Lomond Ceilidh Band back on track with vinyl delights

Isles fiddler Gemma Donald has returned to Shetland with The Lomond Ceilidh Band – launching the bands new album Back on Track.

The trio made a flying visit last week, holding a session with youngsters at the Grand Hotel before playing a warmly received show at the Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Club.

The ceilidh band has been on the go since 1990 although the album, which contains Scandinavian, traditional Scottish and self-penned numbers, is the first release by the current line-up.

With vinyl making a comeback in recent years, Back on Track is available as a 12-inch record.
The group believe it is the first time a Scottish dance band has released an LP in more than two decades.

“This is the eight album that the band has done but the first with this line-up,” says accordion player Alan Small.

“This has been the line-up for the last two years but we haven’t recorded an album since 2007 with the band.

“There’s been a lot of preparation involved and arranging music and writing music on the computer.

“Some of the arrangements are for a six-piece band which we have recently formed.”

Donald also sings on the record, which may come as a surprise to fans of her music, knowing her primarily for her fiddle and piano playing.

Back on Track was recorded at SC Recordings near Perth, with a vintage picnic scene on the cover.

Donald explains they had to plan well in advance to get the vinyl pressings, though the warmth of the record and the artwork fitted hand in hand.

“It’s a beautiful bit of art work and there’s nothing quite like it having a big record with a nice, big photo on the front.

“The sound quality of a record you just can’t replicate digitally on a CD, there’s just so much warmth you get with a record.”

The band held a launch party at the Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline on Monday night, with plenty of CDs and records being snapped up by punters.

Earlier this month the group was shortlisted in the dance band of the year category for the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards – alongside The Peter Wood Dance Band.

Jenna and Bethany Reid also feature with Rant, as well as isles-based songwriter Kris Drever.

Small said it was an honour for the band to be shortlisted.

“It’s a massive thing for us because the band has never been involved in the awards.”

“It’s lovely to see that there’s so much talent in Shetland being recognised on the wider scene,” added Donald.

“It’s not just being continued in Shetland but it’s getting out there are people are interested in music that’s here because there’s so much talent here.”

To vote go to www.projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/voting