Liz Clark in Conversation with Roo & Neil re AOW ‘Homeland’………
Join Auntie Liz when she will be in conversation with Roo Geddes and Neil Sutcliffe about their album, our Album of The Week this week ‘Homeland’ on Saturday 21st May 2022 12pm – 1pm
As part of Scotland on Tour, the exciting initiative to support the recovery of Scotland’s live music industry, classical, folk and jazz duo Roo and Neil will launch their debut album ‘Homelands’ at Singl-End Café and Bakehouse, Glasgow on Friday 27th May.
Roo Geddes and Neil Sutcliffe are Glasgow-based artists who create original music for violin and accordion, inspired by people and landscapes and the ways in which music can evoke a sense of place and community. Their new album Homelands presents 6 new compositions which are rooted in the duo’s background of traditional music and culture, but also draw inspiration from the genres of classical, contemporary, and jazz. Roo & Neil received a ‘Danny’
Roo and Neil will invite audiences on a journey, exploring their sense of ‘home’. They also share their stories, images and ideas that inspired the music, creating an exciting and immersive performance.
Roo Geddes said: “We can’t wait to launch our debut album Homelands, showcasing new music composed over the last five years. Each piece we play tells the story of people and places that feel like home to us and explores our connection with them. From the majestic mountains of Argyll to the busy metropolis of Glasgow, this new album is a tribute to our musical, social and cultural roots, as well as to our family, friends and the sense of belonging that connects them all. We can’t wait to let everyone hear it in the unique venue of the Singl-End café and Bakehouse later this month.”
Roo and Neil will be supported by Glasgow based folk duo Josiah & Ludwig who are the stage name of the adventurous, Harry “Ludwig” Gorski-Brown on the fiddle, and his trusty counterpart, Andrew “Josiah” Herrington on the guitar.
Bio
The pair first met as students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Juniors’ School, aged 13. They quickly formed a close friendship and began collaborating musically throughout their studies until graduating this year with Honours of the First Class.
Roo and Neil are composing music for an album focussing on people and places who typify their experiences of ‘home’. In 2020 during the first Covid-19 lockdown, one piece from this collection was selected a winner of Feis Rois’ “In Tune with Nature” competition. They remotely composed, recorded and filmed a new piece which celebrated the wildlife and landscape of the magical Taynish National Nature Reserve. In January 2021, the duo was selected by the prestigious ‘Danny Kyle Award’.
In addition to their original music, they also frequently perform their arrangements of Scottish traditional music and song and function as a ceilidh band, performing at events across the UK. Furthermore, Roo and Neil have eclectic experiences as jazz musicians which deeply influence their work. Improvisation is a fundamental element in their composition process and is occasionally incorporated into their performances.
In the coming years Roo aims to pursue a Master’s Degree in Jazz in order to further develop this facet of his musicianship while Neil is focussing on establishing himself in the Scottish music scene as a collaborative performer and teacher, working on shows with storytellers, artists and dancers.
Born into families of educators, both musicians are passionate teachers and their pedagogy significantly informs their identity as artists. They work with students from a diverse range of ages and abilities in both private and community-music settings. Away from their instruments, they share a love of hillwalking, tree climbing, and all things outdoors.
Tracks:_
1. Taynish
2. Metro Madness
3. Tyro Bay
4. Mountains
5. Kelvin 1. Campsie Glen
6. Kelvin11. Torrance
7. Kelvin 111.Council of Comorants
8. Kelvin 1V. Dawsholm
9. Kelvin V Into The Clyde
10. Hartys
Upcoming Gigs:-
26th May Tolbooth Stirling
27th Album Launch The Single End , Garnathill , Glasgow