I have officially begun work on his fourth solo album, and it will be a collection of traditional and modern songs from Scotland, celebrating and exploring her history, culture, people, and language.
When I lived in East Kilbride, Scotland as a boy, I was inspired by the music of The Corries. They sang songs about people, events, and battles from the 14th century, and it really gave me a different perspective on history. I was quite impressed that some people could maintain a grudge over hundreds of years. As the saying goes: “In Europe, one hundred miles is a long way; in America, one hundred years is a long time”.
Over the years, I have been influenced by other great Scottish artists like Old Blind Dogs, Silly Wizard, Battlefield Band, and the Tannahill Weavers. And I hope to represent all of these groups (and more) on this new album.
I returned in August from my first visit to Scotland in over 40 years, using the time to reconnect with the songs and stories of my youth, and to visit many places I’ve been singing about since the early 1980s. In Scotland, I was able to sing songs about places like Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, Loch Tay, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Falkirk – all while sitting in those actual places.
I’ll be working again with my creative team of Scooter Muse (audio engineering, guitar, banjo), Rich Brotherton (audio engineering, guitar) and Tony Horning (graphic design), and a few special musical guests.
I have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the recording, duplication, distribution, and promotion of the album, and it launched on October 23rd, 2024. It will run through December 23rd, and I’d greatly appreciate your support!