NEHH Presents… Glasgow Dreamers: The songs of Ivor Cutler ft. Emma Pollock and Rick Redbeard

The Glasgow Dreamers are: Citizen Bravo, Malcolm Benzie and Raymond MacDonald, plus guests. 2023 is the centenary of the birth of the late Scottish humourist, poet, philosopher and surrealist Ivor Cutler. This performance celebrates his unique musical output, and features Emma Pollock (The Delgados) and Rick Anthony (Rick Redbeard, The Phantom Band) performing a slew of Mr Cutler’s best-loved pieces, backed by a band featuring members of eagleowl, Withered Hand, LT Leif, Citizen Bravo and saxophonist Raymond MacDonald.

This show will also offer a rare chance to hear the acclaimed 2020 Ivor Cutler tribute album Return to Y’Hup performed in full. The album was jointly masterminded by saxophonist/composer Raymond MacDonald (Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra), Matt Brennan (Citizen Bravo), Malcolm Benzie (eagleowl, Withered Hand) and Andy Monaghan (Frightened Rabbit), and was last publicly performed at an all-star extravaganza as part of 2020’s Celtic Connections festival.

As introduced on Mr Cutler’s 1959 debut recording, Y’Hup is an imaginary lush, fertile island where its creator claimed citizenship, repopulated on the record by a host of brilliant Scottish artists – paying tribute to the long-lasting legacy and influence of his wit and imagination. Ivor Cutler remains under-appreciated in the country of his birth, despite his Beatles connections (championed by Paul McCartney and starring in the Magical Mystery Tour film), numerous John Peel sessions and many cover versions of his songs. Come along and celebrate the work of Scotland’s alternative National Bard.