Saturday promises to be an epic day of established and rising stars from all corners of the globe. Representing Scotland in The Den is folk-country newcomer, Edinburgh native Ross Wilson – AKA Blue Rose Code – who has just released debut album, North Ten. Expect mournful violins over some nifty finger-picking, evoking images of barns, whiskey and waving fields of corn.
Also keeping it on the down low is Freya Roy who, at 16, is doing the girl-with-guitar thang to a surprising degree of sophistication. With her strong, honest vocal and utilisation of dramatic piano chord progressions she recalls Nadine Shah and Soap and Skin. Picking up the tempo, and possibly kidnapping it, We Were Evergreen are next to set the yurt on fire with their eclectic, electro-infused, indie folk. Expect much dancing across the Persian rug-strewn floor.
From The Den to the big stages, Saturday continues to be a barnstormer. We heartily recommend Heidi Talbot, who wowed us with her pretty, unaffected last album Angels Without Wings. Combining strong Celtic influences – particularly on the gorgeous ‘Dearest Johnny’ – with modern nu -folk sensibilities, she traverses the crossroads at which trad and contemporary folk music intersect.
Other must-see’s include the massively prolific, British country-rock star, Thea Gilmore; the once-ubiquitous KT Tunstall – now back with a new album – and Afro-fusion Zimbabweans Mokoomba. If they don’t have you shaking your hips and moving your feet with your eyes closed you don’t have hips. Or feet. Or eyes.
Saturday’s headliners boast the honour of having written the catchiest song EVER. Fact. Yup, it’s The Mavericks of ‘Dance The Night Away’ who, after an 8 year hiatus, are now back together and rocking their unique brand of country, garage, Cuban jazz and ska. Get your dancing shoes on for this one and, well, dance the night away….