Kris Drever
Orkney-born Kris, emerged from the ferment of the late-90s Edinburgh session scene as a member of bands including Fine Friday and Session A9, and an increasingly sought-after accompanist, working with artists including Eddi Reader and Julie Fowlis.
Fast building his name both as a guitarist of exceptionally eclectic talent, and a singularly eloquent interpreter of traditional and contemporary songs, he released his debut solo album, Black Water, in October 2006 for Reveal Records, going on to win the Horizon prize for best newcomer at the following year's Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Doubling as a founder member of the electrifying folk trio Lau, alongside fiddler Aidan O' Rourke and accordionist Martin Green, he spent much of 2007 taking the international festival circuit by storm.
Orcadian multi-instrumentalist and owner of one of the most ethereal and enigmatic voices to emerge from Scotland in recent times. Kris’ debut album ‘Black Water’ brought him to the attention of the BBC Folk Awards who honoured him with the Horizon Award for Best Newcomer. He is also a founder member of LAU, winners of the Best Group Award.
‘Black Water’ is a rich and astonishing journey, one through twisting lanes of traditional themes and acoustic music, the delicate and intricate arrangements enveloped by Kris’s voice (and packed with a sorrowful punch); the songs injected with honesty and heartfelt drama at every turn. The playing is quite simply off the page, yet joyfully melodic and simplistic.
- Q – A strong natural singer and top notch guitarist. The folk revival has a new standard bearer
- The Sun – Further confirmation that folk music is kicking and screaming into the 21st Century…many moments of rare beauty
- Maverick – Black Water is an album that will be as relevant twenty years hence as it is today 5/5
- Telegraph – Maturity and flair flow from every track
- Mojo – Kris Drever is a serious talent
- Sunday Times – Kris Drever’s debut aligns ancient with modern. A poignant picture of modern Britain and makes the standard live anew’
The ‘LIVE’ DVD was recorded in January 2008 - Kris Drever's set comprises a full performance of his album ‘Black Water’ in concert for Celtic Connections 2008, featuring: Ian Carr, Roddy Woomble, Donald Shaw, John McCusker, Heidi Talbot, Andy Cutting, Ewen Vernal, Donald Hay, Karen Mathieson.
Kris will soon begin work on his second album due for release in 2009, before that he is busy being one third of DREVER McCUSKER WOOMBLE
