Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 2024 presents Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones. Since their first collaborations back in 2007 both have spent the intervening years writing, touring and recording with many of the biggest names in traditional music.

They re-united in earnest to write and perform again on Rachel’s critically acclaimed solo release ‘Gaol’ in 2020 and their combined passion for song and the exploration of the wide repertoire across the tradition, in Gaelic, Scots and English cemented a new partnership which culminated in their debut collaborative release, the EP ‘A Happy Place’ in 2021.

“Happy puts it mildly, listening to this music takes me to a place way beyond happy, so joyously upbeat is the music, songs and melodies buoyant with vibrancy and life.” Seuras Og - At The Barrier

The duo continued to develop their repertoire through lockdown and as live performances returned, they took their music to the stage, first in online performances for Celtic Connections and Fèis Rois and then live at the Under Canvas Festival at Eden Court, Am Bothan Dhùn Èideann and The Loch Sheil Festival.

In 2021 the duo embarked on a project to recognise the achievements of Scottish women through song which culminated in the release of ‘Despite the Wind and Rain’ in November 2022. The album, a collection of ten brand new songs, has received an overwhelming response…

“…a tremendous historical and artistic document...the songs themselves are musically just beautiful...this is one hell of an album." Mike Wistow (www.folking.com)

“…one of my albums of the year - great singing/musicianship but more important - great soul." Mike Harding

Following on from their incredible headline premier of the album at Celtic Connections in January 2023 the duo toured extensively in UK, Canada and Ireland earning them a nomination in the ‘Folk Band of Year’ category at the Scots Trad Awards 2023 and inclusion on The List magazine’s 'Hot 100' for 2023 recognising their contribution to Scottish culture.

With plans to tour UK, Germany, Canada and the USA in the pipeline, the duo are already busy writing and recording for new releases in 2024. Their combined passion for song and the exploration of the wide repertoire across the tradition, blended with their own beautiful and heartfelt original songs, ensure an evening of captivating live music and song with two of Scotland’s finest singers & musicians.

This event is part of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 2024

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