CELTIC CONNECTIONS
WELL CON CELTIC CONNECTIONS VARIOUS VENUES, GLASGOW, THU 15 JAN – SUN 1 FEB
With thousands of artists and hundreds of events, Glasgow’s Celtic Connections 2015
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P H O T O © S M O N M U R P H Y
MARY HAMPTON & MIKE HERRON
Celtic Connections prides itself on spinning folk and traditional music in new and unexpected directions, and if ever a gig epitomised that
philosophy, it’s this one. Brighton-born
singer Mary Hampton might work within folk traditions, but her haunting, intense vocals take them into strange,
sometimes surreal landscapes. She’s joined on stage in Glasgow by Edinburgh-born psych-folk hero Mike Herron, the man behind the Incredible
String Band’s mad harmonies and twisty tunes (although his music’s taken on a more celebratory edge since working with his daughter, Georgia Seddon). (David Kettle) ■ Platform, Sat 24 Jan.
TARAF DE HAÏDOUKS CRAIG ARMSTRONG, ORCHESTRA
KONONO NO. 1
One of the most astounding live bands in the known universe, Taraf de Haïdouks are the exemplars of Romani music. Originally coming together to play weddings and
baptisms in their home town of Clejani, Romania, Taraf have brought scorching high-energy and soulful gypsy music to an international audience, along the way inl uencing artists such as A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Beirut and Mr Bungle.
They’re currently in their 25th year, touring the glorious new album Of
Lovers, Gamblers & Parachute Skirts, and still pushing their music ever further and faster. Expect a thoroughly raucous evening of unbelievable virtuosity and
unfettered joy. (Matt Evans) ■ Old Fruitmarket, Sat 24 Jan.
OF SCOTTISH OPERA Such is the cinematic sweep of Glasgow-born composer Craig
Armstong’s epic music, it’s only right he should be joined by a full symphony orchestra. He’s the man who provided
opulent soundtracks for The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet (among many other movies), music from which comes after the
Buzzing with distorted likembe thumb
pianos and relentless beats played on junkyard percussion, the ecstatic trance music of Kinshasa’s Konono No. 1 is one of the most exciting
sounds on the planet. Although their international breakthrough came with
the 2004 release of Congotronics, Konono has been active since the late 60s, when founder Mawangu
interval. Beforehand, he reveals a more Mingiedi took elements of masikulu,
personal side with tracks from It’s a traditional Bazombo style using
Nearly Tomorrow, his i rst solo album in ten years – from wistful ballads to brooding instrumentals. No wonder they all need the grand setting of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. (DK) ■ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall,
Tue 27 Jan.
drums and elephant-tusk horns, and applied likembe and DIY electronics. Collaborations with Björk and Dutch avant-punks the Ex attest to their
lefti eld appeal. Support from Tuareg guitar hero Bombino. (Stewart Smith)
■ 02 ABC, Thu 29 Jan.
EVEN MORE HIGHLIGHTS . . . 46 THE LIST 11 Dec 2014–5 Feb 2015
ANGELIQUE KIDJO WITH THE ROYAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sat 17 Jan. ROAMING ROOTS REVUE Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sun 18 Jan.