One of Scotland's longest-running trad-folk groups, Battlefield Band first formed in in Glasgow back in 1969, and has been a proving ground for dozens of groundbreaking artists. The constantly evolving lineup has included musicians such as Ged Foley, Mike Katz, Pat Kilbride, John McCusker, Brian McNeill, Karine Polwart, Alan Reid and Davy Steele, among others... Though not strictly adhering to a purist vision of Scottish folk music -- they were early adopters of electric keyboards and synthesizers, for example -- the Battlefield Band has at times projected a certain brand of northern severity, as well as a fluidity and melodic flair that are unique to the Scottish style. Here's a quick look at their records...
Battlefield Band "Battlefield Band" (Temple Records, 1977) (LP)
Battlefield Band "At The Front" (Topic Records, 1978) (LP)
Battlefield Band "Stand Easy/Preview" (Temple Records, 1979/1980) (LP)
Battlefield Band "Home Is Where The Van Is" (Temple Records, 1980) (LP)
Battlefield Band "There's A Buzz" (Temple Records, 1982) (LP)
Battlefield Band "Anthem For The Common Man" (Temple Records, 1984) (LP)
Battlefield Band & Alison Kinnaird "Music In Trust, v.1" (Temple Records, 1986)
Battlefield Band "On The Rise" (Temple Records, 1986)
Battlefield Band "Celtic Hotel" (Temple Records, 1987)
Battlefield Band "After Hours: Forward To Scotland's Past" (Temple Records, 1987)
Battlefield Band & Alison Kinnaird "Music In Trust, v.2" (Temple Records, 1988)
Battlefield Band "Home Ground" (Temple Records, 1989)
Battlefield Band "New Spring" (Temple Records, 1991)
Battlefield Band "Opening Moves" (Topic Records, 1993)
Battlefield Band "Quiet Days" (Temple Records, 1993)
Battlefield Band "Threads" (Temple Records, 1995)
Battlefield Band "Across The Borders" (Temple Records, 1997)
Battlefield Band "Rain, Hail Or Shine" (Temple Records, 1998)
Battlefield Band "Leaving Friday Harbour" (Temple Records, 2000)
Battlefield Band "Happy Daze" (Temple Records, 2001)
Scotland's finest trad band unleashes their new secret weapon -- vocalist Karine Polwart, who emerges as one of the most striking new faces on the Celtic music scene. Warm, inviting, and capable of an easy glide between classic and contemporary forms, Polwart brings a softness to the Battlefield's normally somewhat austere sound. There seems to be a sympathetic response from her new bandmates, tempering the shrillness of their accordion-and-bagpipe led instrumentals, while accenting Alan Reid's mellower side as a singer. This is easily one of their best, most accessible albums... highly recommended!
Battlefield Band "Time & Tide" (Temple Records, 2002)
Although I lament the absence of vocalist Karine Polwart, this is another of Battlefield's best. The band's original guitarist, Pat Kilbride, is back after a 20-year absence (productively spent establishing his solo career), while the young multi-instrumentalist Alasdair White also comes on board, replacing longtime fiddler John McCusker (who is presumably devoting himself to his work with singer Kate Rusby..) At any rate, this is a solid album, the instrumental numbers sounding more fluid and less severe than on previous albums, and the (all male) vocals sounding similarly smooth, yet earthy. Highly recommended.
Battlefield Band "Out For The Night" (Temple Records, 2004)
Battlefield Band "The Road Of Tears" (Temple Records, 2006)
Battlefield Band "Dookin' " (Temple Records, 2007)
Battlefield Band "The Best Of Battlefield Band" (Temple Records, 2003)
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