Biography

“One of the most exhilarating acoustic bands on the Celtic map.” IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

 

Taking their name from the Scottish Gaelic word for kinship, ‘Gaelic Supergroup’ Dàimh (pronounced dive) are a 5 piece band based in Lochaber in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; an area as much renowned for its scenic beauty as for its rich musical and cultural heritage. A long-established favourite at folk festivals in Scotland, Ireland and across Europe, twice nominated for Folk Band of the Year at the Scots Traditional Music Awards, Dàimh are also regulars on BBC television.

Joined by Gaelic champion, Griogair Labhruidh, on vocals and Uillean Pipes, adding the depth and power of his commanding vocal performances to an already phenomenal instrumental arsenal of bagpipes, fiddle, whistles, mandola and guitar. From pyrotechnic jigs and reels to achingly poignant ballads, they run the full expressive gamut of folk music at its best, and are justly renowned for their thrilling live shows.

Dàimh have released 5 studio albums to date. Their most recent; Tuneship once again sees the band blazing a new trail in the Scottish music scene with their own instrumental compositions skilfully integrated with traditional Gaelic Songs.

“Their music is powerhouse stuff, and their gigs are an overwhelming and exuberant experience.” SONGLINES

Angus MacKenzie: Highland Pipes/Border Pipes/Whistles

A Gaelic-speaking piper from Mabou, Cape Breton Island on Canada’s East Coast residing for the past 17 years on the Isle of Skye. His piping style draws on his strong South Uist roots along with the dance-influenced rhythms of Cape Breton music. 2012 saw Angus, along with his brother Kenneth nominated for Roots Traditional Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards for their album, Pìob is Fidheall.

Gabe McVarish: Fiddle

Hailing from Northern California, where his family settled after emigrating from Morar, Lochaber via Prince Edward Island. At the age of 17 Gabe travelled to his ancestral homeland of the Scottish Highlands where he spent a year studying music under the tutelage of fiddler and tradition bearer Angus Grant Sr. After completing a degree in Scottish music Gabe released solo album Eclection, a culmination of fiddle styles and repertoire from both sides of the Atlantic.

Murdo Cameron: Mandola/Mandolin/Accordion

Murdo comes from a long line of traditional Gaelic singers and was immersed in music growing up Glenelg, a wee village a stones throw across from the Isle of Skye, famous for being twinned with Mars. A member of the Mountain Rescue, Murdo started out as an accordion player and piper, who in the last few years has been a busy guitar accompanist and stringed things enthusiast.

Ellen MacDonald: Vocals

Ellen hails from Inverness and that's about all I can say about this Gaelic singer until I get an updated bio for her from the band [Editor].

Ross Martin: Guitar

From Arisaig though now lives in neighbouring Morar. A fisherman from early teens until his twenties and now

an active member of the Coastguard, Ross has gone on to tour Europe and the U.S. with Irish singer Karan

Casey. Ross’ unique style of guitar accompaniment has him in demand for numerous projects including Dual, a collaborative exploration of traditional Gaelic music of Scotland and Ireland by Danù singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoimh and Brave singing sensation, Julie Fowlis.