk-world]

Released June 2026. The Eilidh Grant Trio

Together The Eilidh Grant Trio craft performances that are as technically impressive as they are emotionally stirring. Their collective artistry, experience and down to earth connection with their audiences has already garnered them spots on prestigious stages, from intimate folk clubs to larger festivals. With a shared passion for storytelling through music, this trio invites you to join them on an unforgettable journey through the rich tapestry of Scottish folk traditions, freshly re-imagined for today’s audience.

“Short But Sweet…Live!” is a vibrant snapshot of The Eilidh Grant Trio in performance, capturing the warmth, energy and musical connection that have become hallmarks of their live shows.

Featuring a handpicked selection of some of the trio’s favourite songs to perform, the CD offers listeners a true flavour of the group’s live sound — from heartfelt ballads and stirring traditional songs to moments of humour, intimacy and spirited musicianship.

Recorded to reflect the atmosphere and spontaneity of a live performance, this release is both an introduction to the trio and a celebration of the music they love to share with audiences.

Eilidh Grant – Vocals

Eilidh Grant is celebrated for her rich, emotive voice and her ability to breathe life into both traditional ballads and modern compositions. With a love for both traditional and contemporary folk music alike, underpinned by a passion for the works of Robert Burns, her performances are authentic and passionate, earning her widespread acclaim and a devoted following.

Fiona Cuthill – Fiddle

Fiona Cuthill brings energy and precision to every performance. Her extensive experience in both traditional and contemporary settings allows her to weave intricate melodies and provide sensitive and expressive accompaniment.

Stevie Lawrence – Guitar & Bouzouki

Stevie Lawrence provides the trio with a solid yet adventurous foundation, blending intricate rhythms and delicate textures on guitar and bouzouki. A multi-instrumentalist with a rich musical background, Stevie’s innovative approach adds depth and dimension to the group’s sound, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

https://www.theeilidhgranttrio.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/TheEilidhGrantTrio/

You can find the EP on Bandcamp. https://eilidhgrant.bandcamp.com/album/short-but-sweet-live

[scenicworlds]

May 23, 2026

Katie trying Raphaella's fiddle after the concert. Kittery, ME.

[scenicworlds]

April 20, 2026

Played some tunes with our host, Alice. Pittsburgh, PA.