Cahalen Morrison

Originally hailing from the high desert of Northern New Mexico, Cahalen Morrison has made a name for himself over the past decade, touring solo, as a duo with Eli West, or with his roadhouse country band Western Centuries. 

Cahalen has played shows and festivals all over the world and performed on stage with the likes of Transatlantic Sessions, Tim O’Brien, Kelly Joe Phelps, Hot Rize, Crooked Still and Kris Drever.

Equally at home on guitar, banjo, mandolin, singing three-part harmony or unaccompanied, he has carved out a place for himself as a unique voice in American music. An insightful and poetic wordsmith and songwriter, a subtle and accomplished roots multi-instrumentalist and a captivating singer. Well known for his singular turn of phrase and curiously poignant songs, he dips deep into the well of tradition while continuously pushing boundaries of contemporary songwriting.

Due out in autumn 2026, Cahalen's new record The Broken Bell is a collection of all new, original material from the acclaimed songwriter. The theme of his relocation to Scotland from the American West runs deep throughout the album. The project will feature Cahalen (vocals, banjo, guitar, fiddle, percussion) alongside many of Scotland's most influential and forward-thinking musicians including Kris Drever (guitar, vocals), Fergus McCreadie (piano, harmonium), Tom Gibbs (harmonium), Kathleen MacInnes (vocals), Euan Burton (bass), Kim Oehme (vocals), Norman Wilmore (saxophone), Brìghde Chaimbeul (Scottish small pipes), Lauren McColl (fiddle), Donald Grant (violin), Su-a Lee (cello) and West Virginian, bluegrass luminary Tim O'Brien (vocals, fiddle).

The warmth and vigour of Scotland's music scene has very naturally encouraged these collaborations and the instrumentation leads to a subtle yet obvious departure from Cahalen's straight ahead American roots sound, incorporating elements of Scottish Trad, jazz and classical.

Cahalen has played all over the United States, Canada, UK, Ireland and much of Western Europe, and at festivals such as MerleFest, Red Wing Roots, Rockygrass, Wintergrass, Celebrate Brooklyn!, Strawberry Music Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, Meadowgrass, Timber!, Shetland Folk Festival, Tradition Now!, Larmer Tree, Kilkenny Roots Festival, TradFest Edinburgh, Celtic Connections, Folk By The Oak, Bluegrass Jamboree… 

Cahalen Morrison is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

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