TRACKS AND THRILLS OF BROON’S COSMIC CEILIDH CD Iain Ferguson Well-known and popular across most of Scotland for his positive personality and tremendous live musical performances including ‘Wonderland’, which added the ‘extra’ to many people’s special occasions, Steve Brown from Arisaig has unleashed even more of his unstoppable musical talent in his first solo album ‘Cosmic Ceilidh’. A professional musician since 1993, he has co-written and produced albums while in various rock bands. His ‘day job’ has been live gigs so lockdown has given him the time to complete this Broon album, his first foray into World Music/Celtic Fusion/Acid Croft/Prog Croft. The album tracks were written over six years, inspired by friends, family and life in the Highlands. They were recorded by Steve in his Rivendell Studio in Arisaig. Other musicians featured include John Whyte of Glenfinnan on trombone, Pete Harbidge of New Zealand on cornet and Eoin de Paor of Westmorland on fiddle, whistle, flute and bass. By the wonders of modern production loops, three tracks also feature drums by Neil Peart, the recently deceased percussionist from Canadian band Rush. Steve is a massive Rush fan. He organises an annual
Rush fan convention, which has raised more than £50k for cancer charities. Originally from Stirling, Steve has lived in Arisaig for 20 years, absorbing many a session run by local folk legends Eilidh Shaw and Ross Martin in the Arisaig Bar. While Steve recommends listening to each track in order, a few of the songs are: THE JK EXPRESS – featuring the Jacobite Express steam train carrying Harry Potter fans past Steve’s house four times a day during the summer. This has an Americana vibe, the telecaster lead guitar helping set the tone. SAOR part I of Hope – the first of three solo guitar tracks, this one is on the steel string, working on the main theme behind the following track. SKYE COTTAGE part II of
Hope – originally written for the birthday of artist Claire Innes, who also did the album cover art, this electric guitar instrumental is Joe Satrianiesque. ARISAIG BOOGIE – This mandolin track has so far brought extreme reactions – the Marmite effect. One of Steve’s booking agents offered him a residency on the back of this track alone; another reviewer thought it should be left off the album altogether. SLÀINTE MHATH – a fine and delicate solo classical piece to give room to breathe and contemplate after such a wild aural journey. Scottish Gaelic for ‘good health’, health is wealth during these unprecedented times. The album is available at www.broon.net and from www.broon.bandcamp.com
LOCHABER LIFE
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