Festival making much of their Connections

 This is by way of  a compilation of my reviews of Celtic Connections concerts so far published in the Morning Star.

The festival is well on course to be a classic year. In particular the theme of Connections seems to be a major part of it. While it has always been a significant festival factor, this year seems to be emphasising connections in almost all of the events.

Probably one of the most significant will be tonight's concert celebrating the centenary of the birth of

MacColl. huge influence

Ewan MacColl. At Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall, Jarvis Cocker (Blur), Paul Buchanan (The Blue Nile), Dick Gaughan, Karine Polwart, and Martin and Eliza Carthy are among the galaxy of talent lined up to pay tribute to MacColl, dramatist, singer, marxist, broadcaster and the man most responsible for Britain’s folk revival. Curated by two of his sons – Calum and Neil - and also featuring four of his grandsons, this concert celebrates the legacy of the songwriter who gave us Dirty Old Town, and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and many others.

Karine Polwart links Horizons and MacColl

Previous concerts have been the Horizons concert in the Old Fruitmarket a week past on Friday. A good idea which needed tighter control of outside interference. It is reviewed here.

Sam Sweeney's Fiddle was a great piece of work that deservedly attracted a standing ovation from the audience in the Tron. Review here.

keep tuned for reviews of Luka Bloom - and the fire alarm! - and Canzionere Grecanico Salentino!