New podcast episode from @johnmccuskermusic with Aly Bain.
The Fiddle Line
Episode 3 - Aly Bain
‘I loved my chat with Aly and am so happy to share this episode of The Fiddle Line with you.
There’s a strange thing that happens when your heroes become your peers.
At first, they’re untouchable. You listen and watch and you try to figure out how they do what they do. You measure yourself against something that feels miles away.
And then, slowly, almost without noticing, you find yourself in the same rooms, not as a fan anymore but alongside them.
I’ve known Aly Bain for a long time now. We’ve played together, travelled, shared tunes, shared stories and yet, there are still moments where I catch myself thinking, how did this happen?
A recognition of the line that’s been drawn from listening to him as a younger player … to sitting across from him now, talking about a life in music.
What I’ve realised is that the idea of a “hero” changes over time. It becomes less about putting someone on a pedestal, and more about understanding the life they’ve lived, the choices they’ve made, the way they’ve carried the music, year after year, without losing the joy of it.
And maybe that’s the real gift of it … not just being inspired by someone’s playing, but getting to see how they live it.
This past January in Glasgow as part of @celtic_connections , recording a live episode of The Fiddle Line felt like one of those moments where the line comes into focus and a reminder that the tradition isn’t something you look at from the outside, It’s something you step into.
I loved my chat with Aly and am so happy to share this episode of The Fiddle Line with you.’
It’s live now and ready to download, wherever you get your podcasts or via the link in bio.
This year marks the first Transatlantic Sessions since the passing of the great Danny Thompson.
Mike McGoldrick composed this piece w/ Danny & the bass in mind. Tatiana Hargreaves' gorgeous "Cherokee Trail" is incorporated.
Darrell Scott, a guest on this tour, brought Danny's incredible intent to my ears.
I was more or less obsessed with a couple of Darrell's records in high school, and the liner notes sent me chasing more of Danny's bass sounds...soon I got into John Martyn & then The Transatlantic Sessions.
Many Appalachians have Cherokee heritage. I can trace mine to a person named "Little Fawn," so w/ these musicians, trying this out, w/ Darrell in the house, this was a momentfor me.
I guess there's one flub in the solo I'd prefer weren't there/here, but I think this is probably the best, purest version we've done on TS 26. So,alg-be-damned, here's the whole thing. 💟
#dannythompson #transatlanticsessions #ukbass #doublebass #celticconnections
A very quick look at the last Transatlantic Sessions show of Celtic Connections 2026 from the Oakley Meta Specs POV. Always great to light and an awesome bunch of folks on and off the stage.
The Transatlantic Sessions 2026 tour kicks off this weekend and I spoke to 16-time Grammy winner @jerrydouglas ahead of the run of shows!
Listen back on Soundcloud or the Nerve Media Player.
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Danny Thompson.
Danny’s contribution to Transatlantic Sessions since the beginning has been of pure quality. Since the first series, unlike the rest of us, Danny played on almost every song and melody, making a huge contribution.
There was never a dull moment with Danny around.
Thank-you for being our pillar of low-end and a never-ending source of entertainment.
You made the world a better place.
We love and miss you brother.
TS. X
A little snippet from the BV cam 📸 🎤 🎶
Some backing vocal vibes from @juliefowlis@loudo3 and @islandniall for the incredible @larry_and_teresa and @transatlanticsessions band ✨❤️
#livemusic #music #musicians #singers #backingvocals #harmonies #vocals #singing #songs #singersongwriter #collaboration #transatlantic #folk #folkmusicians #country #countrymusic #gigs #onstage
