Al Hughes and The Coaltown Daisies
Double Bill
23rd March 2023 - 8pm
Al Hughes
Rooted in the Blues and soul tradition, like so many Scottish singers, Al writes from his own perspective on topics which are very much of today. His influences can be clearly heard, but his songs are modern, relevant and gathering praise from a number of well respected figures on the British music scene.
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Comparisons have been made – by more than one reviewer – to both Chris Smither and Towne Van Zandt. His haunting, smoky voice, described by one reviewer as sounding “aged in oak casks” is supported by a variety of guitars, including a huge sounding custom built 12 string resonator, and his slide playing has been described a “eerily atmospheric”. Al’s vocal abilities have led to a busy schedule as a session musician, and he now combines studio work with playing clubs concerts and festivals all over the UK.
All Al’s songs are published by MD Music/Tier Publishing
The Coaltown Daisies
“Wow!” - Iain Anderson (BBC)
“I love this music!” - Baylen Leonard (Country Hits Radio)
"Brilliant!” - Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze)
“Great songs!” – Boo Hewerdine (The Bible)
The Coaltown Daisies are a duo of singer songwriters who write and perform dynamic folk, soul and americana music and who have a wealth of experience as performers, recording artists and event managers. They are renowned for their highly engaging live performances and steady professionalism which has resulted in them performing at sought after venues and festivals all over the country.
The records they have released under their own Ragged Boot Records label feature a lineup of highly established musicians and have been exceptionally well received by listeners the world over; one of their compositions was chosen as the original theme for World Whisky Day and won them the coveted CalMac Culture Music prize.
Their acclaimed album, Listen, has been nominated for UK Album of the Year and UK Song of the Year at this year’s British Country Music Association awards. It explores the wide spectrum of americana; the tracks have been intentionally arranged to draw attention to the album's core theme of mental health. Each song is packed full of incredibly well-thought-out vocals and deliberate instrumentation as well as featuring an absolutely stellar line-up of some of Scotland's most revered musicians. Invoking the likes of Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bruce Springsteen, Shawn Colvin, Montgomery Gentry and the Indigo Girls, this is an album that definitely should not be missed.
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