EMILY SMITH BAND (Scotland)

Emily Smith became interested in songs from the tradition as she started her studies in the Traditional Music course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Although piano and accordion were her instruments of choice - Emily is a member of accordion band Koda -  it was not long before her fine singing voice was attracting attention and soon traditional singing became the main focus of her performance. Emily comes from Thornhill, a  Dumfriess-shire village in the south west of Scotland. She is the 2002 winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award. She then formed "The Emily Smith Band" which with thought-provoking arrangements and a playing expertise to match have already won critical acclaim. Playing a combination of original material and traditional music, both old and new, the band is at the forefront of the current resurgence in new Scottish folk music.

The band is:
Ross Ainslie:  An outstanding player on whistles and both Highland and Small pipes, Ross was born in Perth. At only 19 years of age he has toured with Gordon Duncan and was involved in Ivan Drever's band "Clueless" before recently playing with "Flook!" and Dougie MacLean.
Jamie McClennan: Born in New Zealand fiddle player Jamie was influenced by his parents' involvement in the folk music scene. Progressing from folk and blues to his own distinct blend of Scottish and Irish styles led to Jamie leaving New Zealand and heading across the waters to Scotland. With a tendency to dance while playing (those feet just wont keep still!) Jamie also plays piano, mandolin and whistles.
Sean O'Donnell: Sean was born in Derry, Northern Ireland. Playing guitar from the age of sixteen in various pubs and rock bands, Sean started playing at folk sessions seven years ago while studying for a Masters at Coleraine University. Prior to joining Emily's band, Sean played with (among others) Clare McLaughlin (Deaf Shepherd), Michael McGoldrick, Scottish based band Daimh and he currently plays with Scots/Irish band Beneche.

| Thursday Kristinehallen 19.00 |