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Post by dreamy on Dec 18, 2005 2:18:52 GMT 10
"Albannach" is a new formed band playing Scottish music...New formed, aye, but you will know most of its members, though. They are former members of "Clann An Drumma". "Albannach" is Scots Gaelic and means "Scottish" or "Scotsman". And that fits the band to a T because they are all born and bred in Scotland and burning patriots. May I introduce the band members: Jamesie JohnstonJamesie is the bass drummer of the band, not to mention vocalist on various tracks. His aggressive and energetic style stirs the blood and threatens to wake the dead themselves ! Jacquie HollandJacquie is the mother of the group, i.e. she keeps the boys in line ! As well as that thought, Jacquie plays bass rhythms and is known for her haunting vocal skills. Donnie MacNeillDonnie is the band's world renowned piper. We call him bullfrog ! To add to his piping talent, he's a wicked drummer and also dabbles with piano and guitar. Kyle GrayKyle is the band's lead drummer ! His rock solid rhythms always have the crowds dancing. Sometimes they don't realise they're doing it ! Aya ThorneAya is the bodhran musician of the group. Known for his fast and relentless style, he'll bodhran anything ! www.albannachonline.com/about.htm
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Post by dreamy on Dec 18, 2005 2:27:16 GMT 10
Who could do a better job to give further informations about Albannach than a member himself? Jamesie Johnston is Guestwriter at "Royal House of Stewart" and this is what he writes: "Hi fellow Scottish patriots, My name is Jamesie, I am one of the musicians from the tribal pipe and drum band ?ALBANNACH'. I can hardly believe it, but the end of the year is fast approaching. It has been an eventful, memorial year for me and the other musicians in the band. Some of the people reading this will have known us in our former role as musicians with Clann an Drumma. While members of that band we had some fantastic times touring all over Europe, including Paris & Frankfurt, and then there were countless cities in the good old US of A. Things and circumstances are like time, always on the move. In no way has our music changed. If anything, it has improved because of the change in the band (like a breath of fresh air) we have all found our musical abilities greatly enhanced. We still have the same blood pumping, foot stamping, and thunderous approach to our music and that fundamental essential ingredient will never change. The major change has been in our minds and hearts with the birth of our new band ALBANNACH. In the past and with our old band we were very aware of the education we could pass to our fellow citizens. We represent a section of Scottish music that is unique and extremely vibrant, but appeals to all age groups, and all genders. We know from previous experience that we are not everyone's ?Cup of tea' We have been criticised as not playing ?Scottish Music'. When we have been accused of this we have asked the complainer 'What is Scottish Music?' Scottish music can be many different things to different people. Is Scottish music the guy playing the soapbox or the spoons? On the other hand, do you see it as more the wee woman dressed to the nines playing the fiddle? There are those who would associate our countries music with people dancing a ?Strip the willow' and looking as if they are appearing in a commercial for a famous Scottish soup. Whatever Scottish Music is to you, it should make the hairs stand on your neck. It should even have you smiling from ear to ear. The toe that begins tapping should become a stamping thunderous instrument as the music grips you. The time when you hear a voice screaming out during a song or tune, and then realise it is your own. That is what Scottish Music is to me. THAT is how I define it. To me on a personal level it is the celebration of all things good, and exciting about being born a Scot. In Albannach, we are all proud Scottish patriots. We love our country with a passion and want to get out there spreading the word. We are hungry to play our tribal music, and it is something that burns deeply in the hearts of all the band members. We want the world to hear our music and listen to the story of our wonderful Country. We are Albannach, we are Scotland , and we have plans to travel the world spreading the news. Keep it Scottish, Keep it Tribal, and keep your eyes peeled because the tribal awakening of our music is often closer than you think. If you would like to see our plans for next year please visit our web site at; www.albannachonline.comOn the site, you will find tour dates and photographs of the band. It would be great to have you come and visit us. James Johnston." www.albannachonline.com/content/news/20051201.htmIf you go to www.royalhouseofstewart.org.uk/music.htm#albyou will be able to watch two videos of Albannach performing...and seriously: If their music doesn't move your soul and feet you most likely are no longer alive...I love this band very much and I'm sure you also will!
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Post by LLady on Dec 18, 2005 8:25:25 GMT 10
They are very cool dreamy! Thanks for the introduction!
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Post by desertrose on May 9, 2006 10:37:08 GMT 10
I just got their new CD and if you love Scottish tribal music it is completely awesome! I play it over and over! It is nothing like you have heard before! I so love them!
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mike
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Post by mike on Jun 1, 2006 10:18:48 GMT 10
Albannach is also offering streaming audio, online. Click HERE for instructions on how to listen to their amazing music. I'll be seeing Jamesie & Co. in another couple of days, as they will be playing at the Glasgow, Kentucky Highland Games.
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Elly
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Post by Elly on Jun 1, 2006 17:58:21 GMT 10
Ashamed to say I have never heard Albannach #embarrassed# will have a listen later, thank you Mike for the link. #cheers#
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Post by dreamy on Jun 2, 2006 0:47:32 GMT 10
Aye, thank you for the link, Mike; it's great to be able to listen to them that way! #minisaltire#
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Elly
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Post by Elly on Jun 3, 2006 11:34:38 GMT 10
Finally got to listen to the demos, great music, really love it ;D
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mike
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Post by mike on Jun 5, 2006 6:41:02 GMT 10
Yesterday, I was at the Glasgow (Kentucky) Highland Games, where Albannach were performing. It was a fairly calm day and I actually got to spend some time catching up on lost time with Jacquie and Jamesie. They played two sets yesterday afternoon and then returned for the Concert Under the Stars. They tore the place apart with their intensity. Any stories you hear about Jamesie and I waving some sharp, pointy things about are strictly rumors and fabrications.
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Elly
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Post by Elly on Jun 6, 2006 6:12:10 GMT 10
would be wonderful to catch that music live, and of course we won't believe any rumours we hear Mike #laugh#
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mike
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Post by mike on Jun 6, 2006 11:53:16 GMT 10
Here are some images that were taken 29 December last, at the Kings House Hotel after we had marched up to Balquhidder for the Robert MacGregor commemoration. OK, there's a story behind these next couple of images. Jacquie came forward to sing a song and as she was singing, Kyle, Aya and Donnie were on the other side of the set, clowning it up and trying to take her off pace. And they succeeded, as you can see by the distressed look on her face. At this point, Jamesie was a model of angelic behavior. Twice, the three stooges managed to stop Jacquie in her tracks, so she would turn away from them and start afresh. I'm not suggesting that Jamesie was egging them on, but you will notice the chair behind him. When it became clear that Jacquie was likely going to make it through the song unimpeded, Jamesie grabbed the chair, carried it around in front of Jack, jumped up on it, let out a bellow and lifted the aprons of his kilt to his shoulders. He jumped back down, carried the chair back where he found it and was grinning from ear to ear, while poor Jacquie was likely scarred for life. Elly, after that incident, Black Devon proclaimed Jamesie to be a 'true Scot'. Aya was convinced it was Jacquie's guilty conscience and that the incident had never happened at all. Although the look of 'innocence' here plainly says otherwise! Jacquie didn't flash Jamesie and Donnie as they sang The Bonnie Blue David Ross, getting in on the fun Now I know it looks like there might have been some sharp, pointy things being waved about, but that is simply an optical illusion. Trust me. Besides, any and all scars in the ceiling were pre-existing. It's my story and I'm sticking to it. Errr, maybe 'sticking' was a poor choice of words... The wee laddie in the blue sweater is Michael Lafosse, also known in some circles (not my own, BTW) as Michael of Albany.
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Post by desertrose on Jun 10, 2006 21:18:26 GMT 10
Oh my, Mike! the band looks so very good. I am sure they sounded good as well Lucky you that you got to see and hear them! If anything I would love to hear Jacqui sing! I just feel she has the most beautiful voice in this universe!
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