In the process of writing and recording these 365 tunes, my playing fundamentally changed.
I had to figure out how to keep solo playing engaging—first for myself, and then for the listener. To do that, I developed a personal style of “self-accompanying” as I wrote, finding new ways to use double stops and cross-bowings.
In the beginning, there were no plans for other instruments; it was just me. I had to keep the music moving and evolving on its own. You can hear the raw results of those early explorations on today’s tune.
🎧 Link in bio
A chance chat at the Vortex Jazz Club in 2016 changed the course of my 365 project. At the time, I was 150 or so tunes deep — really just a private exercise in daily composition, never meant to see the light of day.
Then @kitdownesmusic asked to hear some of my stuff. By the time we hit the Glasgow Jazz Festival together later that year, he was wreaking his brilliant havoc through my tunes... And then it came time to record the whole darn silly cycle, and we put down 200+ tunes together. 200+ tunes!!! I’m still floored by Kit's harmonic depth and beautiful musicality every time I listen.
This year I'm revisiting the 365 cycle. Sign up (link in bio – all free) if you fancy getting daily emails with the tunes and the stories.
Today’s track is a glimpse into the collaborative sound that Kit & I found together.
Listen at that link in bio. 🔗
📸 by @genevieve.stevenson
A cheeky little galliard from way back when. @seanstshibe and I will be playing this tmrw as part of @firstfootin at Rainy Hall in Edinburgh. Shows are free and un-ticketed and we’ll play 40 minute sets at 2, 3, 4 and 5!! 😅 All the best for 2026 everyone. Party on! 🎉
Aidan and I playing through a little work in progress (A lessone off descant, Anon.) in my personal work in progress (this uninhabitable living room). Aidan wishes he’d taken off his coat, and I wish I’d worn a hat. It was cold, even with the boiler up and running. My mother’s ambitiously long rust cable knit kept me safe. She made it from the wool of an alpaca jumper she deconstructed after winning it on an eBay auction.
Thanks to @aaronmarkmcg for his remarkable PhD thesis, from which this piece comes, and @ericthomas_lute for his handy entabulation skills. See you in the New Year!
#FirstFootin
A beautifully cathartic performance from @lauscotland within the stunning halls of St Giles Cathedral as part of our 2024 First Footin' programme 🏴
#stgilescathedral #livemusic #hogmanay
Back from an intense but brilliant ten days working on Qullaq at @suialaa Arts Festival in Greenland.
The energy in Nuuk was palpable—a true celebration of a culture being vividly restored after decades of suppression. It was moving, vital, and felt incredibly right.
My deepest thanks to the collaborators who made this possible:
@instanivegram , @hhsuersaq , and Miké Thomsen: Thank you for trusting me with your voices and traditions.
The endless (and tireless!) creative vision from Alice Occhiali and Valerio Peroni @vali.theatre.lab .
The Nuuk String Orchestra: Your dedication was inspiring.
Sine and Rachel (@nordicmusicdays ): For the opportunity and brilliant organising.
It was a privilege to witness. On to the next chapter! 🎶
Brìghde Chaimbeul & Aidan O'Rourke are bringing their signature raw, real and rugged sound back to Kings Place for a special intimate show this November 🎻
A duo of close listening and deep musicianship bringing together two of Scotland’s most sensitive traditional artists, Brìghde and Aidan invite you to experience the most stripped-back, visceral and lyrical voices of their instruments.
Tickets are limited! Get yours now at the link in bio 🎟️
🎥 Brìghde and Aidan in Hall Two, Jun 2019
This Saturday, let’s turn music into action!
I’m putting the finishing touches on an evening of music (with all these incredible, generous performers) that’s going to be a gorgeous, contemplative journey. More than just a gig, this is a massive Edinburgh showing of solidarity with the innocent people of Palestine.
Come and sing your heart out with us. Every note and every ticket supports Medical Aid for Palestinians
(MAP).
Be there this Saturday!
🔺Edinburgh and willing travellers from Scotland and beyond…The wind and the rain are coming in heavy and we’ll be gathering inside for music and words and community in solidarity with our Palestinian siblings.
Come. Send your people. It’s all going to @medicalaidpal
See you in a few days. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🇵🇸
(🔗 In bio…)
