Breabach are; Megan Henderson (Fiddle, Vocals, Step Dance), James Lindsay (Double Bass, Vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Bagpipes, Whistle, Bouzouki, Vocals), Conal McDonagh (Bagpipes, Whistle, Vocals) and Ewan Robertson (Guitar, Vocals, Cajon). Acknowledging and respecting the origins of both the music they play and the roots of the band whilst embracing the future with new ideas, energy and belief is a key attribute of the band and has remained a constant theme throughout their 15 years.
Their 15 year adventure has included live performances from Sydney Opera House to Central Park NY. They have racked up an impressive array of accolades including five Scots Trad Music Awards, nominations as ‘Best Group’ in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and ‘European Album of the Year’ in The Songlines Music Awards.
Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base. They have released six increasingly acclaimed albums, while fuelling their creative appetites in collaborations with indigenous Australasian artists, Quebec’s Le Vent du Nord, and most recently as artists-in-residence at 2019’s Celtic Colours festival with Cape Bretoners, Beolach.
An exciting new chapter begins in 2020 with the introduction of the supremely talented, multi instrumentalist Conal McDonagh to the band and work beginning on ‘Dùsgadh’ (a new take on a Scottish folktale), newly commissioned film with original score in collaboration with animator Cat Bruce. The music and film were created, written, produced and recorded from home. The band say that ‘It’s been a big learning curve for us all and also provided the perfect opportunity to collaborate and stay creative during a time when it’s been difficult to get together.’
They will be presenting an ‘evening with’ event throughout February hosted by some of their favourite venues across the UK, including the Otley Courthouse.
