Stonehaven Folk Club was founded in 1987. It has been twice voted the BBC Alba Folk Club of the Year in 2009 and 2016 and has received several accolades for its work in support of the living tradition. Recently, the Club set up the Folk-in-Crisis Fund in conjunction with Hands UP for Trad to provide financial relief for performing artists who were seriously impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The idea of making a CD flowed from this fundraising effort as a lock-down project to promote North-East culture, heritage, and song.

The artists:

Iona Fyfe – deeply rooted in the singing tradition of the North-East and winner of Scots Singer of the Year at MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Award 2018.

Claire Hastings – Winner of BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2015. ‘A remarkably talented singer-songwriter’ SONGLINES Magazine.

Kris Drever – multiple award winner with an incredible seven BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Much acclaimed, a phenomenon.

Mike Blackburn – sings from the heart.  ‘Has a voice like warm velvet’ Ruth Fisher.

Jenny Sturgeon – featured artist for Travelling Folk and BBC Radio. ‘Musically superb, fascinating and utterly charming’ Shire Folk.

Findlay Napier – one of Scotland’s finest singer-songwriters, teaching artist, master storyteller. ‘mesmerising and addictive’ Maverick Magazine.

Bob Knight – well known and loved folk musician round the clubs in the North-East.

Steve Byrne – finalist in 2001’s inaugural Young Traditional Musician of the Year. Immersed in trad music since early childhood, writes in his native Scots tongue.

Irene Watt – musician, singer, ethnomusicologist, clarsach player and teacher who runs three choirs. 

Paul McKenna – featured in Transatlantic Sessions 2019. His powerful, yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience find expression in his new song.

Joining them are the very accomplished musicians – Aaron Jones, Mhairi Hall, Emma Smith, Jen Austin and Mike Vass who provide excellent accompaniment.  The CD is produced using the expertise of top producer of the folk genre, Mike Vass.

Each of the CD songs is steeped in meticulous research, and is authoritatively performed, bringing evocative and dream-like qualities, raw emotion and strong story telling.  These tremendously powerful songs form a unique body of work that will be listened to, played, and sung for generations.

The CD has been made possible with Aberdeenshire Council – Coastal Communities funding.

To find out more about the CD please see our website at www.stonehavenfolkclub.co.uk

Or e-mail to order stoneyCD2021@gmail.com

Stonehaven Folk Club (available to order online)