The Transatlantic Sessions concert series celebrates its 20th Anniversary next year with another rich and diverse version of the format. A fresh cross-generational array of Scottish, Irish and North American-based special guests join the regular all-star instrumental line-up including two nights in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections and, for the first time, a show in Edinburgh:
Special guests Martha Wainwright, Liam Ó Maonlai, Karen Matheson and Amythyst Kiah will all be joining the dazzling all-star house band for 20th anniversary celebrations
Transatlantic Sessions’ band leader Aly Bain commented: “I always look forward to making music with this wonderful group of musicians and our special guests. The Transatlantic Sessions tour is a joy to be part of at the start of the year and I’m especially looking forward to bringing the show to my adopted home in Edinburgh for the first time.”
One of Celtic Connections’ most enduring and beloved institutions, Transatlantic Sessions celebrates its 20th edition, once again drawing deep on the kindred traditions of Scotland, Ireland and the US, while continuing to break new ground. First-time guest singers line up alongside returning favourites; centuries-old songs and tunes interweave with original material, and the time-honoured session-style format consistently delivers fresh collaborative magic.
Among the vocal cast, Martha Wainwright puts a unique, fearlessly cathartic stamp on her family’s tradition of chronicling life through song. 2021’s fifth album, Love Will Be Reborn, eloquently charts her journey through loss and divorce towards hope and healing. “What an extraordinary artist Martha Wainwright is.” (Independent)
With a new solo LP reportedly in the works, Hothouse Flowers frontman Liam Ó Maonlai is one of Irish music’s most compelling performers, channelling influences from sean nós to classic soul.
Revered Capercaillie vocalist Karen Matheson followed up 2015’s all-Gaelic release Urram with Still Life in 2021, an exquisite collection of traditional and contemporary songs in Scots and English.
Following huge acclaim for Amythyst Kiah’s 2021 sophomore release Wary + Strange, 2022 saw her opening for The Who on their North American tour. “A masterful blend of lonesome folk and neo-blues” (Rolling Stone)
As ever, the show’s über-seasoned house band – most of them Transatlantic Sessions stalwarts, helmed by joint masters of ceremonies Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas – is a crème-de-la-crème selection of Celtic and Americana roots talent, including Phil Cunningham, John Doyle, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Donald Shaw, James Mackintosh and Daniel Kimbro.
Tour Dates as Follows:
03-Feb 2023 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
05-Feb 2023 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
06-Feb 2023 Edinburgh Usher Hall
07-Feb 2023 Buxton Opera House
08-Feb 2023 Gateshead The Sage
09-Feb 2023 Birmingham Symphony Hall
10-Feb 2023 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
11-Feb 2023 London Royal Festival Hall (on sale tomorrow)
For further information please visit: /www.transatlanticsessions.com
📷 Featured Image Gaelle Beri
