ARTISTS

Graham McLeod

Graham McLeod is the guitarist with acoustic band “The String Contingent”. The band is an acoustic trio of violin, double bass and guitar. Their compositions and performance combine the clarity and precision of baroque chamber music with the raw excitement and intensity of Scottish fiddle and Bluegrass. The String Contingent redefines the possibilities of a string trio in their own articulate and fluent style. They aim to broaden the traditional role of each instrument within the ensemble, with arrangements involving both structured and improvised elements.

Graham says, “The GS601B iStand is the ideal guitar stand – lightweight, compact and reliable. I needed something that folded up small enough to fit in a gig bag, while still functioning as a guitar stand should, keeping my instrument safe on stage. The iStand is the perfect solution. Buy it and see!”

Chris and Holly met Graham when they moved to Edinburgh after touring Europe in 2007 with Australian band Eilean Mor and the Australian Youth Orchestra respectively. They collaborated with Edinburgh based band Allaidh Modhan, of whom Graham is a founding member, and toured Scotland and Ireland. Together they subsequently formed The String Contingent and began writing and arranging original acoustic string music. Drawing from Celtic, baroque and bluegrass styles, their diverse and flexible expertise brings a fresh perspective to acoustic world music.

 “Absolutely fantastic, the originality and beauty of your music cannot be underestimated. The quality of your playing is outstanding… a truly enlivening, exciting experience.”
- Nicola Black, Acoustic Village Programmer, Wickerman Festival, UK.

“… Extremely sophisticated instrumental music … The level of skill of this group is stunning as are the beauty and joy of their compositions.”
- Steve Gadd, Artistic Director, Cygnet Folk Festival, Australia.

Band website: www.thestringcontingent.com