Dornoch Gatherings: Charlie McKerron and Friends feat. Ross Ainslie, Marc Clement and Cailean McKerron

Capercaillie and Session A9 fiddle player, Charlie Mckerron has been playing with Marc Clement for over 20 years, and after playing with Ross Ainslie at various sessions Charlie asked him to join the group around 10 years ago. The group will also be joined by Charlie’s son Cailean who is an accomplished pianist, fiddler and singer who has recently joined the band Skipinnish. Charlie explains, “the combination of the guitar and piano styles of Cailean and Clement are electric and can only inspire and make you want to play!” The musicians bring a world music backdrop to many of Mckerron’s compositions, which he likes to feature in his tours. Ross Ainslie’s introduction to the outfit has been a great development. “His piping and whistle skills plus his love of contemporary, traditionally based composition is right up my street” says Charlie. This combo likes to continually push and challenge each other. There is a musicial soulfulness, the fury of the up tempo madness and incredible improvisiation making every night a different experience. “I love the improvisation thrown in, there is freedom within the music”, comments Ross Ainslie. Charlie, an award-winning composer, is at the moment working on his solo CD, which features some of the music from this line-up, as well as contributions from other Celtic and World musicians.