News:
May 2009 news
Another busy few months for all at Wardlaw Banks.
We are delighted to announce the signing of the great musical talent
that is Jon Allen.
Jon's debut album 'Dead Man's Suit" is released on June 1st. Sitting comfortably with contemporaries such as Ryan Adams, Jose Gonzales and
Damien Rice, whilst being unmistakeably evocative of the folk-rock scene of the
late 60s/early 70s.
The critically acclaimed first single 'Going Home', championed by Radio 1's Jo Whiley, featured on the worldwide Land Rover TV commercial in 2008. This track was also made record of the week by Absolute Radios drive time host, Geoff Lloyd.
Dead Mans Suit' shows an eclectic range of influences, from early Rod Stewart and the Faces to the legendary and lamented John Martyn in his 'Solid Air' era. Jon
echoes Martyns spirit and reflectiveness and at the same time shows that he
knows how to pen a good hook.
The soulful ballad 'In Your Light', which has achieved significant praise at BBC Radio 2 & Magic FM, riding high on the A list, having been championed by the likes of Ken Bruce, Johnnie Walker, Dermot O'Leary and Bob Harris.
Congratulations to The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards who's Spirit of the Glen is the 2009 BRIT Classical Album of the Year, beating off competition from Andrea Bocelli, The Priests, Kaherine Jenkins and Hayley Westenra, amongst others.
The NS&I Album of the Year, chosen by Classic FM listeners and Classic FM Magazine readers, is Spirit of the Glen - Journey, by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
Legendary British radio DJ Simon Bates presented the award to rapturous applause and triumphant bagpipes as key members of the Dragoon took to the stage in full regalia. Gracefully thanking the support of the public, on behalf of every soldier, sailor and airmen, they gave an extremely heartfelt acceptance before a powerful parting rendition of Amazing Grace.
The second album from the Scottish Cavalry Regiment's traditional pipes and drums features some modern arrangements of a collection of popular songs including their most famous piece, Amazing Grace, which originally reached number one in the charts in the UK, Ireland, Australia and South Africa in 1972.
World renowned accordionist Sharon Shannon received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at this years Meteor Ireland Music Awards, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Irish Music Industry over the past 22 years, the youngest ever recipient of this highly acclaimed award. The awards which took place on St Patrick's Day 17th March at the RDS featured Sharon Shannon performing her number one hit Galway Girl.
Sharon is currently writing an album of traditional tunes for full Concert Orchestra arrangement. She is also working on a new album with guest singers to be released in the Autumn of 2009. The genre-defying star has had multi-platinum album sales and has had several number one albums, singles and DVDs in her home country. Sharon has played festivals all over Europe including Oxegen, Womad and Glastonbury and has recently completed a sell-out UK tour and Irish nationwide tour with guests including Shane MacGowan, Mundy and Dessie O' Halloran.
"The Hare's Corner" (Cúinne an Ghiorria), the first solo album from The Frames' Colm MaconIomaire was nominated for a 2009 Meteor Award for Best Traditional/Folk Album.
May see the release of a 17 track "Best of Kiki Dee". For almost five decades Kiki Dee has proved herself to be one of the finest British female singers of her generation; her rich legacy of recordings underline her vocal versatility and remain timeless in their appeal. The recordings featured in this new Best Of collection are testimony to Kiki's status as one of Britain's top female performers. 
Kiki Dee's songs have survived almost five decades of changing musical trends. This new collection is evidence of her considerable contribution to popular music, both at home and abroad.
The April 2009 UK edition of Metal Hammer featured a covermount CD with a new song "Path to Glory" from "rising stars" Crowning Glory's forthcoming album "Winter In Our Blood".
We are delighted to have added several new signings to our roster, Colm MaconIomaire, violinist, keyboard player and vocalist with the Irish Rock group The Frames since 1990 and now touring with The Swell Season with Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Joe Doyle is the bassist and backing singer for The Frames. He has been a member of The Frames since 1996, appearing on six albums to date, and also is touring with The Swell Season.
London based Kevin Hughes is a multi-platinum selling songwriter/producer. He has enjoyed International success with various artists including Natasha Bedingfield,
Yohanna and Mel C amongst others.
A Lot Like Eskimos are a Leeds based band, drawn from city life and suburban soundings of their modern pop culture to create their very own take on modern music.