Expect lots of fiddling, jamming, heavy foot stomping, shouting and laughter when Wire & Wool team up with Old Hannah. Gayle Ritchie finds out more
Wire & Wool are a seven-piece band who came together in Dundee in 2014, and have been gaining notoriety for their energetic sets and fired-up sessions ever since.
Drawing on influences from bluegrass to roots, to jazz, blues and Scottish music, they’re renowned on Scotland’s festival circuit and will be taking their magnificent country brawl to audiences across Ireland, Europe and further afield throughout 2017 as they tour their debut album.
They’ve supported the Peatbog Faeries and Californian giants Front Country, and continue to push the boundaries of bluegrass with their original songs while delighting audiences with blistering renditions of old favourites.
Wire & Wool met Old Hannah, an Irish band said to “straddle folk, country, roots and bluegrass”, while touring the French Alps last year.
They’re joining forces for a limited run of double-header shows in their respective homelands – Ireland & Scotland – including dates in Perth and Dunkeld.
Having supported folk legends Tir Na Nog, Simon Felice, Lisa Hannigan, Sheryl Crow and more, Old Hannah appeal to an audience that is as diverse in age as it
is in musical taste. Expect multi-instrumentalists, incredible vocalists, tasty percussion, and to have the time of your life.
Fiddle player Hazel Martin, of Wire & Wool, said: “People can expect a big party, hearty tunes and a great time with plenty of beer flowing.
“When people see us, they say we look as if we are all great friends that are having an absolute blast, which is true.
“The music we make is so unique because we are all influenced by different things.
“Fiddle-wise, I’m classically trained, Barry has his roots in traditional Scottish fiddle music and Alex really likes American Bluegrass so together we all have a really nice sound that isn’t too samey.
“But we like everything from classical to punk and of course, bluegrass.”
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Tour dates: January 26, Inchyra Arts Club, Perth; January 27, The taybank, Dunkeld; January 28, The Old Hairdressers, Glasgow; January 29, The Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh.
For more details, see www.wireandwool.co.uk; www.oldhannah.com
