Tune up: Altan & Cliar
Fast becoming one of Scotland's leading bands, Cliar (pronounced "Clear") are a six-piece band based in the Highlands, instrumentally and vocally equally formidable. In their four years together they have developed a unique close harmony vocal sound backed up by a fiddle-led powerhouse that has been described as "one of the most beautiful sounds in 21st Century Scotland". The songs are from the tradition, many of them unusual or until-now forgotten, but sung with a fresh, contemporary approach which sets them firmly and relevantly in the present day. The tunes are a mix of traditional and new compositions from the band. All of it comes as the complete package, with the story - the humour and the heart-break - built in, the band's trademark ease and banter on stage crossing all cultural divides. Cliar have toured extensively and recorded two CDs, winning the Best Album award at this year's inaugural Scottish traditional music awards.
In a word, Altan is the Irish supergroup. No Irish traditional band in the last dozen years has had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers throughout the world. With their exquisitely produced award-winning recordings, ranging dynamically from the most sensitive and touching old Irish songs all the way to hard hitting reels and jigs, and with their heart-warming, dynamic live performances, Altan have moved audiences from Donegal to Tokyo to Seattle. Throughout, there has been the unwavering commitment of the band to bringing the beauty of traditional music, particularly that of the Donegal fiddlers and singers, to contemporary audiences in a way that brings out all its qualities and destroys none. In fact, Altan has always believed that Irish traditional music is a modern music in every sense and its growing influence and popularity have proved them right.
The long-time mutual appreciation between Altan and Cliar meant that they have always wanted to work together but never found a way - until now, that is, not only sharing the stage - and not only playing an unusual array of small venues in the Highlands - but extending the tour to return the hospitality in a series of dates in Ireland with reciprocal help from Iomairt Choluim Cille/The St Columba Initiative; Bord na Gaidhlig; Live Music Now!.
http://www.altan.ie - http://www.cliar.com
Promoter: MacMeanmna
email: oilrig@aol,.com
Tel: 07789 110 865 or 01855 841 259
