Capercaillie

Named after a large Grouse, Capercaillie ("Kap-ir-Kay-Lee") are without a doubt one of the most popular of Scottish traditional groups. Karen Matheson's singing has been widely acclaimed, both for traditional songs and some of their more pop-influenced recent work.

"Karen Matheson has a throat that is surely touched by God......" Sean Connery

Capercaillie released their first album in 1984 whilst still at school and over the following eight albums have established themselves as "the most exciting and vibrant band in the field of Celtic music today"(Billboard). They have sold many hundreds of thousands of albums across the world, and played in over twenty five countries, including ground breaking tours of South America, The Middle-East and Eastern Europe, receiving enthusiastic response in every country.

The longest serving members of Capercaillie are Donald Shaw, Karen Mathieson, Charlie McKerron and Mannus Lunny. Many other fantastic musicians have been members, toured and appeared on albums.

Donald Shaw (Accordion & Keyboards) has written music for Network Television documentaries and dramas, as well as contributing to the soundtrack of the feature film 'Rob Roy'.

Charlie McKerron, one of Scotland's finest fiddle players, won the Daily Record Golden Fiddle award. He has been a member of Capercaillie, Scotland's foremost Celtic band, for 12 years.

Manus Lunny comes from Donegal, from a family steeped in the musical tradition of Ireland. His touring began with "the Wild Geese" he has also toured with Andy .M. Stewart (ex Silly Wizard) and has toured with Phil Cunningham and Andy Stewart as a trio. Manus is a gifted instrumentalist, singer and composer.

Many comparisons have been made between Capercaillie and Clannad both for their overall style and their ventures from traditional to more modern sounds. The band has been around since the early eighties, and have recorded with Green Linnet and Survival Records.

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