Twa Tams album launch will feature impressive line-up of Tayside musicians

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A roster of talented Perthshire musicians appear on a new album which explores themes including mental health, grief and healing.

Perth’s The Twa Tams Battle of the Bands winner 2023, multi-instrumentalist Rhuari Campbell, made ‘Sonder’ at Perth’s Counter Culture studios with producer Dave MacFarlane and features Chris Woods (mandolin) and Sandy Stirton (backing vocals) of the Fair City’s The Mad Ferret Band .

The album will be launched at The Twa Tams on Wednesday December 4.

Rhuari, who is a health nurse and music therapy student, said: “The album brings together an amazing lineup of musicians, with many local connections that highlight the talent around Perthshire.

“I’m very excited about the release of this genre-spanning project that delves into themes of mental health, grief, and healing.

“It blends folk, indie, acoustic, and reggae influences, reflecting both personal and societal issues.

“Producer Dave MacFarlane played fiddle and other instruments adding depth to the production.

“I see the album as a significant milestone in my journey, as both an artist and in my other work as a mental health nurse and music therapy student, with the goal of using music as a medium for healing and advocacy.”

Other artists include Matthew Roger (drums and percussion), Donald Buick (bass), and Josh Davy and Michael McNab (electric guitars).

Tayside musician Rhuari, a BBC Introducing artist 2023, wrote and arranged all the songs on the album, and played acoustic guitar as well as piano, mandolin, tenor guitar, electric guitar, glockenspiel.

He said: “I was thrilled to work with Chris Woods and Sandy Stirton of The Mad Ferret Band. Chris played mandolin, and Sandy not only sang backing vocals but also filmed the entire session, creating two music videos—one of which was recently featured on The Scotsman Sessions website.”

“I’m excited to say that all of these musicians will be joining me at the Perth launch event on December 4. All of them are regulars at The Twa Tams for gigs and The Sunday Social.

“Duncan MacDonald, a folk ballad singer and multi-instrumentalist known around Perthshire – who did not appear on the album but is currently recording his own album at Counter Culture with Dave will also be there.

“Duncan plays a variety of instruments, from bagpipes to whistles, guitar, and banjo, and we’ve performed together at festivals, including a nine-piece-band set with my brother Calum Campbell’s band at Belladrum Tartan Heart in 2024.”

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