This concert will feature music from the group’s latest album ‘Here and Now’ – an exquisite blend of swing, folk and classical influences with truly virtuosic performances.
John Goldie has had a fruitful career which has seen him play alongside some of the biggest names in music across the world, including The Faces, Ronnie Wood, Brian May, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. From founding a duo and then a band with jazz guitarist Martin Taylor, he went on to sign to Watercolour Music, where he released four well-received albums for the label. Penned by John, Here and Now features tracks scored by violinist and composer Seonaid Aitken.
Although The High Plains may be a new name for folk jazz or classical fans, the members of John’s new backing band certainly will not be. Seonaid Aitken is part of the in-demand (and Shetland favourites) gypsy jazz group Rose Room, regularly records and tours with Roddy Woomble (Idlewild), plays with the Western Swing band Stretch Dawrson and the Mending Hearts and is also part of the Orchestra of the Scottish Opera. She also recently orchestrated the music for the National Theatre of Scotland play, Dragon.
Since graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in 2002, violinist David Laing has had a robust career with the Orchestra of the Scottish Opera as well as the Scottish Concert Orchestra. David also runs the popular Capella String Quartet (which also features Seonaid Aitken), alongside teaching violin to primary and secondary school pupils and conducting various youth orchestras.
Patsy Reid – formerly of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-nominated Braebach - joins the group on viola. With a glittering career including performing alongside Dougie Maclean and Kylie Minogue at the 2014 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony, she’s also contributed on a number of albums from the likes of Donald Shaw, Bella Hardy and Treacherous Orchestra.
Formerly artist in residence at the Scottish Ensemble, Alice Allen, accompanies on cello. Having performed live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Scotland, she’s no stranger to the stage, having also played live at the BBC Proms. Alice has also recorded alongside former BBC Young Traditional Musician of The Year Robyn Stapleton and MG ALBA Scots Singer of The Year Iona Fyfe.
John Goldie and The High Plains will play on Wednesday 30th October 2019 at 6.15pm. Tickets can be booked in person at Mareel or at the Shetland Arts outlet at Sumburgh Airport, by phone on 01595 745500, or online here.
