Ryan Young - Ryan Young

2017 studio album

Ryan Young - Ryan Young

the bright young folk review

Fiddle-player Ryan Young was voted ’Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards last year, as well as winning a Celtic Connections award, and here he is with his self-titled debut album. Young delivers an album of tunes that showcases his award-winning talents.

As well as four of his own tunes (which appear on tracks two and four), Young has unearthed a number of traditional tunes that have not been played by anyone in recent times. From slow, mournful airs to more upbeat jigs and reels, he takes an innovative but empathetic approach to traditional Scottish music and is certainly deserving of the accolades he has been receiving.

While the tunes themselves draw from Young’s own Scottish roots, his musical style has very much been influenced by Irish fiddle-playing which makes for a lovely melding of styles and influences.

On the album Young is joined by James Ross on piano and Leo Forde on guitar. Ross provides some beautifully sympathetic piano accompaniment, particularly on the more melancholy tunes, while Forde’s guitar-playing equally comes into its own accompanying Young on some of the more upbeat numbers.

Although the album is self-released there has been no skimping on the production. Grammy-award-winning US-based big-name producer, Jesse Lewis, was inspired to take on the production duties, yet another clear sign of Young’s exceptional musical promise.

Doubtless followers of traditional Scottish music will be hearing a lot more of Ryan Young. His interpretations are inventive and expressive and his playing has depth and style. A fine debut and a name to look out for.

Darren Johnson

Self released on August 11 2017.

1. The Back of the Change House / The Nine Pint Coggie / John of Badenyon / Och is Duine Truagh Mi
2. Jenna’s Jig / Stop Thanking Me / Dennis’ Jig
3. The Rothiemurcas Rant / Mrs Robinson Grishornish
4. Ryan’s Despair
5. The Cross of Inverness / The Bob of Fettercairn
6. Lamberton Races or Col. Renton’s Favourite / The Oyster Wives’ Rant / Rinettan’s Daughter
7. The Lads in the Kilt / Airidh Nam Badon
8. John MacColl’s Farewell / Willie’s Auld Trews / The Harris Dance
9. What Pain I’ve Endured Since Last Year / Caber Feidh / To Chase The Goats Off The Rocks
10. Traditional Reel / Smilin’ Katie / The White Houses of Shieldaig
11. The Highland Laddie
12. The Irish Girl

Ryan Young discography