Alternative Folk from Lowland Folk

Based in the Scottish city of Dundee, Lowland Folk is a musical project that keeps the traditions of classic folk music alive in the modern era. This enduring family band consists of founder Stewart Brown on vocals, guitar, concertina, banjo and whistles, his wife Anne on vocals, recorder, and concertina and his brother Ramsay on vocals and guitar. Originally named The Lowland Folk Four with Philip Gore as the fourth member, the group later became known simply as Lowland Folk when they were joined by Alan Barty of Makem and Clancy fame on fiddle and mandolin.

Lowland Folk has decorated track record of musical contributions, with three full-length albums to their name. Their debut album, Eh’ll Tell The Boaby, was released through the renowned EMI imprint. Subsequent albums, Time To Be Singing Again and This Is Lowland Folk, were then released under their own record label, Balaena Records. Additionally, they contributed to the popular composite album of Dundee songs, “Coorse And Fine” released via Springthyme Records.

Despite their official retirement, Lowland Folk continues to make occasional appearances at concerts and festivals, such as the prestigious FifeSing 2023 Traditional Song Festival. They are currently re-mastering their albums for modern audiences, aiming to release them on streaming platforms.

With another display of the band reviving their creative flame, they bring us the new single titled “WhaleSong Sounding.” The song, a love letter to the whales of the world, was inspired by a request from the late Sir Peter Scott. Stewart and Anne Brown had met Sir Peter through their previous work on songs about his father’s ill-fated ship, the RRS Discovery.

Moved by their music, Sir Peter asked Stewart to write a song in support of whale conservation. Staying true to his promise, Stewart wrote “WhaleSong Sounding,” which was recently recorded in a studio by Stewart and Anne. The single is a beautiful blend of Lowland Folk’s charming folk sound and a powerful message of environmental conservation with all royalties going towards Marine Conservation projects.

Presented via an elegant, folk sound of a concertina and dazzling orchestral touches, the band’s layered vocals carry the poignant lyrics as soft echoes of actual whale noises are blended into the song. It’s a truly delightful pice of music that’s at once melancholic and hopeful, brought to life by accomplished musicians, resulting in a beautiful alternative folk song with a profound message.

Listen to WhaleSong Sounding below

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