DKOS Artists 26th Jan 2025:- Shirley Barr Duo. – Sir Reel Clarks. – Falkirk Traditional Music Project. – Monooka……
SHIRLEY BARR DUO –
Shirley Barr may be late to the table, but her recently discovered passion for compelling songwriting and performance shows she’s earned her place. Quirky, insightful, and sumptuously layered, she melds beautiful melodies with novel lyrics to create soundscapes that leave you wanting more. September 2024 saw the release of her debut EP, Begin Began Begun, from which the song Little Thief was awarded the Paul Tonberg songwriting shield at the 2024 Ardersier Folk Festival. 2024 also saw her playing a support slot for folk singer Iona Lane during the multi-award-winning biennial Findhorn Bay Festival, forming a new trio with the musicians Amy Henderson and Jamie MacRae for the occasion. Shirley is delighted to have been awarded a DKOS slot at this year’s Celtic Connections and will be performing as the Shirley Barr Duo with Maria Quinn
Glasgow-based songwriter, Maria Quinn’s style draws from jazz, folk and classical music and from artists such as Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman and Nick Drake. Her lyrics are inspired by a love of poetry and her offbeat and quirky outlook on things. Her debut album, Closure, was released in 2023 and was nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. It was described by Boo Hewerdine as “a record that fizzes with invention”
SIR REEL CLARK – ft AARON CLARK
Sir-Reel Clarks are a family band who can play in a number of forms, from a duo to a four piece band.
We were set up to help Aaron as he has Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia & Tourettes, he wanted to play in the outside world and we as a family wanted to support him.
Aaron – he plays the Melodeon, Mouth Organ, Vocals & Percussion.
Andy Dad – Guitar, Vocals, Mandola & Bodhran.
Aaron is now making a name for himself in his own right, he jiggles styles and genres around to sometimes have a surreal sound. Now known for his mastery on the Melodeon composing some very challenging pieces. And he sometimes booked as a solo performer now as well.
He has won numerous TMSA competitions over the last few years. Aaron also writes his own compositions which feature on his albums. One of his compositions also featured in a small film premiere, Aaron won through to the finals of Autism’s Got Talent 2024 and was asked to play in the Mermaid Theatre in London. Aaron was on stage at the beginning of 2024 on the Danny Kyle Stage at Celtic Connections he was awarded a highly recommended Danny. He was asked to join forces with Calum Jones who was on The Voice in 2024, they have played many places including The Under Canvas Festival at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness 2024. Tim Edey is still very much in Aarons life after recording Aarons first album with him ‘Out Of The Box’. Meeting together at many festivals over the year. Aaron has played alongside some of the greats including Tim Edey, Simon Care (Albion Band), Ross Ainslie, Bob Kenward….again too many to list.
Andy Clark is the multi-talented lead singer and driving force behind Sir-Reel Clarks, a band known for their vibrant mix of classic and contemporary Irish and Scottish music. In addition to his powerful and versatile vocals, Andy is an accomplished guitarist adding depth and rhythm to the band’s dynamic sound. He also showcases his skill on Bodhran, infusing the music with a rich Celtic flavour. Whether he’s strumming his guitar, delivering a heartfelt ballad or energising the crowd with his Bodhran, Andy’s passion for music and performance is undeniable, making him a standout artist. He has supported many folk over the years including Kathryn Tickell, The Sands Family, Flook, Show of Hands, Lindisfarne, Wolfstone, Tim Edey unfortunately too many to list here.
Sir-Reel Clarks are just releasing their second album called Tak Your Time. We have made the album with Aaron Clark, his dad Andy, Sister Chantel, brother Kyle, Robin Wynn Evans, Mohan Evans, Calum Macleod & Owen O’Connor. It will be released very soon.
2024 saw them booked for many Folk Festivals over the UK. Here are a few – Celtic connections, Under Canvas Festival, Broadstairs Folk Week, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, Northern Streams, Fishguard Folk Festival, WOBK Festival, HAAL Festival, Glenglasshaugh Small Boats Festival, Folk In A Field, Tin Hut Gaitherin.
FALKIRK TRADITIONAL MUSIC PROJECT
Falkirk School’s Junior and Senior Trad bands meet on a Weds evening in Tamfourhill community centre on the edge of Falkirk. The bands are made up of participants aged P7 to S6 and all of them love playing tunes and having fun! Lead by John, Somerville, Marc Duff and Calum Mcllroy, the groups play a host of traditional and folk melodies from across the globe
MONOOKA
Singer-songwriter Monooka aka Monica Lucia Madas is a Transylvanian born artist based in Dundee.
Her singing voice is warm and expressive with a rich tone that conveys deep emotions.
She blends traditional and gypsy songs from the Carpathian Mountains with free improvisation, and anecdotes from life in Romania. You can expect laughter and joy, as well as deeply touching old songs.
Monooka will be accompanied on a couple of songs by her musician guest Peter Cooper on fiddle.
The collaboration draws together two different cultures, creating connection throughout exploring and sharing musical ideas and stories.