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Long established among the jewels in the crown of Celtic Connections’ final weekend, and the fastest annual sellouts – even extended over two nights – the Transatlantic Sessions continue to revisit shared roots and forge new common ground between today’s finest Celtic and Americana musicians. This year’s shows, once again featuring the same artists on both dates, keep a winning formula fresh with an adroit balance between old hands at the format – both on stage and in the ongoing BBC TV version – and new faces.

In an array of at least eight outstanding singers, at least half will also be joining in on the tunes – Nickel Creek vocalist/fiddler Sara Watkins; O Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack star Dan Tyminski (aka the voice of George Clooney), on guitar and mandolin; Bruce Molsky (fiddle) and festival favourite Tim O’Brien returns – this time with one of Americana’s greatest interpreters – his sister Mollie, for her debut Transatlantic appearance. Further gracing the song department will be three of the most sublime female voices, between them spanning a rich and varied spectrum of traditional and contemporary styles: Scotland’s Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson (Capercaillie) alongside Ireland’s Cara Dillon.

On the instrumental side, expect bravura solos, jaw-dropping ensemble medleys and gorgeous song accompaniment from a mouthwatering line up of guest stars including such familiar – and formidable – figures as Danny Thompson, Darrell Scott, John Doyle, Russ Barenberg, Phil Cunningham, Donald Shaw, Michael McGoldrick and James Mackintosh, plus joint musical directors Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas. Book your tickets now for the show that continues to affirm its founding reputation as “the ultimate back-porch session”.

“If you had to choose only one show to see at the festival this would be it” ***** The Herald

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