James Graham Trio
JAMES GRAHAM – Scotland
The James Graham Trio first performed together at the opening concert of the Hebridean Celtic Festival in 2005. The 2004 BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year winner James Graham is joined by James Ross on piano and Neil Johnstone on cello, both of whom possess formidable reputations as accompanists. Individually, they are all highly acclaimed musicians in their own right. James is a singer who holds a deep respect for the strength of Gaelic song melodies and whose take on Gaelic music and its tradition is not at the expense of any of its key elements.
… this is a tremendously satisfying trio. Rob Adams (The Herald, 2009)
…restrained harmonic passages and colourations that are nothing short of sensational … a band that have great communication and understanding Peter Urpeth (Hebridean Celtic Festival)
The James Graham Trio are largely focussing their touring in three windows from December 2010 till August 2011. These are 21st December till 5th January; 26th March till 6th April and 1st July till 14th August. Enquiries for these dates are invited now although offers at other times, especially from Festivals, will of course be considered.
James Graham is from Lochinver in Sutherland. He was greatly inspired by his great Aunt Seordag Murray, a native Gaelic speaker, with whom he spent hour upon hour learning songs and listening to her fascinating stories and life experiences.
James graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2003 having studied Gaelic song under the respected Gaelic singer and scholar Kenna Campbell. In 2004 he won the BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award – the first male and first Gaelic singer to do so. He has released two acclaimed solo albums and has been nominated twice in the category of ‘Best Gaelic Singer’ at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. In 2007 James won the coveted Mod Gold Medal in Lochaber, the highest accolade for men’s solo singing at the Royal National Mod.
James Ross has earned himself a glowing reputation as a pianist and composer. He is in high demand as a writer and teacher and has been commissioned to compose various musical works, which have been met with much critical acclaim. His piano playing is expressive and mesmerising at times whilst possessing a distinctive subtle influence.
Cellist Neil Johnstone is son of the acclaimed piper Duncan Johnstone and has had a remarkable career as a leading classical musician. Although Neil is classically trained, he has never strayed too far from his roots in traditional music and ha played and recorded alongside many of the leading figures in the traditional music world. His sophisticated accompaniment of Gaelic song brings a true richness to the song arrangements.
Upcoming Gigs
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Artist: James Graham Trio | ||
| 11/Aug/10 | James Graham Trio in Glasgow | Live at The Star |
| Address: St Andrews in the Square, 1 St Andrews Square. | ||
| 11/Sep/10 | James Graham Trio in Thurso | Blas Festival |
| Address: Weigh Inn, 1, Burnside. | ||