Douglas Montgomery (fiddle/viola) and Brian Cromarty (Vocals/Guitar/Mandola) are no strangers to Shetland having performed as Saltfishforty at the Folk Festival in 2003, 2009 and 2014, and also as part of The Chair at several Festivals. The much-loved Orcadian pair have been wowing audiences at many of the world’s top folk festivals with their infectious and feisty rhythms. As I'm sure you'll understand, we felt there's no real way we could celebrate our 40th without SaltfishFORTY!! Welcome back
A partnership forged back in 2002 – more by accident than design – the two knew each other since primary school, and played together in sessions and various bands, until they were booked in a four-piece for a charity gig, and only the two turned up: “We decided to go on and just make as much noise as two people possibly could – which is kind of how it’s been ever since!” they say.
Saltfishforty have a fresh and dynamic sound, combining the rich traditional music of Orkney with original contemporary compositions, boldly cross-fertilised with influences from Americana to East European folk, plus a high-octane whiff of heavy metal. The powerhouse partnership have won a devoted following throughout the UK and beyond, brilliantly transcending the duo format’s conventional confines. Linchpin figures in the currently flourishing revival of Orkney’s traditional music, they unite these deep-rooted sources with an exhilarating breadth of influence and expertise, catalysed by a creative empathy born from decades of friendship. The result is a sound of equally thrilling raw attack and multi-dimensional richness.
“Huge fun and great when heard performed live”
fRoots
“The duo’s infectious and exhilarating rhythms are as fresh and exciting as ever. Superb stuff.”
Songlines
“Outstanding musicianship… their mix of traditional, contemporary and original tunes and songs, stirred together with Scottish, country, blues, Balkan and rockabilly influences, deliver a wealth of lyricism and finesse”
The Scotsman
Find them on Facebook.
