Transatlantic Sessions Celtic Connections 2018 photographs and review by Pauline Keightley

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Transatlantic Sessions Celtic Connections 2018 photographs and review by Pauline Keightley

Transatlantic Sessions Celtic Connections 2018

Golden highlights of another memorable festival. The Transatlantic Session are the jewel in the Celtic Connections crown – led by musical maestros Shetland fiddler Aly Bain and US Dubro master Jerry Douglas. We were treated to wonderful music from Phil Cunningham, Russ Barenberg, John McCusker and Michael McGoldrick, backed up by Donald Shaw on piano and the rhythm sections of John Doyle, Danny Thompson and James Mackintosh.

Alongside classy songs from top quality singers. US country queen Suzy Bogguss stood out with a commanding performance. She commented on the quality of Doyle’s rhythm guitar, he certainly is the engine room of this band! Julie Fowlis charmed the audience with her Gaelic songs. Other singers included – bluegrass singers the Secret Sisters, renowned American songwriter Shawn Camp and Irish folk singer Daoiri Farrell. For singers it must be a treat to be backed by such an excellent band.

Aly Bain spoke of the real connection and special relationship with the States through music. While Jerry Douglas commented that he had worked with guitarist Russ Barenberg for 40 years.

Transatlantic Sessions is always the fitting festival finale!

Photos Pauline Keightley – http://pkimage.co.uk/