ABOUT

Under their banner 'Forward with ’s Past' , Battlefield Band have been a bedrock of talent for over four decades, and continue to lead the way for Scotland with their inspired fusion of ancient and modern traditional music and song.

Scotland’s great flagship band are the musicians that others measure themselves against, and their new album ‘Room Enough For All finds them fresh and invigorated, illustrating once again that they are among the most relevant contemporary composers and interpreters of Celtic music today.

Founded by a group of friends in 1969 and named after the ‘Battlefield’ area of , the band have now been touring & performing throughout the world for over forty years, playing to audiences in Europe, Australia & New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East & Canada, as well as more than 60 cities annually in the United States.

Over the years new members have brought with them new ideas, music, instruments, attitudes and influences, leading to continued and ever-evolving creativity, freshness and enthusiasm.

SCOTS TRAD MUSIC AWARDS

Battlefield Band were recognised as ‘Scottish Folk Band of the Year’ at the MG ALBA 2011. The aim of these respected awards is to highlight Scotland’s wonderful traditional music, and Battlefield Band are very gratified to have been recognised for a second time in their 40 year history, having previously been awarded ‘Best Live Act’ at the inaugural awards ceremony in 2003

Fiddler Alasdair White said “Battlefield Band are very honoured to have won this award: particularly so as it was voted for by the public. The band, and our management team, would like to give our sincere thanks and dedicate the award not only to our audience, but also to the many musicians, agents, promoters and venues we have worked with over the years. Without these people we would not have had the privilege of finding an audience “.

www.battlefieldband.co.uk

THE BAND MEMBERS

MIKE KATZ - Highland / Small Pipes / Whistles / / Guitar / Bass A superb piper from an early age and a highly versatile all round musician with eclectic influences, Mike joined Battlefield Band in late 1997 and has contributed massively to the music and accessibility of the group. Originally from LA, (where he played in the same pipe band as another band alumni; Eric Rigler), Mike moved to Scotland aged 18 to study at Edinburgh University and put down roots, remaining here ever since. He played in the Scottish Gas Pipe Band & Ceolbeg before joining Battlefield Band, and has earned himself a deserved reputation on the scene & amongst his peers as a truly excellent ‘musician’s musician’ and tunesmith.

ALASDAIR WHITE – Fiddle / Whistle / Bouzouki / Highland and Small Pipes Alasdair comes from the , one of the Gaelic speaking Outer Hebrides where music and culture remain strong daily forces. An award-winning fiddler from an early age, he was described at the time as a “13 year-old maestro of the Highland fiddle playing surging strathspeys and reels with maturity and expertise beyond his tender years”. He joined Battlefield Band at the age of 18, as complete a musician and composer as any of us had heard. Since then, still in his early twenties, he has toured the world several times over and worked on many fine albums including a highly acclaimed debut solo CD, confirming his reputation and firmly establishing himself as a unique talent & virtuoso fiddle player

SEAN O’DONNELL – Vocals / Guitar A highly accomplished guitarist and singer, Sean was born in Derry, Northern Ireland. He moved to Scotland in 1996, and quickly became involved in the music scene, playing with the award- winning Scots Irish band Bionic and The Emily Smith Band, as well as the Michael McGoldrick Band, Deaf Shepherd, and Daimh. He joined Battlefield Band in 2005 and has become a keystone of the group's sound: his soulful vocals and driving rhythmic guitar adding so much to the mix. As a recent reviewer noted: “O'Donnell is a revelation; from his heartfelt & moving vocals when taking the lead, and his subtly complimentary harmonies when supporting a song, he is a truly expressive singer who has matured and developed over his period with the group”

EWEN HENDERSON Fiddle / Highland Bagpipes / Small Pipes / Vocals / Piano / The latest recruit to the group, Ewen hails from the Scottish West Highland town of Fort William, and has been naturally steeped in the traditional music, Gaelic language and culture of the area. Now in his early twenties, he started learning the fiddle at the age of five, and has since mastered an impressive array of instruments, having had the privilege of being taught by many of the true masters of West Highland traditional music, whilst also being influenced by his strong family musical heritage. Ewen is superbly talented, and has quickly established himself as a strong musical force within the band. We look forward to playing with him and to introducing another great musician to our worldwide audience.

www.battlefieldband.co.uk

'These stalwarts of the Scottish traditional music scene pull off their umpteenth album with panache' The Scotsman, April 2013

'...as fresh as new mown hay...their live show was a revelation, their new album is a keeper' Irish Music Magazine, May/June 2013

'...still at the cutting edge of modern Scottish ... technically flawless & fabulously entertaining' Piping Today, Feb/March 2013

"What the internationally renowned Irish band, the Chieftains, have done for traditional Irish music, Battlefield Band are doing for the …" BILLBOARD '...one of the great institutions of the Scottish music scene.... ' 4 out of 5 stars, The Guardian, reviewing ‘Line-up’

'...Mike Katz, Sean O’Donnell, Alasdair White and Ewen Henderson have taken the baton masterfully...' Folking

'...the most interesting line-up of this venerable institution’ Scotland on Sunday

"They knit the Scottish tradition into a sound that still sounds fresh, alert and relevant and belies their veteran status. No tricks, no gimmicks, just very fine music." MOJO

“cooking up a formidable head of steam…the much loved institution are in highly promising shape” The Scotsman

'...a wondrous perfectly paced display by musicians firmly in command of their art ...a Highland jam that rang the barn's rafters ...the band's chemistry at this point is uncanny... the best Battlefield Band in years' The Washington Post

"… a bedrock of Scottish music for over three decades." MOJO

"… they rely on the strength of their Scottish heritage and their superb playing skills… …an approach that allows them to stay upfront with the very best” folkmag

'....riveting: the howling pipes, ululating fiddle and crashing keyboards are darkly magnificent… …Scotland's flagship folk band...' fROOTS '...inspired fusion of ancient and modern Scottish traditional music...' folkwords

'Bringing bang up to date, the Battlefield Band are always evolving' Sunday Express

‘one of Scotland’s great veteran bands' BBC Music Review

'Loved your show last night at the MIM. Thank you all for that wonderful show!' Irene Von Steffen, via facebook, 6th Nov 2011

'I went out to see the lads last night in San Diego and they did the Scots proud. This was my first time seeing Ewen and what a great addition he is to the band...' Jim Roxburgh Smith, via facebook, 6th Nov 2011

'Fantastic concert at the MIM in Phoenix tonight! Come back and see us again!' Sharon Ely Forsmo, via facebook, 5th Nov 2011

'that was a great concert guys! bravo!' Guthrie Burnett Tison, via facebook, 30th Nov 2011

'great show guys. Ewen is a great addition to the group. Good energy going on there as usual!' Mike Greene, via facebook, 30th Nov 2011

‘Fantastic gig in DC last Friday, as always. Thank you!!! Love the new album, too!' Deborah Burgin, via facebook, 26th Nov 2011

'GREAT show in Portland, Maine! Thank you all so very much for a fantastic time! My husband and I look forward to seeing you all again on your next trip to the area. :)' Renee Michaud Cabaup, via facebook, 24th Nov 2011

'...Front row seats to a foot stomping grand time? Priceless! Thanks for the great Portland show last night, we loved it. Much as predicted, Ruby played her new CD almost the whole of the 4 hour long drive home...next time I'll buy two ;) Come back to Maine soon please!' Rhiannon Hampson-Jovin, via facebook, 24th Nov 2011

'awesome show tonight!!!!!' Stacia Ethridge, via facebook, 21st Nov 2011

'Awesome show in Charlotte, now we have our little ones hooked on Battlefield Band at home. Love the new album guys. Can't wait to see you the next time you're in the Queen City.' Rachel Gross Montgomery, via facebook, 30th Nov 2011

'there is NOTHING like seeing you gentlemen play LIVE' Will Barnett, via facebook, 20th Nov 2011

“...a fantastic show – very high energy and wonderful playing. I was glued to my seat until the end. We’d love to have them back again sometime, absolutely. It's a pleasure working with you.”

Tom Rota, Managing Director, One Longfellow Square, Portland

"… The boys simply delighted everyone around here. And I have to tell you that this has been a GREAT honour for me (both dealing with yourself, and with the band and your soundman). I'd love to have them in our schedule again despite the fact that we usually don't repeat performers that soon; I know the audience would be happy."

Rod Gomez, Artistic Director, SAUGA FESTIVAL , Cantabria Spain

"Thanks so much for helping bring these talented musicians to Des Moines, Iowa. Celtic Music Association has been bringing in groups for fifteen years. Battlefield Band’s support network and Management Company were the most professional we have ever encountered. From advance CDs & posters to contacting media they were great support in helping us promote this concert.”

Mike Glynn, CELTIC MUSIC ASSOCIATION , Des Moines, Iowa

"There are other Celtic bands but there’s only one Battlefield Band. I’ve heard them all but these guys are the best I’ve worked with. Easy going, pleasant & well organized, with a great support network, and they play such fantastic music. The audience loved them and they’ll be back next year if I have my way!”

Barry Gray, PIPERS OF DISTINCTION , Sydney, Australia

www.battlefieldband.co.uk Battlefield Band

Room enough for all

For interviews, sessions and other info please contact: Robin Morton tel: 01875 830 328, email: [email protected]

A superb new release from Battlefield Band, one of the great institutions of the Scottish music scene. Their invigorated & inspired fusion of ancient and modern traditional music continually evolves whilst still staying true to the tradition, and illustrates that they remain amongst the most vital contemporary composers and interpreters of traditional music today

These recordings, produced by Robin Morton, capture Scotland’s flagship band at the top of their game: the band's ever-fiery instrumental dynamic, with bagpipes and fiddles to the fore, exhibits the intuitive interplay and understanding between world class traditional musicians, while their songs of social history, plaintive ballads and songs from the Scots Gaelic tradition are as powerful, relevant and moving as ever.

'...the cutting edge of modern Scottish folk music …authentic and refreshing …Battlefield Band’s melody Track Listing: driven instincts are technically flawless and fabulously entertaining.' Piping Today, review, Feb 2013 01: Bagpipe Music 02: Major George Morrison DSO… '...a wondrous perfectly paced display by musicians firmly 03: Farewell To Indiana in command of their art...' The Washington Post 04: The Garron Trotting… 05: Nic Coiseam '...one of the great institutions 06: The Hairy Angler Fish… of the Scottish music scene' 07: Ceann Loch an Duin… BBC Music Review 08: Duanag an t-Seòladair '...at the forefront of the Scottish music revival... 09: The Eight Men of Moidart… …the recording of 'Room Enough for All' is stellar' 10: In Contempt San Diego Troubadour 11: Tynes In Overtime

TOURING: Release Date April 8th , 2013 Dates in UK, USA, Canada, Switzerland & Format Download &CD Germany in 2013-14 Wholesale Price CD Catalog Number COMD2106 ALBUM DISTRIBUTED BY: Suggested List File Under World/Celtic/Folk CADIZ MUSIC LTD, 2 Greenwich Quay Burnside Distribution Corp. Clarence Road, London, SE8 3EY 6635 N. Baltimore Ave., Suite 285 Telephone: 020 8692 3555 Fax: 020 8469 Portland, OR 97203 3300 Phone: 503-231-0876 Email: [email protected] Fax: 503-231-0420 [email protected] UPC 096045000235

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