No strangers to Orkney, but making their first festival visit in their heralded duo line-up, Mairearad Green and Anna Massie are two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, recently nominated for Live Act of the Year at the 2013 Scots Trad Music Awards.
Their energetic combinations of accordion, bagpipes, guitar, banjo and fiddle, with effortless wit and an instant warmth, make them a truly captivating duo, and a must-see live act. In their duo they have enjoyed many successes, including five stars in The Scotsman and praise from KT Tunstall, whilst their two albums – 2009’s eponymous debut, and Doubling in 2013 – have both met wide critical acclaim.
Having played alongside each other for over ten years, Mairearad and Anna revel in an intuitive approach to each other’s musical ideas and interpretations, and an "almost telepathic communication" on stage (Hi-Arts), effortlessly showcasing the fruits of duo partnership to the highest level , creating “music more than the sum of just two parts” (The Scotsman). Now based in Glasgow, Mairearad and Anna both grew up in the Scottish Highlands amidst very similar musical backgrounds (most notably, mandolin playing Dads!), and so share an innate understanding of Scottish culture and music.
Both award-winners, Mairearad and Anna can also, individually, be seen performing with a number of well-known bands and artists; The Poozies, Blazin’ Fiddles, Bella Hardy, and Box Club, and together they join Scotland’s one and only Celtic Big Band, The Unusual Suspects.
“...the camaraderie and sheer fun of musical collaboration is plainly evident and infectious.” Songlines
“You guys were killing it…amazing playing!” KT Tunstall