Ewan McLennan

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Horizon Winner 2011

Ewan McLennan first emerged onto the UK folk scene with the release of his debut album ‘Rags & Robes’. The recording gained much critical praise, described by Maverick as 'a collection of truly captivating songs', and featured in MOJO’s top ten folk albums of 2010. After an appearance on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show and a televised performance for the Celtic Connections Festival at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, his debut was capped by winning the BBC Folk Award’s Horizon Award in 2011.

Ewan’s music was immediately noted for its depth of feeling and sincerity, something which comes from his respect and passion for the music he plays. Whether singing haunting traditional Scottish ballads or weaving the powerful stories that make-up his own songs, Ewan’s unique, moving and earthy voice is always compelling. Having performed with and been taught by a number of world-renowned guitarists, from Martin Simpson to Robin Hill and Jerry Douglas, his own guitar playing is recognised as outstanding and forms an essential part of his music.

The much-awaited second album, ‘The Last Bird to Sing’, was also greeted with glowing reviews and confirmed his prominence amongst the new generation of folk musicians. As well as continuing to plough the furrow of traditional song Ewan’s self-penned songs on his second album were once again met with critical acclaim. His track ‘Joe Glenton’ was awarded a prestigious national award for political song-writing, reinforcing his reputation as a singer who does not shy away from stinging social commentary. The release of ‘The Last Bird to Sing’ gained Ewan several further awards, including the Spiral Earth Award for Best Male Singer of 2013.

During these years Ewan has been touring constantly around the UK and overseas and has gained a reputation for intimate and moving performances.

In 2013, Ewan performed on the world-renowned Transatlantic Sessions together with the finest folk musicians from around the world. The series had him collaborating with artists such as Aly Bain, Tim O’Brien, Cara Dillon and Mike McGoldrick and showcased both Ewan’s unique interpretation of traditional song and his own self-penned songs.

Ewan’s new album ‘Stories still Untold’ was released in September 2014 to critical acclaim (see press quotes below). He will be touring extensively in UK and Europe during 2016.

‘One of the most exciting singers to come out of Scotland in recent years’

Mike Harding

‘Stories Still Untold, is a real treat’ **** 4 stars The Telegraph

‘It simply oozes class… when we lost Iain MacKintosh and Bert Jansch in recent years I have been waiting for a male voice with the same mixture of vulnerability, sensitivity, and above all, humanity. In Ewan McLennan I think we have that voice’. The Living Tradition

‘An outstanding singer and fine guitarist’ fRoots

‘Stories Still Untold is a stunning collection of songs and an album which confirms Ewan’s name as one of the bright lights on the folk scene today’.

Bright Young Folk

‘A major figure on the Scottish folk scene’

**** 4 stars Top of the World, Songlines

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We serve good food, locally sourced and freshly prepared along with a wide selection of fantastic local beers, spirits and excellent wines. Please do visit us for a meal or a drink before a performance and be sure to leave plenty of time.

Performances start promptly at the advertised time and, depending on the nature of the event, latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Doors to the venue will usually open half an hour before the performance.

Please note that due to conditions of our license entry to this event is limited to people eighteen years of age and older.