photo: The Mollis, Folk World
Singing and playing folk music since his teens,
and over twenty years a professional musician, Alistair sings songs mainly
from his family homeland Scotland, its neighbour Ireland, self-penned songs
inspired by his world-wide travelling with Battlefield Band, and any other
song that takes his fancy.
Alistair grew up in the North-East of England,
with Scottish parents who had a rich fund of songs of their own—music hall
favourites, Harry Lauder songs, sentimental ballads and stage Irish songs
which his father brought back from working on contract.
The sixties’ beat boom saw Alistair and a few
like-minded school friends exploring folk music. By the late seventies,
his band was playing extensively throughout NE England, with frequent forays
into Germany and Poland.
In 1978, he teamed up full-time with Tom Napper,
and they released their first album, “Tripping Upstairs”. The next four
years saw Tom take his leave, and Alistair set out on a solo career. His
album “Getting to the Border” (with a star-studded guest musician list)
was released.
Then came that rare thing in the world of folk
music—the “big break”. Alistair joined Scotland’s legendary Battlefield
Band. The next thirteen years were a whirlwind of touring—one million miles
of it!
Nine Battlefield albums and two videos later,
Alistair jumped off the global tour bus to “recharge the batteries”. His
spell in Battlefield had not only developed his playing, singing and songwriting
skills, but his role as “front man” in the band had honed the skill of
relaxed communication which is so vital to putting the music across.
He didn’t remain idle for long. Knowledge gained
on the road and in the recording studio got him jobs in management (Chris
Sherburn and Denny Bartley), album production (Sarah Mallinson and Debbie
Warren etc), tour management (Magnetic Music), CD recording (Dave Mallinson
Publications etc), and stringed instrument setup and sales (The Music Room).
But through all his time post-Battlefield, Alistair
has kept up his performing skills. Folk clubs, Arts Centres and festivals
throughout the UK are glad to book him. With Chris Parkinson, he has toured
large halls in Germany for Magnetic Music.
He will always be, first and foremost, a singer
who has “a way with a song” and a performer who makes sure the audience
comes first. Enjoy the music!
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Glade Recordings |
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