Celebrating 40 years in 2024, Capercaillie present ReLoved, an album of new symphonic arrangements recorded with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and with new arrangements from Greg Lawson (Grit Orchestra), Donald Shaw and Kate St John.
Widely respected trailblazers of Celtic music, Capercaillie are credited with being the major force in bringing Gaelic music to the world stage and inspiring the great resurgence so evident today. From their homeland roots of Argyll in the highlands of Scotland, the band's musical journey has seen them tour 30+ countries, sell over a million albums, perform in Rob Roy (1995) alongside Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange, and enter the pop charts with Coisich a Ruin - the first Gaelic single to reach the Top 40. The band named themselves after the Capercaillie (a large, rare, and very beautiful Scottish bird) to symbolise a winning battle against extinction, an echo of their proudly distinctive Gaelic repertoire.
Despite their roots in traditional Scottish music, Capercaillie have explored musical terrains from electronica and sampling to jazz and global music influences. However, this will be the first time that they have fully realised their dream of creating full symphonic arrangements for their music – an apt and rewarding moment for their 40th year.
Comprising of material from their much-loved repertoire, ReLoved encapsulates the spirit of Capercaillie – with strident waulking songs collected from the Hebrides such as Hi Ri’m Bo and Mile Marbhaisg; hypnotic groove infused instrumentals; epic modern ballads such as Manus Lunny's Servant To The Slave; and poignant love songs like Iain Ghlinn Cuaich.
ReLoved was recorded in the City Halls and Gorbals Sound studios, Glasgow and features band members Karen Matheson (vocals), Donald Shaw (accordion & keyboards), Charlie McKerron (fiddle), Manus Lunny (bouzouki & guitar), Michael McGoldrick (flutes & pipes), Ewan Vernal (bass), David Robertson (percussion) and special guests Sorren McLean (guitar) and James Mackintosh (drums).
