Twa Tams Album Launch to Feature Impressive Line-Up of Tayside Musicians
A new album showcasing a roster of talented Perthshire musicians is set to be launched at The Twa Tams on December 4th. The album, titled ‘Sonder’, was created by multi-instrumentalist Rhuari Campbell, winner of Perth’s The Twa Tams Battle of the Bands in 2023. Produced at Perth’s Counter Culture studios by Dave MacFarlane, the album features renowned musicians like Chris Woods (mandolin) and Sandy Stirton (backing vocals) from The Mad Ferret Band.
Rhuari Campbell, who works as a health nurse and music therapy student, expressed his excitement for the release of ‘Sonder’, describing it as a genre-spanning project that delves into themes of mental health, grief, and healing. The album incorporates influences from folk, indie, acoustic, and reggae music, reflecting both personal and societal issues. Campbell also highlighted the collaboration with producer Dave MacFarlane, who played multiple instruments on the album, enhancing its depth.
Other notable artists featured on the album include Matthew Roger (drums and percussion), Donald Buick (bass), and Josh Davy and Michael McNab (electric guitars). Campbell, recognised as a BBC Introducing artist in 2023, wrote and arranged all the songs on the album, showcasing his versatility by playing a range of instruments such as acoustic guitar, piano, mandolin, tenor guitar, electric guitar, and glockenspiel.
The album launch event on December 4th will see all the musicians, including Campbell, Woods, Stirton, and others, come together to perform live. Duncan MacDonald, a well-known folk ballad singer and multi-instrumentalist in Perthshire, who is working on his own album at Counter Culture with Dave, will also be present at the event. MacDonald, skilled in playing various instruments like bagpipes, whistles, guitar, and banjo, has previously collaborated with Campbell at festivals.
The Twa Tams has been a regular venue for these musicians, hosting gigs and The Sunday Social events. The diverse talent and collaborative spirit behind ‘Sonder’ promise an evening of exceptional music and camaraderie at the album launch.
In Summary, the Twa Tams album launch is set to showcase the rich musical talent of Tayside, with Rhuari Campbell leading the way with his genre-spanning project ‘Sonder’. Bringing together a range of themes and influences, the album promises to be a significant milestone in Campbell’s artistic journey, highlighting the power of music in addressing mental health and healing. With a stellar line-up of musicians and a blend of personal and societal reflections in the music, the album launch at The Twa Tams on December 4th is shaping up to be a memorable event for music enthusiasts in Perthshire.