Alistair Russell & Chris Parkinson

March 2001 saw the release of “Paddy goes to Huddersfield”, the first new album for several years from either of these musicians. It was recorded to accompany an extensive tour of German concert halls, as part of the 12th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Festival. It was followed in February 2002 by “A19″, a solo album from Alistair featuring Chris on keyboards, and an invitation to take part in the same tour in 2002 and 2003.

The players:
Alistair Russell (guitar, vocals) comes from North-East England, of Scottish parentage. He has been singing and playing Scottish and Irish music, and his own songs, for over 30 years, chiefly as a member of Scotland’s legendary Battlefield Band from 1984 to 1997. He has 14 albums and 2 video releases to his name, and currently performs solo and with Chris, besides being active as a recording engineer/producer and tour manager.

Chris Parkinson (melodeon, piano accordion, harmonica, keyboards) comes from Lancashire, with family roots in the west of Ireland. A session player on over 20 albums from various artists, as well as 2 solo albums and 8 CD releases with The House Band ( a pan-celtic outfit which originated in Scotland some 15 years ago). He currently divides his time between his duo with Alistair, studio sessions for the Billy Connolly TV shows, and sideman duties with Steve Phillips, John Wright, Martin Simpson and Norma Waterson/Martin Carthy (phew!).

The music:
Their programme is very varied in style and content, but very much based on the Celtic music which forms the roots of both musicians. Both players had realised some time ago that lots of excellent material had passed out of currency through overuse. But a whole new generation of young celtic music fans was eager to hear what were, for them, new songs and tunes. Both Battlefield Band and the House Band did their bit in the 1990′s, so that “old chestnuts” could be given new life – the folk process, in a nutshell. In addition, the songs from the “A19″ album contain many newer compositions by well-known writers and by Alistair himself. Chris’s wide musical taste as heard on his solo recordings, and his own compositions, are also represented.

The gig:
But the music is only half the story. Alistair and Chris are both engaging performers who can enthuse an audience for the music – in various languages! The demo CD featuring tracks recorded in Germany is live proof of this.

With Alistair and Chris, you get virtuoso playing, yet simple arrangements, enthusiastic singalongs and tender ballads. Two experienced players, who have both been at the very cutting edge of celtic music, relaxing with the tunes and songs they love best, and still finding the energy to break new ground.