Two of Scotland’s most revered multi-instrumentalists, Mairearad Green (accordion and bagpipes) and Anna Massie (guitar, banjo, fiddle) are a truly captivating duo, providing a highly energetic performance with an instantly warm and friendly stage presence.

Having played alongside each other for over ten years, they revel in an intuitive approach to each other’s musical ideas and interpretations, and an ‘almost telepathic communication’ on stage (Hi-Arts), effortlessly showcasing the fruits of duo partnership to the highest level, creating ‘music more than the sum of just two parts’ (The Scotsman).

Mairearad and Anna both grew up in the Scottish Highlands amidst very similar musical backgrounds (most notably, mandolin playing Dads!), and so share an innate understanding of Scottish culture and music. As a duo they have enjoyed many successes, including five stars in The Scotsman and high praise from KT Tunstall, becoming a much-loved live act.

Their three albums – 2009’s eponymous debut, ‘Doubling’ in 2013 and ‘Best Day’ 2015 – have met wide critical acclaim, Mairearad and Anna was recorded live, just the two musicians – the live double act – whilst Doubling features many layered tracks, building a more complex sound, though still just from the two musicians. At the heart of Doubling remains the live duo sets, intricately arranged and executed with symbiotic sympathy, enhancing their ‘must-see’ reputation.

The concept for the duo’s fourth album (realesed 31st August 2018) called ‘Farran’ which is the Scots word for the starboard side of a boat, is to represent exactly what this virtuosic duo perform live.  It is the stripped back sound of vocals, guitar, accordion, fiddle and bagpipes and it was recorded live at Gloworm studio in Glasgow with co-producer, Calum MacCrimmon from the band, ‘Breabach’. The material includes the JP Cormier song about a boat, ‘Molly May’ and a haunting fiddle number ‘Mo Chailin- Dileas Donn’ written by Ullapool fisherman, Hector Mackenzie.  Also on the album, there’s a foot stomping set of local reels written by Mairearad’s piping teacher, PM Norman Gillies, and many other great tunes, notably, some self penned compositions which is a staple for this pair’s music.

Reviews

‘…the camaraderie and sheer fun of musical collaboration is plainly evident and infectious.’ Songlines 

‘You guys were killing it…amazing playing!’ KT Tunstall 

‘full of energy and verve….first class’ R2 Magazine 

‘An exuberant, beautifully recorded album…crisp, clean and crystalline.’ fRoots 

‘The young Scottish duo of accordionist Mairearad Green and Anna Massie, on guitar and banjo…in sparkling style, performed largely original material with frequent playfulness of delivery… belying their formidable technical prowess, in music that seemed much more than the sum of just two parts.’ The Scotsman  ★★★★★