Hollow Mountain String Band headline Bookends Festival

The Hollow Mountain String Band will bring their unique brand of Argyll Americana to the Victory Hall this Friday, September 28, as they help wrap up the third annual Bookends Festival in Benderloch.

A five-piece ensemble from Oban, the band takes its name from Ben Cruachan, a mountain that was hollowed out to house a hydroelectric power station, and in that spirit the band have a well-earned reputation for delivering an electrifying live performance.

‘The Hollow Mountain String Band always draw the crowds to the Benderloch Palladium with the promise of foot stompin’ Scottish Americana,’ said Campbell Cameron, co-organiser of Victory Hall Gigs.

‘Great heartfelt vocals and tall tales from John match splendid tunesmithing from Rab. Added is the solid engine room rhythm section rapport from Nigel on bass and Michelle on drums, while balancing the whole circus is Ann with her delicious fiddle licks.’

Having started out as an old-time trio, the core of Hollow Mountain is multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter Rab Woods, along with guitarist, vocalist and songwriter John McMahon.

With the addition of Nigel Frydman on bass, Ann Barlow on fiddle, and, most recently, Michelle McAnally on drums, the band has evolved into a powerhouse that has been entertaining crowds from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands. Known for infectious, driving rhythms, heartfelt vocals and entertaining banter, Hollow Mountain’s live show has been called ‘a yee-haw and yee braw’.

In their ever-increasing catalogue of original songs, tunes and perfectly chosen covers, they embrace the close relationship between Americana and Scottish roots, influenced by honky tonk, blues, country and jazz as well as traditional music, in a blend they call ‘Americeilidh’.

‘We always love playing at Victory Hall,’ Rab said. ‘Campbell and Joy provide a warm welcome and the crowd is brilliant. We’ve got some brand new songs for them, plus some old favourites that are sure to get everyone out of their chairs and dancing in the aisles.’

Tickets for the Hollow Mountain String Band gig at Victory Hall are £10 in advance and £12 at the door, call 01631 720247 to reserve. For more information, visit www.hmsb.co.uk