Multi-award-winning Scottish folk singer Kris Drever has confirmed he will unveil new material in Aberdeen.
A seven-time winner of the prestigious BBC 2 folk award, Kris has been at the forefront of the British roots scene for more than a decade.
The in-demand singer, and guitarist has collaborated with Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble, Cream’s Jack Bruce, Rosanne Cash, Karine Polwart and many more.
Regarded as one of Scotland’s finest contemporary folk musicians guitarist Kris’ previous solo album The World Is Thin was released to acclaim in 2020.
And lucky Granite City fans will get a sneak peek of his new material when he headlines The Lemon Tree on Sunday.
The 44-year-old said: “I have quite a few new songs and will do a chunk of new material in Aberdeen.
“I am always writing. I also have plans to tour with my bands next year.
“Everything hinges on more music and I am thoroughly enjoying writing new material at the moment.
“There will be more and more to come.”
The joy of revisiting old material
As well as the fresh, unheard material unveiled in the Granite City Kris will also perform songs from his near two-decade career at The Lemon Tree.
He will play original and traditional songs ranging from his Orcadian musical beginnings to solo classics such as Black Water and If Wishes Were Horses.
There will also be some older material given a live airing in Aberdeen for the first time in many years.
Kris said: “I try to make sure I do a different show every time I go out.
“What’s nice about playing for quite a while is that I have a lot of material to choose from.
“I can revisit things I haven’t played in a long time which is often very enjoyable and rewarding.
“When you come back to songs you haven’t done for a while they almost feel new.”
Supporting Aberdeen football club
Playing the Granite City is extra special for the Orkney-born and raised musician, as he is an Aberdeen FC fan.
He said: “I always feel very welcome in Aberdeen.
“I’m also an Aberdeen football fan so there is always that bit of patter as well about the football.
“Aberdeen are a bit up and down, but at least there is always that possibility of goals.”
Renowned worldwide for his musicianship and songwriting Kris keeps tabs on the Dons wherever he is touring around the globe.
His touring schedule is so hectic Kris, who is also part of trio Lau, began rehearsing for the band’s tour whilst playing live in Canada last month.
Hectic worldwide touring schedule
After being denied live shows for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown Kris is making up for lost time.
He has recently returned from playing at the nine-day Celtic Colours Festival on Cape Breton Island, Canada.
Kris said: “Canada was great as I had not been there for a few years.
“I was able to see some old friends. However, on my return from Canada, I was straight into the Lau tour.
“I had to rehearse for that Lau tour before leaving Canada so it was pretty tight.
Aberdeen!!! Always love, always a vibe, can’t wait. Are you coming? I’m working on my show eenoo. Share the news around and I’ll see you under the boughs of the Lemon Tree. KX https://t.co/7CTxCEUc5P pic.twitter.com/3KsqpFzpLq
— Kris Drever (@KrisDrever) October 27, 2022
“Getting to play live again after Covid is great.
“A big part of my worry during the pandemic was how am I going to feed my family.
“Some people have different relationships with music and performance.
“I think we all learned a lot about ourselves during the Covid pandemic.
“A lot of my satisfaction comes from making things.
“For some people, the performance is the high point of the whole process.
“For me the sharing is great, but it is not the whole reason.”
For information and tickets for Kris Drever at The Lemon Tree visit aberdeenperformingarts.com
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