GiveWay March 2008 Neil Gow Festival Part 2
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GiveWay March 2008 Neil Gow Festival Part 2
GiveWay are: Fiona Mairi Amy and Kirsty It is a rare thing when one family produces four musically talented siblings whose skills and versatility are at a level capable of taking the international music scene by storm. Giveway is a band with that capability. Formed in 1998 the group comprises four sisters -- Fiona Johnson, an accomplished fiddle player, vocalist, guitarist, pianist and whistle player; Kirsty Johnson, a skilled pianist, accordion player andsinger; Amy Johnson, a talented drummer and accordion player; and Mairi Johnson, an accomplished piano and keyboard player, vocalist and bass player. From an early age, music was at the heart of all that the four sisters did -- at the age of five Fiona started playing the fiddle; Kirsty picked up an accordion at the age of four; Amy was five when she started to play the accordion; and Mairi was playing the piano and keyboard at the age of six. As they grew up the sisters developed their own unique musical talents, playing solo and with other musicians in bands and in competitions. But when the four sisters performed together their musical skills and creativity shone at its brightest and Giveway was established to bring their talents together for others to enjoy. The musical diversity of the group encompasses Scottish traditional and folk music, with haunting airs and lively jigs, energetic blends of folk-jazz, spine-tingling vocals, exquisite harmonies and bold tunes guaranteed to put a smile on your face and stay in your head long after you leave a Giveway concert or switch your stereo off. In the years since the sisters formed their own band Giveway has won awards at the acclaimed Scottish music festival Celtic Connections, in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk awards, performed on numerous radio shows, on television and at a series of high profile venues including the main stage at the Cambridge Folk Festival. They have also supported top musical acts including Karen Matheson, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, performed alongside Cherish the Ladies, Natalie MacMaster, Kate Rusby and Fiddler's Bid. Their debut album -- Full Steam Ahead -- was released in 2003 to widespread, international acclaim. Their new 11-track album Inspired is released on November 1st 2005 and, as the title suggests, it features an inspirational collection of music covering various styles -- traditional Irish and Scottish tunes, foot-tapping and jazzy folk songs, rock-inspired jigs, songs written by acclaimed Scottish artists including Phil Cunningham and John McCusker, and songs written by the sisters in memory of loved ones. Reviews of Full Steam Ahead: Greenman Review -- "The span of material is wide, taking tunes both new and old from the Scots session repertoire and balancing this with some Irish numbers....the music is well played and tight, with plenty of energy." Folk and Roots -- "I defy anyone not to be enthralled by this group....this is joyous music, this is what music needs to be." Sing Out magazine -- "If these Midlothian sisters are indicative of Scottish music's future, I'll happily yield." Froots Magazine -- "It's jolly good full stop. And jolly. And hugely infectious." Taplas -- "We can revel in the very obvious pleasure these sisters take in their music." Scots Magazine -- "An exceptionally talented young band." http://www.givewaymusic.com/ Filmed and edited by Nick Hamilton, Sawmill Cottage Studios, Auchterarder PH3 1PR http://www.artecosse.co.uk/
YouTube | March 27, 2008
