I’ve been wanting to write this post for the 3 years now…
We’re so so excited to finally be bringing this brilliant Scottish trio to Telluride.
They’ve been named “Best Band” by the BBC Folk Awards a record 4 times (’08, ’09’, ’10, ’13) — and fiddler Aidan O’Rourke won the prestigious “Best Musician” award last year.
Singer/guitarist Kris Drever’s father was the leader of Scottish rock band Wolfstone who were favorites at the ’94 and ’95 Telluride Bluegrass Festivals.
While they’ve been stars of UK roots festivals for years (and even created their own groundbreaking festival), I don’t think they’ve ever played at a US festival. But that changes this June as we welcome to the 42nd Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival…
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LAU
I can’t think of another trio of guitar/fiddle/accordion that can get as intense and strike as much emotional depth as Lau. They’re rooted in the tradition of celtic music, but they bring a thoroughly modern edge - with moments of head banging intensity and heartbreaking beauty that patiently unfolds over virtuosic, long arrangements. They’ve crafted their own unique genre of heavy prog/trad, perfect for adventurous Telluride Festivarians.
Tim O’Brien (who is featured on guitarist Kris Drever’s most recent solo album) had this to say about them: “They would rock the Telluride BG audience. It’s high energy and intelligent. And a little daring. Kris’ singing is fantastic.”
And Jerry Douglas (who toured the UK with Kris last winter) gave us these thoughts: “Lau kicks ass! Wild Scots in Telluride is what I’ve dreamed of!”
If you’re not yet familiar with them, here are a few starting points… A word of warning: their music can be thoroughly addicting. Once I hear one of their tunes, I usually spend the rest of the day listening to nothing but Lau. And I listen to Lau LOUD.
Lau joined by Aoife O’Donovan:
http://youtu.be/pGCzlQ5sQuc
And here’s a long youtube playlist of a dozen Lau instrumental and vocal performances from over the years:
http://bit.ly/1zgHBkR