Ross Couper from Shetland (now based in Glasgow) and Tom Oakes from Devon may hail from polar opposite ends of the UK, but their shared passion for the infectious melodies and grooves of Celtic music, and their fiery, driving rhythms have been dazzling audiences for the best part of a decade.
The fiddle and guitar duo are deeply rooted in the traditions of Scotland and Ireland but with a vital modernity that chronicles their many musical journeys so far. Ross’ explosive fiddle playing lies at the heart of some of the biggest acts on the Scottish folk scene including the mighty Peatbog Faeries. Tom Oakes is a multi award-winning guitarist and flautist who is known for his work with Luke Daniels (Riverdance) and 2009 BBC R2 Folk Award winner (Best Live Act) Damien Barber. Ross and Tom’s 2017 album ‘Fiddle & Guitar’ was shortlisted for Album of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
Over the last five years, Ross and Tom have (amongst many other things!) played three sell out performances at Celtic Connections, and have toured Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the UK. Expect their trademark, unrivalled energy and virtuosity interspersed with moments of spine tingling beauty, and a warmth and humour that guarantees a smile on the face and leaves audiences exhilarated and entertained.
For this trip to Shetland percussionist Calum MacIntyre will join this fabulous duo. Both Tom and Ross will also be involved in our Year of Young People project with musicians from Shetland and Vermont.
“Gleaming with musicianship. Exquisite”
The Guardian
“Funky guitar and flash fiddling, exhausting and energising in parallel”
The Living Tradition
“Brooding and melancholic, fast and furious, delicate and reflective and much more besides”
Bright Young Folk
