You know that phrase “Buy Local”. It's not just about buying to me. It's about supporting your local community or communities. I play Celtic music in Atlanta, Georgia. So I am highlighting Atlanta Celtic musicians, music, and culture in this latest blog feature with Duncan McLauchlan.
My next CD, Selcouth, will be out on February 14. “Selcouth” means, “when everything is strange and different yet you find it marvelous anyway.
Duncan McLauchlan originally hails from Dunfermline, Scotland (but currently resides in Roswell, Ga). He has been around the Atlanta Celtic music scene for several years now. Following his passion as a singer/songwriter and performer, this musician is devoted to his craft. His wife (Glaucia) often joins him on a number of the tracks providing additional (and skilled) vocal support–but McLauchlan can (and does) hold his own as well. He plays a variety of different instruments and has been involved with music since he was 11 years old. His style tends to be a blend of many of his dominant musical influences, which include Americana, pop, rock, and of course, Celtic music.
McLauchlan is Scottish, so he has both personal history with, and a direct connection to the Celtic music he plays. On his latest release, McLauchlan’s Celtic Brew you’ll hear tried and true favorites, such as “Drunken Sailor”, “Whiskey in the Jar,” and “The Black Velvet Band”, all of which are well-produced and enthusiastically played.
In addition to that release, he also put out Scotland’s Heart in 2021 – something he wrote himself as a tribute to the country. Dumfarlin Toun Forever was a 2021 release as well and it’s a song about the ancient capital of Scotland, Dunfermline. The song is sung in Laland Scots (the old Scots language), which gives it a wonderful feel and adds another layer to the sound. It’s a must-hear.
There have been two more releases from this musician, one in 2020 – titled A Different Flag. This is a digital album of 16 songs, and they are originals that were inspired by his Celtic roots–things he has seen, and people he has come across along the way. His very first collection of songs is also filled with songs he wrote and arranged, and it was released in 1999. It’s titled, The Road to Destiny.
McLauchlan is one of those musicians that plays because he loves it. Because he feels connected to it—and to the Celtic background from whence he came. It’s something lovely to hear, and a sentiment that I think everyone can really appreciate!
You can listen and buy Duncan McLauchlan's music on Bandcamp.
You can also enjoy a story from Duncan McLauchlan about the Isle of Mist in Scotland. It's on Pub Songs & Stories #248.
Find more about Atlanta Celtic Music and Musicians.
Catherine L. Tully is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in the arts. She has written for American Style and Classical Singer, among other magazines, and for the Celtic Music Magazine for nearly 15 years. You can reach her through her website at CatherineLTully.com.
