WOMEX 2005
About WOMEX
Unusual Suspects
Michael McGoldrick
Chris Stout Quintet
The World Music Expo (WOMEX) is the world´s premier networking point exclusively dedicated to world music of all kinds. Ten previous WOMEX editions have affirmed the value and potential of networking across borders, be these musical, political, cultural or commercial. The event is loaded with essential contacts, a great way to exchange ideas and recharge your batteries.
This year the Sage in Gateshead hosted the event, 26 - 30 October 2005. The four days saw:
- artists from across the world taking part in showcase performances
- an opening welcome from Robert Plant, Folkestra and other artists
- a trade fair representing organisations from all over the world, including a Scottish Arts Council stall populated by promoters, agents and other organisations from around Scotland.
- a film market
- presentation of the WOMEX Award 2005
- offWOMEX showcases, presentations and meetings
This year three Scottish-based artists were selected to perform at WOMEX. The Unusual Suspects performed in hall one on the Saturday night. Michael McGoldrick and the Chris Stout Quintet performed at offWOMEX showcases on the Friday and Saturday.
Saturday 29 October, Hall One, 8.30pm
Put together by harpist and singer, Corrina Hewat, the Unusual Suspects blend voice, fiddles, pipes, brass, harp, piano and drums into an extraordinary sound in a celebration of the best of Scottish traditional music. Their arrangements are always harmonious, and dance between full-throttled rampage and orchestrated finesse.
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The line-up includes:
- 10 fiddlers
- seven singers
- three pipers
- three accordionists
- harpists and percussionists
- piano, guitar, bouzouki, bass and brass
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Friday 28 October, offWOMEX, 11pm
A flute and whistles player, Michael McGoldrick made a name for himself with still at school. He became the first piper and flautist to win the acclaimed BBC Radio Two Young Tradition Award in 1995.
Michael has performed with a wide variety of bands and musicians, including:
His many recordings have received critical acclaim, and recently with the album 'Fused.' The album boasts contributions from some of the leading lights in Celtic music, including Capercaillie's Donald Shaw with Alan Kelly and Dezi Donnelly. The album also features the guest vocals from Karan Casey and Capercaillie's Karen Matheson. DJ Talvin Singh also contributes samples to an end result that is a stunning cycle of instrumentals blending jungle and hip-hop beats with jazz, Asian and Celtic music.
In 2001, he joined up with Scottish pipe player, John McSherry, to release the album 'At First Light'. The album mixes traditional tunes with some new reels, including Mike's 'Farewell To Whalley Range'. The way the two musicians compliment each other left critics drop-jawed and increased Michael's recognition even further.
Saturday 29 October, offWOMEX, 9pm
Shetlander Chris Stout is widely-regarded as the leading fiddle player of his generation. He has worked with a plethora of musicians and bands and recently released his stunning debut solo album First o’ the Darkenin’. Chris is firmly grounded in his traditional roots but never afraid to explore new territory. He sets himself apart not just because of his astounding technical ability but because of his determination to take the music to new levels of innovation.
His music is steeped in the rich Shetland fiddle tradition. The quintet also features:
- Catriona McKay on harp and piano
- Fraser Fifield on saxophone
- Neil Harland on double bass
- Malcolm Stitt on guitar
The influences are clear – world, folk, jazz, Shetland to Scandinavia – but Chris Stout defies categorisation. Perhaps it is just easier to say he is a phenomenal talent and in a class of his own.
| For more information on WOMEX and the other artists who appeared, have a look at the WOMEX website. |
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