Projects
THE OCCASIONALS
I joined Freeland Barbour and Gus Millar in 1986 in forming the acclaimed Scottish ceilidh band “The Occasionals”, and 38 years later, 7 cds, thousands of gigs, broadcasts and TV appearances, we are still getting huge enjoyment from playing for Scottish traditional ceilidh dancing.
You can follow our activities on our The Occasionals - Freeland Barbour and on facebook. Booking enquiries for the band can be done through these links.
DE DANANN & ALEC FINN
I acted as a road manager for top Irish band De Danann for four exciting and memorable years (1983-86) in my early 20's, forging a firm musical friendship with the late Alec Finn, and seeing a great deal of the world with that hugely influential band from Galway City.
Alec Finn was ‘remembered’ beautifully at Ireland’s major ‘Electric Picnic’ festival in September 2023 by musician pals from De Danann. I was asked by Alec’s son Cian Finn to join them, a very great honour to be part of.
I have recorded three cds on which Alec Finn played, the duet album ‘Polbain to Oranmore’ being a particular favourite of mine. I wrote a remembrance of my times with Alec Finn, and also his fascinating collection of exotic musical instruments, both which can be read in the ‘Stories’ page.
KEVIN MACLEOD & GEORGE DUFF
I perform in concerts with the fine Scots singer George Duff as a duo, and sometimes with fiddler John Martin and pipers Mike Katz & Allan MacDonald. I produced the fine solo cd ‘The Collier Laddie’ by George Duff, a collection of 16 songs. John Martin, Mike Katz, Mark Dunlop, Rob Hiley and myself accompanied George on this excellent recording. I also get much enjoyment at sessions in Edinburgh playing our traditional music and song with these fine traditional musicians.
RECORDING PROJECTS
Over the years, I have recorded 4 solo cds and several other duets and assists, aided by fine musicians and friends like Alec Finn & Frankie Gavin of De Danann, Ali ‘Beag’ MacLeod, George Duff, Luke Plumb of ‘Shooglenifty’, John Martin & Phil Smillie of the ‘Tannahill Weavers’, Kris Drever, Matheu Watson, Freeland Barbour, Malcolm Jones of ‘Runrig’, Gavin McCabe of ‘Rakish’, Dan Beimborn, Alasdair Fraser, Julia Dignan and Jules & The Blue Garnets.
Some of these are still available in cd and download format- see the ‘Shop’ page.
TARAN GUITARS - ‘SPRINGWELL’ MANDOLIN
I became involved with a major collaboration with top Scots luthier Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars to create a new Taran ‘Springwell’ mandolin. This was extremely successful, with the mandolins selling well. Some 30 mandolins have been built by the remarkable and hugely talented Rory and his team at Taran Guitars. The full account of this tremendous project can be read on the ‘Stories’ page.