Soundhouse Winter Festival: Cahalen Morrison Trio

“Cahalen is making music the world needs.”— Tim O'Brien

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.

Now based in Glasgow, Cahalen is working on the release of his second ‘solo’ album, The Rolling Thunder of the Sea. It is 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 record features Cahalen (vocals, banjo, guitar, fiddle, percussion) alongside many of Scotland's most influential and forward-thinking musicians. They include Euan Burton (bass), Kris Drever (guitar, vocals), Fergus McCreadie (piano, harmonium), Kathleen MacInnes (vocals), Kim Oehme (vocals), Norman Wilmore (saxophone), Brìghde Chaimbeul (Scottish small pipes), 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.

Expect songs from the new album with some old favourites on the set list and a couple of special guests from the recording studio accompanying Cahalen for this very special gig.

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