Gallowglass

Gallowglass was formed in the mid-90s by Alex Cormack and Chrissie Butler in Wellington, New Zealand. Both experienced musicians (from different fields, but with common interests), we worked with others and toured the length and breadth of the country for two years - the clubs, festivals, bars - playing an innovative mix of European, Celtic and English music (in one music mag we were described as 'neo-traditionalists', whatever that means). We worked mainly as a four piece incorporating guitar, mandolin, mandola, whistles, recorders, violin, bass and percussion, tho' we would often have guests joining us on stage and in the studio.

'Sparven' was recorded at Redd Acoustics Studios in Christchurch, NZ and released in 1998 to enthusiastic music and mainstream press reviews, respectable sales, and a finalist place in the New Zealand Music Industry Awards. Some of the tracks had previously been recorded and broadcast for a commissioned Radio NZ concert programme.

The lineup for the album was:

Alex Cormack - guitar, mandola, mandolin, percussion, vocal, programming; Chrissie Butler - high & low whistles, descant recorder, vocals; Lisa Beech - violin, viola; Sue Prescott treble & descant recorders, high whistles; Adam Gallagher - electric bass; Jimmy Young small pipes on 'Hanter Dro' & 'Road to Dundee'; Rachel Jeffries - xylophone on 'Sparven'

All the arrangements are by Alex Cormack and Gallowglass and copyright (c)Alex Cormack/Gallowglass 1996.

I'm making the music avaiable now on cnet as we no longer distribute or sell the album, but I think the tracks are worth sharing. Reviews (good or bad, but not indifferent) welcome! Any other comments to hoipolloi53@gmail.com