Tuning up for ibute
Martyn Bennett helped change the perception of Scottish traditional music around the world
Maverick Scottish musician set to be celebrated as part of Arts Council-sponsored tour. Words: Anna Millar
:tl'l} ll Bennett changed the face of Scottish music. marrying the high octane \xaxes of the ()(is dance scene with ja/x heats. classical strings and his lltlllVL‘ (ittc‘llc‘ Il‘ildlllnns. N0“. the life and \\'Ul'i\ of the performer and composer are .set to be celebrated in suitahl} gallus st_\|e during this )c'ai"s Scottish ;\l'ls (‘ounciI—sponsored Tune-l'p tour. three _\ears after his death at the age of 33. The maverick musician \Viii he recognised in lk‘rfoi'mances from Mr .\icl5all‘s ('hamher. Tom Bancroft. la'asier i‘ifield and James Mackintosh. all of \shom \xill perform pieces inspired h} Bennett‘s \vork.
Born in (‘anada hut raised in the Highlands. Bennett Tillllttllsi} picked tip his first .set of bagpipes at the age of ten. Lessons in composition. \iolin and piano folloued. :\ promising stint at the RS.-\.\il) eventuall} led to backing from a small independent label and the foundations of a career that not on|_\' made Bennett famoUs but also helped change the perception of Scottish inusic around the world.
Mr .\lcl5a||'s (‘hamher \sill perform a showcase of the late Bennett‘s interpretation of Scottish folk music. The (‘hamher troupe will he joined by Scottish composer and multi-instrumentalist Fraser Fifield and percussionists Tom Bancroft and James Mackintosh. Leading jaw and soul artist iiska Mtungu'a/i will perform seven shows With her five-piece hand.
Ian Smith. Head of Music at the Scottish .-\rts ('ouncil. said of the tour: ‘Martyt Bennett. \xhilc d_\ing at a tragicall} _\oung age. has left us \xith such an incredible legac} of great \\Ul'i\. hi'illiantl} encapsulated in his last album. (iril. for Peter (iahriel‘s Real World label. This tour. featuring Mcl’all's ('hamhcr. not old} celebrates Mart} it‘s life and creati\e genius but also takes that music to st) man} of Scotland‘s commtmities. all of \xhom \xill identif} \xith emoti\e and mming Inusic performed h} such fantastic mosicians.‘
Aye: An Affirmation of Martyn Bennett starts Tue 18 Mar at Perth Concert Hall and ends Sat 29 Mar in Findhorn. For full tour details of the complete Tune Up programme see www.tuneup.org.uk
XE, (>254! §rt;..;;.‘1’; i i-A—J‘i "
A ' A A33! Kit!
has had his handprints sculpted into a piece of Caithness stone to acknowledge his status as one of the city's leading ambassadors. Interested parties can see it for themselves at the courtyard of Edinburgh‘s City Chambers on the Royal Mile.
'4
CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND'S virtual doors are now open for business. A work in progress since 2006. the record label's online shop promises good prices on back catalogue CDs and vinyl, as well as an array of downloads and merchandise. Check out http://shop.chemi ka|.co.uk
is buzzing about the contents of rapper Eminem's upcoming memoirs, Eminem: The Way I Am. set to be published in October. The book features unseen photographs. hand-drawn art and lyric sketches. as well as a narrative and introduction written by the star.
YOUNG AND OLD TO TAKE T TOGETHER I This year‘s T in the Park line-up features seasoned acts such as Rage Against The Machine, The Verve, REM. Stereophonics. Prodigy and Chemical Brothers alongside more recent success stories The Fratellis. Kaiser Chiefs, and Glastonbury headliners Kings of Leon. After Amy Winehouse's stellar performance at the Brits. hopes are high that the singer will be announced as a late addition to the programme. Meanwhile. Scottish post-punk legend Paul Haig is set to return to the stage for the first time in 20 years. Fans can see him perform at Edinburgh‘s Voodoo Rooms on Sunday 13 April.
THE ARCHES
has launched the inaugural Arches Blackout Award. Organisers are now inviting submissions for the award, which aims to offer winning graduates a two- month residency at the arts venue. For more information call 0141 565 1020.
3 Visit us daily
for arts 8. entertainment news
q- i-Ir, '.":' I: THE LIST 7