Albannach
Encyclopedia
Albannach, Gàidhlig for "Scottish" or "Scotsman", is a Scottish music band. Their traditional warlike tribal music is heavily percussive; driven by bass drum
s, bodhrán
s, and bagpipes
.
and Scottish cultural events being held throughout Albion and North America. Albannach calls Glasgow
, Scotland
home.
in 1973. He left school at an early age to become an apprentice motor mechanic. After working as a mechanic, he moved on to other forms of employment including doing some film work for various UK film production companies and the Discovery channel
.
It was through this work that he became involved in the music scene and soon found himself playing the bass drum
with Clann An Drumma
. After working with them for 5 years he left and became part of Albannach, where he holds the title "the baron of bass."
Jamesie's musical influences are mostly rock and roll, with bands like AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Metallica and Pink Floyd being some of his favourites. He is also very fond of classical music and enjoys the works of Bach and Yanni.
Born in Paisley and brought up just outside Glasgow, from an early age she enjoyed horse riding and archery and later developed a passion for motorcycles and all things Scottish.
Initially trained in stage management and film technology, she eventually joined a Scottish Re-enactment organisation through which she met most of the rest of the band. She became involved in many different film, television and theatre productions. Music was a natural progression from this.
Jacquie is one of the original founding members of Clann an Drumma but later left with other members and formed Albannach.
Prior to joining Albannach, he played the pipes in many competitions and town halls throughout Scotland. He has toured with a previous band throughout Europe, America, and Asia.
He is also the nephew of Simple Minds keyboardist, Mick MacNeil.
area of Scotland, Kyle was first introduced to Scottish music when he became a highland dancer
at age four which he continued until he was 14. Shortly afterward, he joined a local pipe band, The Vale of Atholl, where he spent two years on the side drum at novice juvenile level and one year as the juvenile Drum major
.
Kyle studied at Perth College
for a couple of years but quit in 1996 to travel in East Asia for two years, working over a year of this time in Hong Kong. After returning to college and graduating, he was asked to join a newly-formed Scottish band and soon became the lead drummer in Albannach.
In November 2009, Kyle left the band to pursue other interests.
, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitars.
For the last 5 years Colin has been playing drum kit with 'Das Contras' a Latin funk band, 'the Gus Munro band' a blues band, and other traditional Scottish folk bands, along with artists such as Paul McKenna
and Finlay MacDonald
. Colin has now taken up the position as Albannach's new lead drummer.
. When he was 15, he became involved with the Scottish clan
organisations where he met some of his future bandmates while working as an extra
and “stunt fighter
” on many film and TV sets. Not only did this bring him out of his shell and give him some of the most memorable times of his life, it also further fuelled his love for Scotland and its history.
He pursued his other passion, music, by studying sound engineering at Perth college when he was 19. At 21, Aya moved to Glasgow to study Dance music production at James Watt College
in Greenock
.
Although he had learned to play the bodhrán
when he was 17, he had not played it for about two years. The prospect of picking it up again and playing in front of the band, never mind the crowds, left him slightly nervous.
Now that he’s used to the crowds and playing again, Aya is enjoying every minute of his time with the band, he counts himself lucky to be doing something that combines his two major passions, music and Scotland.
. The stresses of touring eventually got to him and Davey took a break in 2004. In spring 2006, Davey was asked if he wanted to join a new band with some old friends, and after such a long break he jumped at the chance. He only plays with the band when they are touring in his current country of America.
Davey has been composing music for the last two years. He has been involved with other live acts for over ten years as a bass guitarist in Scottish folk and punk bands, impromptu folk sessions at festivals, and even spoken word
recitals of the poetry of Robert Burns
. He has also worked as a tattoo artist and sculptor.
Bass drum
Bass drums are percussion instruments that can vary in size and are used in several musical genres. Three major types of bass drums can be distinguished. The type usually seen or heard in orchestral, ensemble or concert band music is the orchestral, or concert bass drum . It is the largest drum of...
s, bodhrán
Bodhrán
The bodhrán is an Irish frame drum ranging from 25 to 65 cm in diameter, with most drums measuring 35 to 45 cm . The sides of the drum are 9 to 20 cm deep. A goatskin head is tacked to one side...
s, and bagpipes
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are a class of musical instrument, aerophones, using enclosed reeds fed from a constant reservoir of air in the form of a bag. Though the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and Irish uilleann pipes have the greatest international visibility, bagpipes of many different types come from...
.
Members
The band frequently performs at Highland gamesHighland games
Highland games are events held throughout the &Highland games are events held throughout the &Highland games are events held throughout the &(-è_çà in Scotland and other countries as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Certain...
and Scottish cultural events being held throughout Albion and North America. Albannach calls Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
home.
Jamesie Johnston
Jamesie is the bass drummer and is responsible for some vocal work. Jamesie was born in GlasgowGlasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
in 1973. He left school at an early age to become an apprentice motor mechanic. After working as a mechanic, he moved on to other forms of employment including doing some film work for various UK film production companies and the Discovery channel
Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav...
.
It was through this work that he became involved in the music scene and soon found himself playing the bass drum
Bass drum
Bass drums are percussion instruments that can vary in size and are used in several musical genres. Three major types of bass drums can be distinguished. The type usually seen or heard in orchestral, ensemble or concert band music is the orchestral, or concert bass drum . It is the largest drum of...
with Clann An Drumma
Clann An Drumma
Clann An Drumma, Scots Gaelic for "Children of the Drum" is a tribal band from Glasgow, Scotland. Clann An Drumma was formed by Joe Kilna MacKenzie, Jacquie Holland and Tu-Bardh Stormcrow Wilson among others...
. After working with them for 5 years he left and became part of Albannach, where he holds the title "the baron of bass."
Jamesie's musical influences are mostly rock and roll, with bands like AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Metallica and Pink Floyd being some of his favourites. He is also very fond of classical music and enjoys the works of Bach and Yanni.
Jacquie Holland
Jacquie is the bass rhythm drummer in the band and is known for her vocal skills.Born in Paisley and brought up just outside Glasgow, from an early age she enjoyed horse riding and archery and later developed a passion for motorcycles and all things Scottish.
Initially trained in stage management and film technology, she eventually joined a Scottish Re-enactment organisation through which she met most of the rest of the band. She became involved in many different film, television and theatre productions. Music was a natural progression from this.
Jacquie is one of the original founding members of Clann an Drumma but later left with other members and formed Albannach.
Donnie MacNeill
Donnie is most famous as a bag-pipe player, but also plays drums, piano, and guitar.Prior to joining Albannach, he played the pipes in many competitions and town halls throughout Scotland. He has toured with a previous band throughout Europe, America, and Asia.
He is also the nephew of Simple Minds keyboardist, Mick MacNeil.
Kyle Gray
Born and brought up in the PitlochryPitlochry
Pitlochry , is a burgh in the council area of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, lying on the River Tummel. Its population according to the 2001 census was 2,564....
area of Scotland, Kyle was first introduced to Scottish music when he became a highland dancer
Scottish highland dance
The term Highland dance or Highland dancing is used today to refer to a style of athletic solo dancing which developed in the Gaelic Highlands of Scotland...
at age four which he continued until he was 14. Shortly afterward, he joined a local pipe band, The Vale of Atholl, where he spent two years on the side drum at novice juvenile level and one year as the juvenile Drum major
Drum Major
A drum major is the leader of a marching band, drum and bugle corps, or pipe band, usually positioned at the head of the band or corps. The drum major, who is often dressed in more ornate clothing than the rest of the band or corps, is responsible for providing commands to the ensemble regarding...
.
Kyle studied at Perth College
Perth College
Perth College UHI provides further education and higher education in the city of Perth, Scotland, through a main campus, a network of learning centres and by distance learning....
for a couple of years but quit in 1996 to travel in East Asia for two years, working over a year of this time in Hong Kong. After returning to college and graduating, he was asked to join a newly-formed Scottish band and soon became the lead drummer in Albannach.
In November 2009, Kyle left the band to pursue other interests.
Colin Walker
Colin has been a musician since he was 8 years old, when he started out playing the snare drum in the Neilston & District Pipe Band, where he took part in various gigs and competitions throughout Scotland and Europe. Colin also plays many other instruments including the drum kit, percussion, BodhranBodhrán
The bodhrán is an Irish frame drum ranging from 25 to 65 cm in diameter, with most drums measuring 35 to 45 cm . The sides of the drum are 9 to 20 cm deep. A goatskin head is tacked to one side...
, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitars.
For the last 5 years Colin has been playing drum kit with 'Das Contras' a Latin funk band, 'the Gus Munro band' a blues band, and other traditional Scottish folk bands, along with artists such as Paul McKenna
Paul McKenna
Paul McKenna is an English hypnotist and self-improvement author.McKenna has written and produced books and multimedia products, hosted self-improvement television shows and presents seminars in hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, weight loss and motivation.-Career:Paul McKenna started in...
and Finlay MacDonald
Finlay MacDonald (musician)
Finlay MacDonald is a keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and former member of Scottish alternative rock bands Teenage Fanclub and BMX Bandits.He has been employed as a music industry lecturer at Reid Kerr College in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. He is currently lead singer and guitarist for Lenzie...
. Colin has now taken up the position as Albannach's new lead drummer.
Aya Thorne
Aya is from the small town of PitlochryPitlochry
Pitlochry , is a burgh in the council area of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, lying on the River Tummel. Its population according to the 2001 census was 2,564....
. When he was 15, he became involved with the Scottish clan
Scottish clan
Scottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
organisations where he met some of his future bandmates while working as an extra
Extra (actor)
A background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking, nonsinging or nondancing capacity, usually in the background...
and “stunt fighter
Stunt actor
A Stunt actor or Stunt actress is a person who both plays an essential acting role and actively perform his or her own physical demanding stunts without a stunt double for scenes in a film or television, commonly in the action genre...
” on many film and TV sets. Not only did this bring him out of his shell and give him some of the most memorable times of his life, it also further fuelled his love for Scotland and its history.
He pursued his other passion, music, by studying sound engineering at Perth college when he was 19. At 21, Aya moved to Glasgow to study Dance music production at James Watt College
James Watt College
The James Watt College is a further education college in Greenock, Scotland.-History, facilities:The James Watt Memorial College on the corner of William Street and Dalrymple Street was officially opened as the Watt Memorial Engineering and Navigation School on 1 June 1908...
in Greenock
Greenock
Greenock is a town and administrative centre in the Inverclyde council area in United Kingdom, and a former burgh within the historic county of Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland...
.
Although he had learned to play the bodhrán
Bodhrán
The bodhrán is an Irish frame drum ranging from 25 to 65 cm in diameter, with most drums measuring 35 to 45 cm . The sides of the drum are 9 to 20 cm deep. A goatskin head is tacked to one side...
when he was 17, he had not played it for about two years. The prospect of picking it up again and playing in front of the band, never mind the crowds, left him slightly nervous.
Now that he’s used to the crowds and playing again, Aya is enjoying every minute of his time with the band, he counts himself lucky to be doing something that combines his two major passions, music and Scotland.
Davey 'Ramone' Morrison
Davey is a bodhran player with Albannach. He was introduced to primal pipes and drums while with Clann An DrummaClann An Drumma
Clann An Drumma, Scots Gaelic for "Children of the Drum" is a tribal band from Glasgow, Scotland. Clann An Drumma was formed by Joe Kilna MacKenzie, Jacquie Holland and Tu-Bardh Stormcrow Wilson among others...
. The stresses of touring eventually got to him and Davey took a break in 2004. In spring 2006, Davey was asked if he wanted to join a new band with some old friends, and after such a long break he jumped at the chance. He only plays with the band when they are touring in his current country of America.
Davey has been composing music for the last two years. He has been involved with other live acts for over ten years as a bass guitarist in Scottish folk and punk bands, impromptu folk sessions at festivals, and even spoken word
Spoken word
Spoken word is a form of poetry that often uses alliterated prose or verse and occasionally uses metered verse to express social commentary. Traditionally it is in the first person, is from the poet’s point of view and is themed in current events....
recitals of the poetry of Robert Burns
Robert Burns
Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide...
. He has also worked as a tattoo artist and sculptor.
Discography
Studio albums
- AlbannachAlbannach (album)Albannach is the debut album of Celtic Battle Music band Albannach, released in 2006. Albannach means "Scottish" in Gaelic.-Track listing:-Credits:* Jamesie Johnston – Bass Drum, Vocals, Bodhrán...
(2006) - Eye of the StormEye of the Storm (Albannach album)Eye of the Storm is the second album of Scottish tribal war band Albannach. It was recorded in spring 2007 in Auchindoun, Scotland.-Track listing:-Credits:* Jamesie Johnston - Bass Drum, Vocals, Bodhrán* Donnie MacNeill - Bagpipes, Drums...
(2007) - The Sub-Zero Sessions (EP) (2010)
Video
- Albannach Unleashed:Live At Grandfather Mountain (2006)
- Circa B.C.Circa B.C. (Albannach video)Circa B.C. is a live DVD concert of the Scottish tribal war band Albannach. It is mixed with interviews and was recorded at Mugdock Castle, Scotland in 2007.-Track listing:-Credits:* Jamesie Johnston - Bass Drum, Vocals, Bodhrán...
(2007)
Interviews
- Interview with Albannach on ScotlandonTV
- Interview with Jamesie
- Interview of Davey from Gatlinburg Games in Tennessee (Video)