Co-founder of Battlefield Band Alan Reid was in the vanguard of the exciting new Scottish folk bands that emerged around 1970 (including Silly Wizard, Tannahill Weavers, and Ossian). His groundbreaking keyboard work helped cement the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential folk bands of its generation. As well as driving instrumental sets, the band was noted for fostering songwriting with Brian McNeill, Davy Steele, Karine Polwart, and Alan, all contributing. His songs have been lauded for being rooted in the Scots tradition, rich in storytelling and strong on melody.
After 40 years, recording almost 30 albums and touring worldwide with the Batties, Alan left in 2010 to concentrate on his duo with Rob van Sante. The pair recorded 5 albums and toured at home and abroad. Since 2020, he has continued to perform solo in the U.K., North America, Europe, and Australasia, winning new fans with his songs and engaging stage presence.
‘One of Scottish Folk Music’s timeless treasures’, Christine Kydd, multi-award-winning singer and twice-nominated MG AlbaScots Singer of the Year, Christine was inducted in 2018 to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. She first appeared in a duo with Janet Russell in the 80s and began exploring groundbreaking harmony work inspired by ‘Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares’ as well as marrying Joni Mitchell guitar tunings with traditional song. Since then, she has toured in North America, Europe, and beyond and supported major artistes including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Guy Clark, Richard Thompson, Tannahill Weavers, Capercaillie, and Christy Moore. Over the years, she has also collaborated with top musicians, some of whom have featured in groups like Jock Tamson’s Bairns, Blazin’ Fiddles, and Shooglenifty.
As respected and loved by fellow musicians as she is by her audiences, Christine’s songs range from traditional Scots songs and ballads to contemporary songs, including her own writing. All are connected by the warmth and humanity of her gorgeous singing, sense of fun, connection with her audience, and her love of song.
With years of experience delighting audiences worldwide, Alan and Christine bring in this new collaboration a beautifully curated repertoire of old and new songs, irresistible harmonies and a warmth of enjoyment in sharing the stage together.
