Càirdeas

 

Hailing from central Scotland, Càirdeas (pronounced to rhyme with Tardis) are a lively, entertaining and highly accomplished trio performing Scottish folk music with personality, fun and an unforgettable stage persona. From traditional and contemporary Scottish songs to haunting melodies and electrifying high-speed reels, their music revolves around powerful vocals, traditional melodies and driving rhythmic accompaniment. Since their inception in 2006 Càirdeas has enjoyed overwhelming success both at home and abroad. Originally formed for a tour of Switzerland, their impressive list of achievements now includes performances at British embassies, Caledonian Societies, festivals and a notable performance for the organisers of Euro 2008 in Lucerne, Switzerland. Also highly experienced at playing for ceilidh dances, Càirdeas are guaranteed to add a touch of class to any occasion - the perfect choice for your Scottish event!

Colin Ramage (vocals, guitar, mandolin)
Colin has been a professional folk singer, songwriter and all-round entertainer for over twenty years. His passion for singing has captivated audiences all over the world. Colin spent many years with Edinburgh-based band, ‘North Sea Gas’, with whom he enjoyed many notable performances, before progressing on to a very successful solo career. A supremely accomplished musician in his own right, he has worked with many other renowned artistes including Dougie McLean, Dick Gaughan, Archie Fisher, Pete Clark, ‘Black-eyed Biddy’ and, in Poland, with the wonderful Brathanki.

Neil Paterson (whistles, bagpipes, smallpipes)
Neil began learning bagpipes at the age of twelve. First taught by his father, Neil has since built an enviable reputation as a teacher and first rate exponent of the instrument. In 1991 he took up the Scottish small pipes after saving up every penny he made to buy a set of Hamish Moore’s pipes! In a wide and varied career Neil has enjoyed working with a host of other talented musicians, notably singer songwriter John Watt, with whom he had the pleasure of performing in folk clubs and festivals throughout Scotland. In addition to his piping prowess, Neil’s talents also extend to the tin whistle and guitar and his skills as a composer are highlighted by many memorable compositions including a beautiful tune written for his daughter, Erin. Most weekends Neil can be found playing with one of Scotland’s top ceilidh bands, ‘The Orwell Ceilidh Band’, with his wife, Gail, on accordion.

Iain Anderson (fiddle)
Iain’s musical exploits have taken him from his home in Edinburgh to far around the world. Widely recognised as one of Scotland’s top fiddlers, his playing has earned him appearances at many international events including a concert for the Queen at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Throughout his career, Iain has enjoyed working with some great Scottish musicians on and off the stage, including such names as KT Tunstall, Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham, Violet Tulloch, Mick MacNeil (Simple Minds), Calvin Volrath and Bryan Gear. Iain’s debut album, ‘Silver Strings’, was released in late 2006 as the BBC Radio nan Gaidheal Album of the Week, a success which has twice led to live performances on ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’ with the BBC Concert Orchestra on BBC Radio 2. When Iain is not playing with Càirdeas he works freelance, playing at concerts and ceilidhs and recording with many different musicians at a variety of UK and worldwide events.

Càirdeas are available to play throughout the UK and worldwide. To book them, contact Northbeat.

www.myspace.com/cairdeasmusic

 

Contact: Jacky Cooper

Tel: 01855-811 280

Mobile: 07894-941 981

E-mail: jacky@northbeat.org