Nobles Presents - Stewart Hardy & Frank McLaughlin + Fell Line

Information

Fiddle virtuoso Stewart Hardy and superb Scottish guitarist/piper Frank McLaughlin are a critically acclaimed duo who possess a rare musical kinship as they explore music rooted in the traditions of Scotland, the Borders and Northumberland while incorporating sensibilities from the worlds of classical, blues, klezmer and jazz.

Reviews:

“The instrumental pairing of Stewart Hardy and Frank McLaughlin is one of traditional music’s great examples of cross-Border co-operation. Hardy is based in the northeast of England, although his fiddle playing on the Earl Grey strathspey here could place him as an Aberdeenshire native, and guitarist and piper McLaughlin lives in Edinburgh. When they get together, however, each belongs wherever the music takes them, be it in The Pilgrim’s Way’s Spanish dance steps or in the brilliantly mobile Irish set that culminates with Paddy Fahey’s Reel. Hardy brings a terrific range of colourful expression to his playing, from the gentle, poignant lilt of his slow airs, through the slippery hornpipe bowing that lights up The Locomotive and the swooping, steely poise of his own Thunderfoot, and McLaughlin is both an imaginative accompanist and an assured tunesmith, often transferring his piper’s phrasing to the guitar strings. All in all, Root2 is a treasure chest of traditional music making, with every listen revealing new riches.” Rob Adams, The Herald.

“McLaughlin's guitar can chime with a delicacy reminiscent of Tony McManus, or work up powerful drive, while his small pipes sound crisp melodies around which Hardy's fiddle twines.” Jim Gilchrist, The Scotsman.

Fell Line are an award-winning Glasgow-based folk trio featuring Chloë Bryce (Lewis McLaughlin), Megan MacDonald (Eabhal, HEISK), and Calum McIlroy (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2024). Hailing from Tain, Lairg, and Aberdeenshire respectively, they blend fiddle, accordion, guitar, and their voices to present an array of intricate tunes and delicate songs. Off the back of winning Battle of the Folk Bands at Celtic Connections 2024, they went on to appear on festival stages across Scotland and beyond, including Blas Festival, Scots Fiddle Festival, and the National Celtic Festival of Australia.