Fo'c'sle Programme December 2003

5 Solan

(replacing Suntrap Duo at very short notice) 'In March 1999 the Shetland Folk Festival saw the appearance of an informal band of local musicians consisting of Richard Chaff (guitar; vocal); Frances Wilkins (concertina); Iain Morrison (Pipes; whistles) and Paul Jennings (Percussion). They performed under the name Scallywag and were well received. Two of members of this ensemble, Richard and Frances, were inspired by the experience to put together a more permanent group, the other two members having commitments that made the original line-up unviable as a regular unit. Thus was born Solan! Solan (Solan Goose is the traditional Shetland term for a Gannet) became a trio, with fiddler Chris Henderson joining Frances and Richard for their first foray South to the Chester Folk Festival in May 1999. The enthusiastic response their performances received helped to convince them that they had something that was entertaining, musically original and worth developing further. Later that year they released their first CD 'Northern Shore' (Veesik Records VKCD 106 1999) and toured Denmark and Scandinavia.

The album garnered excellent reviews and the band subsequently toured extensively in the U.K. playing at folk clubs and festivals the length and breadth of the British mainland. In the course of their travels they have won many and influenced no small number of people into the bargain! They also lost Chris Henderson. Chris Stout, who played on their excellent second CD, 'The Haven and The Hurricane' (CDSCD 202 2001), joined them for a couple of tours in 2001 but had too many commitments to remain with the band long term, so Richard and Frances decided to continue as a duo.

Their increasing popularity necessitated a move to the mainland. Solan are now based in the South of England and working on their third album which is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2004. While continuing to work together as a duo Frances and Richard also hope to work with other musicians in a larger line-up in the future. Solan's music is a heady mix. Richard and Frances were both born and raised in England and their playing carries a cool English sensibility, yet they play their fiery tune-sets with a very Celtic passion and verve. The influence of their years living in Shetland has left a strong influence on their repertoire, Richard having become a fine storyteller in the tradition and Frances's interpretations of Shetland tunes earning her plaudits from many native Shetland players! Many who hear them for the first time will be astonished at their ability to switch from a stomping set of reels to a stunningly beautiful slow air or a finely-crafted song arrangement. The songs and tunes come from many sources Scots/Irish/Shetland/N.E. English traditional dance-tunes and airs, original instrumental pieces (some of Solan's most moving tunes are composed by one R.Chaff!) and songs traditional, contemporary and original. One thing you will not be at a Solan gig is bored!

The secret of the appeal of Solan music, however, will remain the same whether you hear a big-band version or the two fine musicians at its core ... good music well-played with passion, commitment, style and above all soul! If you love traditionally-rooted acoustic music and you have not heard Solan yet then they are most certainly a band you should hear. If you already know them, I am no doubt preaching to the converted!'

Nick Mitchell Chester Folk Festival/Raven Folk Club, Chester 2003

12 Anything Goes

Play or Sing, read a Poem, tell a Story, listen, fetch the beer, anything

19 Anything Goes and Christmas Buffet with toasted Mummers

26 - Club Closed for Boxing Day
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