Folkie Holmes to return

SINGER Adam Holmes and his band The Embers will play two special Shetland shows, along with the hotly tipped Glaswegian singer Ella the Bird, in December.

Making a swift return to the islands after a hugely popular stint at the 2014 Shetland Folk Festival, 23 year old Holmes has wooed audiences in Scotland and beyond with the timeless timbre of his vocals.

Adam Holmes & the Embers and Ella the Bird will perform at the Carnegie Hall in Sandwick on Wednesday 10 December, followed by a show at Mareel on Thursday 11 December, presented by Ragged Wood Promotions in association with Shetland Arts. 

The Edinburgh singer’s debut album ‘Heirs and Graces’ contains crafted ballads and haunting melodies recalling John Martyn’s strum and sting, laced with a slice of Paulo Nutini soul and touches of traditional folk and Americana.

Holmes, one of the final acts to be booked by folk festival mainstay Davie Henderson prior to his untimely death, said May’s visit was “definitely one of the highlights of our year”.

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“Every audience we played for during our time there was respectful and attentive,” he said. “It is an island that speaks the language of music beautifully and we are greatly looking forward to returning.”

Ella the Bird, aka Siobhan Wilson, will share the bill for the two pre-Christmas shows. She has generated considerable buzz already.

BBC Radio Scotland DJ Vic Galloway says Wilson possesses a “smooth, controlled and yet passionate voice; personal, touching lyrics, and swoonsome, jazz-inflected melodies in abundance”.

Her first visit to the islands comes hot on the heels of a November tour around Europe supporting Del Amitri singer Justin Currie. She said Shetland was “pretty much the place I’m looking forward to going most this year”.

“I’m looking forward to learning about the history of the island and I’ve heard folk tales, but most of all I plan to buy a very warm, very woolly jumper when I’m there. Where should I go?”

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She added: “I am absolutely thrilled to play these shows. I have always wanted to visit Shetland and it will really be something to look forward to for December. Some of my favourite singers, like Kris Drever and Rachel Sermanni, have already played in Mareel.”

Neil Riddell of Ragged Wood Promotions said the double-header would showcase two of Scotland’s finest young vocal talents and two excellent local acts.

“Adam Holmes was definitely a highlight for lots of people at this year’s folk festival,” he said. “We’re excited to be welcoming him back, and equally excited to hear what Ella the Bird has to offer.” 

The Carnegie Hall show will be opened by one of Shetland’s favourite boy bands, Vair, featuring Sandwick brothers Lewie and Erik Peterson along with Jonny Polson and Ryan Couper. A limited number of tickets are still available from the Sandwick bakery.

The Mareel show will be opened by Danny Kyle Award-winning local singer songwriter Arthur Nicholson, who will be joined by Adam Guest and Louise Thomason. Tickets are on sale at Shetland Box Office.