Way beyond Hadestown: the windswept rush of folk musicals
Inspired by Anaïs Mitchell’s underworld opera, Maz O’Connor and Finn Anderson are among those putting folk songs and stories into musical theatre
December 2020
Lockdown culture
Lyceum Christmas Tales review – make a date with this Advent anthology
A melancholic fairytale, African shadow puppetry and a haunted proscenium are among the first five offerings from the Lyceum’s series of Christmas plays
August 2019
Karine Polwart’s Scottish Songbook review – from Big Country to John Martyn
(Hegri)
October 2018
Karine Polwart: Laws of Motion review – assured and atmospheric
(Hudson)
August 2018
'A sense of place and meaning': Karine Polwart on the magic of Scottish pop
The folk singer’s Edinburgh festival show reinterprets classic and cult Caledonian gems close to her heart, like Big Country’s melancholic anthems and Cocteau Twins’ filthy futurism
April 2018
Van Morrison, protest and pipes: Belfast embraces the BBC Radio 2 Folk awards
The tentatively political ceremony saw artists avoiding Brexit and borders, instead making subtle statements about gender inequality
November 2017
Karine Polwart with Pippa Murphy: A Pocket of Wind Resistance review – warm, wise, compelling
Karine Polwart: A Pocket of Wind Resistance review – stunning, re-created stage work on nature and human pain
August 2016
Wind Resistance review – a poignant paean to the peatbogs of Scotland
Karine Polwart’s warm solo show guides us through the landscapes of her Midlothian home with history and humour
January 2016
Eliza Carthy, Karine Polwart and others: Songs of Separation review – varied, thoughtful concept album
Songs of Separation review – joyous and stirring
January 2015
Karine Polwart/Sam Amidon review – poetically political songs for change
The Celtic Connections audience helps Karine Polwart over her nerves before troubadour Sam Amidon delivers some beguiling folk and bluegrass, writes Kate Molleson
January 2013
Never mind the birdlore: the new face of folk music
The folk scene is changing – there are songs about police shootings, Occupy London and rape. Colin Irwin meets the singers who are shaking things up
October 2012
Karine Polwart – review
Karine Polwart is a cool, thoughtful singer who has the potential to become another Scottish folk celebrity, writes Robin Denselow
August 2012
Karine Polwart: Traces – review
Karine Polwart: Traces – review
March 2012
Scottish music: rock of the north
Talk of independence is giving Scottish culture a boost – especially in the thriving music scene. The new bands are inspired by the country's traditional music, and they sing in their own accents too
