Our new Album of the Week is from Rebecca Wright and Donal McKay

Rebecca Wright and Donald McKay’s music has been likened to that of a good Scotch whisky: delightfully smooth, full of character and highly addictive.

With voices that can instantly transport you to another place and time, Donald’s traditional and original songs from his native Scotland are beautifully complemented by Rebecca’s insightful Australian originals and thoughtful selection of contemporary gems.

Accompanied by requinto, cello, acoustic guitar and bodhran, their shows promise something out of the ordinary and bring you back to the heart of folk. Together they recently released their

first album – “Joys that never weary” – a collection of ten songs recorded live in Glasgow at Kyoti Studio by Mark Freegard (Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Del Amitri).

Rebecca is possibly most well-known on the Australian folk circuit for her gracefully grounded

solo performances and inspired songwriting. Since bursting onto the Brisbane folk scene at just age 16, she has played at countless festivals and folk clubs, including the world-renowned Woodford, National and Port Fairy Festivals.

In 2008 she left Australia’s shores for the first time, initially embarking on a four month tour as guest cello-singer with the well-loved Aussie duo, Cloudstreet. It was on this tour that she met Donald, and consequently found herself living in Scotland for the next 3 years, where she was immersed in traditional Scottish music and culture. During this time, she also spent an eventful seven months touring Europe as cello-singer with the seven-piece folk rock outfit, The Wishing Well.

Born and bred in the lowland hills west of Glasgow, Donald has been singing traditional Scots songs for as long as he can remember. An active participant in his local (Houston) folk club since the age of 17, he has spent the last two decades honing his skills as a singer, guitarist and bodhran player. He has played in sessions all over the UK and beyond where he is always a welcome addition due to his vast repertoire and sheer love of the Scots song.

Since joining their songs and lives together, Rebecca and Donald have played at a number of folk clubs in Scotland, including The Wee Folk Club (Edinburgh), Falkirk, Houston and the Star Folk Club (Glasgow). They have also performed on the ‘Danny Kyle Open Stage’ at Glasgow’s high profile Celtic Connections festival and have been invited four years running to play in the historic Rothesay Castle on the Isle of Bute for the Friends of the Rothesay Castle’s annual St Andrew’s Dinner.

In April 2012, Rebecca and Donald returned to Australia. Their first official engagement was at the National Folk Festival, which was shortly followed by performances at the Maleny Music Weekend, the Wintermoon Festival, Palm Creek Festival and the Folk Redlands Music Festival.

Listen to Ross talking with Rebecca & Donald from 12 noon and midnight on Saturday and from 6pm on Monday and Catch Up