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The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.
The Tannahills have turned their acoustic excitement loose on audiences with an electrifying effect. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable. As the Winnipeg Free Press noted, "The Tannahill Weavers - properly harnessed - could probably power an entire city for a year on the strength of last night's concert alone. The music may be old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll."
Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland and named for the town's historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the group has made an international name for its special brand of Scottish music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. ...
In the late 18th and early 19th century Scotland was in a turmoil of change. Highlanders were being driven from their lands and into the burgeoning Lowland factory systems. This brought two quite distinct cultures together, the mystic Celtic culture of the North and the old Anglo/Scots culture of the Lowlands. They were married by the double barreled shotgun of necessity and the Industrial Revolution. But this forced union brought forth a cultural heritage which, thanks to people like Robert Burns and Robert Tannahill, outlasted the worst of the Industrial Revolution. It married the mystic beauty of the Celtic music to the coarse, brawling, but vitally human music, poetry and ballads of the Lowlands. It is precisely this strangely moving yet lustily stirring quality that the Tannahill Weavers have captured in their arrangements of the traditional music and songs of Scotland. All of their material is traditional, but as good musicians should, they have transformed it and brought it into the modern world, vitally alive and kicking.
The Tannahill Weavers began to attract attention when founding members Roy Gullane and Phil Smillie added the full-sized highland bagpipes to the on-stage presentations, the first professional Scottish folk group to successfully do so. The combination of the powerful pipe solos, Roy's driving guitar backing and lead vocals, and Phil's ethereal flute playing breathed new life into Scotland's vast repertoire of traditional melodies and song.
Three years and a dozen countries later, the Tannahills were the toast of Europe, having won the Scotstar Award for Folk Record of the Year with their third album, The Tannahill Weavers. Canada came the next summer, with thousands at the national festivals in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto screaming an approval that echoed throughout the Canadian media. The Regina Leader-Post wrote, "The Tannahill Weavers personify Celtic music, and if you are given to superlatives, you have to call their talent 'awesome'."
Since their first visit to the United States in 1981, the Tannahills' unique combination of traditional melodies on pipes, flute and fiddle, driving rhythms on guitar and bouzouki, and powerful three and four part vocal harmonies have taken the musical community by storm. As Garrison Keillor, the host of "A Prairie Home Companion", remarked, "These guys are a bunch of heroes every time they go on tour in the States".
Over the years the Tannies have been trailblazers for Scottish music, and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes. The Ithica Journal writes, "Travelling overseas to perform always thrusts the artist into the role of cultural ambassador. Audiences inevitably scrutinize the music more closely than their own. If that is the case, the Tannahill Weavers make Scotland out to be a country to desire, one with a utilitarian appreciation of the old, an acceptance of the new and a quick and playful wit."
With the release of the Tannahill's 17th recording, Live and In Session, on award-winning label Compass Records, they are firmly established as one of the premier groups on the concert stage. From reflective ballads to footstomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.guitar | lead | vocals
Roy is the Tannahill's primary lead vocalist and an original member of the band. He has written many songs in the traditional Scottish style, several of which have been recorded by the group and many more of which are on his solo recording, Not Only But Also.
fiddle | cello | viola | vocals
John, one of Scotland's finest fiddle players, started winning fiddle competitions and made his first radio broadcast for the BBC at the age of fourteen. He does a great deal of studio work, and has been involved as a traditional musician in various theatre, film and television productions, as well as recording a solo fiddle album and Braes of Lochiel as a duo with Billy Ross.
flute | whistles | bodhran | vocals
Phil is the other "original Tannahill", having been with the group since it turned professional. He also composes flute music, with the group having recorded several of his pieces, and has been involved with music for theatre and television production.
highland bagpipes | Scottish small pipes | whistles
One of Scotland's most exciting young pipers, Colin plays highland bagpipes, Scottish small pipes and whistles, teaches in the Feisean and does freelance work when not on the road with the band. Colin attended Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where he earned a degree in engineering.
“…the group has found an especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new.”
Stephen Holden, New York Times
“…the Tannies are the best that Scotland can aspire to (and believe me, that is THE BEST).”
The Living Tradition
“…the Weavers' unpretentious manner and superlative playing set them apart from most other Celtic groups... In a world where good taste has become a scarce commodity, the Tannahill Weavers are a wealthy bunch.”
The Charleston Gazette, Charleston, SC
“…as close to perfect as it gets in an imperfect world.”
Sing Out!
“…the band's potent mixture of traditional ballads and fiery instrumentals leaves their audiences spellbound.”
Irish American News
“…the Weavers combine tradition with the spirit and energy of rock 'n roll into an entertaining and satisfying evening of music, humour and joy.”
News & Observer, Raleigh, NC
“…their great humour and superb musicianship make them one of the finest bands on the circuit.”
Rogue Folk Review
“…there probably aren't too many bands hiding on the misty moors who can match the Tannahill Weavers for consummate musicianship, a grasp of the traditional canon and the kind of group cohesiveness that borders on telepathy…. one of the most exciting ensembles currently recording in any genre.”
Ron Hubbard, Knight-Ridder Newspapers
Live and In Session Compass Records 4454 (2007)
“...simply, must-hear/must-master material for young Celtic musicians.”
-Sing Out!
Arnish Light Green Linnet Records 1226 (2003)
"...expertly rendered medleys and songs that feature the band's trademark richly arranged harmonies"
- All Music Guide
"...their best album for ages...” - The Living Tradition
Alchemy Green Linnet Records 1210 (2000)
“…you’ll be hard-pressed to discover a better album in their long discography than Alchemy, aptly named, since the Weavers have, for some time, been transforming what is for them common material into world music that really is golden.”
- Billboard Magazine
“I think Alchemy is their best recording to date… Everything is faultlessly arranged and flawlessly performed. Highly recommended!” - The Living Tradition
Epona Green Linnet Records 1193 (1998)
“…one of this year’s few drop dead gorgeous records…” - The Pulse, Minneapolis/St. Paul MN
“…another outstanding outing from this legendary band.” - Spectator, Raleigh NC
The Tannahill Weavers Collection : Choice Cuts 1987 – 1996 Green Linnet Records 1182 (1997)
“It’s a truly splendid compendium of Scottish sounds and lore…” - Star/Tribune, Minneapolis, MN
“And a roun’ bonnie collection this is… Grandly combining nimble virtuosity with an abiding fondness for tradition, this lot stands apart as the real McCoy in a field crowded with quasi-Celtic fusion-folk.” - Sound Views
Leaving St. Kilda Green Linnet Records 1176 (1996)
“Leaving St. Kilda isn’t just another example of their prodigious talents; it may, in fact, be the crowning achievement of their 22 years of recording. For each song is infused with spirit, skill and a palpably passionate love for the music.”
- Ron Hubbard, Knight-Ridder Newspapers
“…a rollicking good time!” - Victory Review
Capernaum (Indie Award Winner 1994!!) Green Linnet Records 1146 (1994)
“(the) exquisite Capernaum weaves a dramatic, enchanting spell….It is difficult to imagine the Tannahill Weavers recording a better album.”” - The Columbus Dispatch
“…a work of beauty, power, and majesty… as close to perfect as it gets in an imperfect world.” - Sing Out!
“This CD sees the Tannahills confirm their status as one of the most entertaining bands on the scene at the moment, as if that needed confirming. In full flow they invigorate and delight, while they are also capable of subtlety and gentleness when needed. Tannahills fans will need no prompting to buy this, and the rest of you shouldn’t hesitate either.”
The Living Tradition
The Mermaid's Song Green Linnet Records 1121 (1992)
“Scottish traditional music at its best…” - The Daily News, Rhinelander, WI The
Cullen Bay Green Linnet Records 1108 (1990)
“…a bright, energetic recording full of Gaelic fire and light.” - Wisconsin State Journal
“…an exciting release full of power, imagination, and sweet sounds.” - Hi-Fi News & Record Review
Best of the Tannahill Weavers 1979 – 1989 Green Linnet Records 1100 (1989)
“…a luminous and winning collection of fiery jigs and reels and original and traditional ballads and lullabies.”
The Arizona Daily Star
Dancing Feet Green Linnet Records 1081 (1987)
“…an album that ranks amongst the best of Celtic offerings in the past year or so and the best ever from the Tannahills.”
- Stirrings Magazine
“…should get feet dancing on both sides of the Atlantic… Recommended” - Billboard Magazine
Land of Light Green Linnet Records 1067 (1985)
“The music, the arrangements, the execution, all is elegantly simple and direct. Each part is exquisitely done, and every part is subservient to the whole. Everyone who likes the genre will want this album. The songs will haunt the empty spaces at the edge where you live.” - Victory Review
“…an especially eloquent mix of the old and the new.” - The New York Times
Passage Green Linnet Records 3031 (1983)
“Lusty attack, crack musicianship and tasteful inclusion of electric instruments add muscle to this Scottish folk foursome, making its U.S. label debut.” - Billboard Magazine
“They ‘kick out the jams!”’ - Village Voice, New York, NY
Tannahill Weavers IV Hedera Records 104 (1981)
“…their tight instrumental and vocal arrangements have a verve and enthusiasm that always manage to set my feet tapping.” - Bob Walton, Southern Rag
“…powerful reels and jigs, great pipe playing, all played at the Tannahill’s usual breakneck speed.”
Geoff Hutchinson, Kasebook
The Tannahill Weavers (Scotstar Award Winner!) Hedera Records 103 (1979)
“…robust vocals, tight, expert ensemble playing…a must for your collection.” - Ed Peabody, Celtic Corner
“…the best album the Tannahills have made yet, which means one of the best to come out of Scotland.” - Melody Maker
The Old Woman's Dance Hedera Records 102 (1978)
“…this is a grand record, a big advance – let’s face it – on much of the group music being recorded now.” - Folk News
Are Ye Sleeping Maggie? Hedera Records 101 (1976)
“…a bewildering breadth of talent…in some beautiful, and at times, surprising, arrangements of traditional songs and melodies.” -Stringbark & Greenhide, Newcastle, Australia
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2014
March 1 Pacific University, Forest Grove OR
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We will be representing The Tannahill Weavers at Universities and
Herschel Freeman Agency, Inc. has established a reputation for finding innovative, traditional musicians from throughout North America and around the world.
Our roster encompasses established and emerging artists from India, Ireland, Hawaii, Guinea, France, Cuba, Italy, Madagascar, Scotland, Trinidad, and England, and an array of musicians from Canada and the United States.
