The Familiar Transatlantic Sessions Return to Celtic Connections 2013

Celtic Connections 2013 will be showcasing a very special Transatlantic Sessions to celebrate the festival’s 20th year. It’s been a significant year for the Transatlantic Sessions, which followed up its longest sellout tour to date, around the UK and Ireland in early 2012, with its first ever performance in the United States, a centerpiece of Celtic Connections’ showcase program at September’s Ryder Cup Handover Ceremony in Chicago, heralding the contest’s coming to Scotland in 2014.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter will make her Transatlantic Sessions debut. Creator of a slow-seasoned, richly hybrid sound sometimes dubbed “new world blues”, singer and guitarist Eric Bibb was a natural choice for this year’s line-up. Bibb collaborated on his 2012 release Deeper in the Well with the Transatlantic Sessions’ joint musical director Jerry Douglas, and also with another returning regular, multi-instrumentalist and all-round Southern roots authority Dirk Powell. Bibb’s album was recorded in Powell’s Louisiana studio.

Also performing from the United States are Crooked Still vocalist Aoife O’Donovan, currently winning enthusiastic recognition for her solo work, and multi-talented old-time virtuoso Bruce Molsky. Home-grown guests include the golden-voiced Teddy Thompson, who continues to carve out his own acclaimed style of catchy roots-pop, and Scottish folk singer and songwriter Emily Smith, whose latest album is due in 2013. Douglas’s co-director Aly Bain directs the customary all-star house band.

Celtic Connections 2013 takes place in Glasgow between January 17th and February 3rd.

Tickets for Celtic Connections are available at www.celticconnections.com, by phone at 0141 353 8000, or in person at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City Halls and Old Fruitmarket.