The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Sell-out return as folk stars embrace change
Elephant Sessions are a popular indie folk group hailing from the Highlands. Fresh off the back of a run of live shows in Australia earlier this year, the band are now back home and about to embark on a run of UK shows throughout May.
This evening, they visit The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen.
The date has been rescheduled twice due to Covid restrictions, but anticipation for the gig has been so high that tickets for the event have sold out.
For those lucky enough to have tickets for tonight’s Aberdeen show, local singer songwriter Nicky Aiken will be warming the stage before the main event takes place.
Further shows in the north later this month come at Skye Live (Saturday May 14) and The Gathering in Inverness (Saturday May 28).
Elephant Sessions’ mandolin player, Alasdair Taylor, says that the band are delighted to return to Aberdeen.
“We’re absolutely buzzing. It’s sold out; it’s gonna be class,” he says.
“We were just saying to each other recently that Aberdeen is honestly one of the best receptions we get anywhere in the world.
“They always come with energy; they’re up for partying. It’s always a big, fun evening.
“We’ve actually never played The Lemon Tree before, so that’s also going to be new and exciting.”
Like many other bands, Covid–19 has also had an impact on Elephant Sessions, and guitarist Mark Bruce also recently parted ways after 10 years with the group.
But Alasdair feels that changes like these can bring about new opportunities for the band.
“A lot of bands are going through periods of change and we certainly are too,” he admits.
“We don’t entirely know where we’re going to go moving forward, but that’s exciting for us.
“We’ve had the same line-up for 10 years as five pals who’ve enjoyed having a pint and playing music together.
“Now, we’ve got this opportunity to say: ‘Where do we want to take it from here?’ ”
As well as new faces, new music is also on the horizon for Elephant Sessions.
“It will be out soon is all I can say!” says Alasdair, keeping information tightly under wraps for now.
Those who head out to see the band on the live stage this month will be treated to some of the newer material.
But regardless of where in the world they play, there’s a special sense of connection that Elephant Sessions always seem to transmit to their audiences.
“We all grew up playing and listening to Scottish folk music,” says Alasdair.
“When you go out, play instrumental music and just want to make people dance and have fun, that can come across wherever you are in the world.
“It’s the party atmosphere we try to provide that resonates with people.”
However, despite selling out shows as far away as Sydney, the band enthuse there’s still something magical about performing live in Scotland.
“You can play in incredible venues anywhere, but there’s a different connection to the ones you’ve been to and grew up with,” confirms Alasdair.
“Scottish crowds are just up for it, and mix that with the fact that we’re from this area... It’s just great fun.
“I think magic is the right word for it.”
Elephant Sessions visit The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen tonight with support from Nicky Aiken. Tickets are sold out. Visit www.elephantsessions. com for more information and further dates.