Double Bass
A few years ago, whilst on tour, I heard Billy Liar for the first time. Acoustic punk troubadour, wise and entertaining story teller and writer of wrongs… I was captivated: his voice, raw and real, unlike anything I’d heard before, somehow unsettling and comforting at the same time, his lyrics had me hanging on for … Read more
Had a great time last week, on tour with Sharon King, a Scottish singer songwriter. Joined by Rowan Rheingans (Lady Maisery, Rheingans Sisters), on banjo, fiddle and myself on bass for this one-off tour, the set really came to life. We got to see lots of the highlands, including North Uist, Benbecula, Applecross, Knoydart and … Read more
There’s nothing like the feeling of getting in the car and heading to the north of Scotland! After two great days of rehearsals for Sharon King and the Reckless Angels tour, we’re hitting the road to some really beautiful, far-flung places. It’s the first time this three piece line up has toured together, and it … Read more
This has been a great year for recording so far, and recently I got to hear not one, not two, but THREE final mixes of albums I’ve played on, all in the same week! Releases are pending for the fantastic Jellyman’s Daughter album, and for Billy Liar’s new release (and my first foray into acoustic … Read more
Jen’s beloved Klezmer band, Celter Schmelter has had a wee holiday, since their band trip to Eigg in February, where they had a right giggle with a slightly new line up (Mr Fin Loening – a man with klezmer in his blood)! Happily rehearsals will soon be underway again, and the next gig is planned … Read more
Some really fantastic news! Jen’s recently heard that she was successful in gaining support from Creative Scotland, to do a ‘cross borders’ bass project with the wonderful Danny Thompson, bassist extraordinaire! We’re going to be doing some exciting things with the bass, with a focus on Scottish trad (and contemporary trad), and seeing where that … Read more
Isn’t it great how lovely things come out of the blue? I got a last-minute call from brilliant Edinburgh-based duo, The Jellyman’s Daughter, to come and join them in the studio for some tracks on their new album. So good to hear such intelligent, imaginative music, and to be weaving around funky cello chops and … Read more
You may have heard of a distant, far away island where the sun shines and the sand sings? Well this is the Isle of Eigg which counts, amongst its many blessings, a brand new, wonderful-sounding studio, thanks to the traditional building skills of Damian Helliwell, who built it singlehandly over a four year period (when … Read more