DOUGIE MACLEAN’S SONG CALEDONIA TO ENCOURAGE THE WORLD TO
COME HOME TO SCOTLAND!
A short biography
Dougie Maclean’s Caledonia is to be used as one of the themes for
Homecoming Scotland 2009 in online, cinema and television adverts.
Since it was written by Dougie in Brittany in 1979 his ‘wee love song’ has had an amazing history. It has been recorded by over 240 artists in 23 different languages by artists as diverse as Frankie Miller in Scotland and Phil Coulter in Ireland.
It's 25 years since the release of Dougie MacLean’s album Craigie Dhu, on his own Dunkeld Records label which launched him as a solo artist after his early career as a member of the pioneering Scottish bands Silly Wizard and the Tannahill Weavers. It was Caledonia from that album which made his music known to literally millions – when Frankie Miller’s version topped the Scottish charts in 1992, prompting its widespread adoption as Scotland’s unofficial national anthem.
During this time MacLean’s resonant voice, melodic craft and timelessly soulful songwriting have been heard in formats ranging from full-scale orchestra to one man and his guitar, in concerts and festivals world-wide including New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Festival Theatre
The past couple of years have seen the process accelerate with the song being recorded by Paulo Nutini, Amy MacDonald and Ruth Nottman (on her celebrated, award winning album “Threads). It has provided the finale to the Edinburgh Tattoo, has again taken America (and Asia) by storm as part of the show Celtic Woman (featuring Hayley Westenra) and as the final song of the show Celtic Thunder, the DVD of which has been number one in the Amazon Chart.
The year has been crowned by Caledonia’s selection by Homecoming Scotland. Dougie and his son Jamie recorded the backing track for the Homecoming advert and mixed the final version at their Butterstone Studios in Dunkeld.
After many years as a professional musician Dougie still spends a great deal of time performing to welcoming audiences around the world. In 08 he has visited the USA and Canada for two tours, played at festivals and venues across the UK and Europe, played to over 4000 at his own
Perthshire Amber Festival and is about to leave for Australia in December.
He is just about to embark on his first tour in Australia in over 10 years but Dougie explains, "That's more because life took my concerts to other countries ... the USA, Canada, the UK and Europe ... than because I didn't want to be in Australia. I love Australia – the light, heat, the landscape and the audiences! My wife Jenny is Australian, and ever since our children were wee babies we've loved visiting. Now it's time for an Oz tour again!"
He will be touring in Australia with his recently released double-disc compilation The Essential Dougie MacLean, which of course includes a recording of Caledonia.
More info at
www.dougiemaclean.com
What the media say about Dougie Maclean
Described as “...a musical hero” (
Wall Street Journal), MacLean is
renowned for the uniqueness of his meaningful, haunting and
emotion-filled music.
“Dougie MacLean is Scotland's pre-eminent singer-songwriter and a national musical treasure” (
Time Out, UK)
"... a Scottish phenomenon ... with his exquisite guitar style,
expressive voice and honest performance, his songs conjure up
remarkably vivid imagery of our world" (
The Performing Songwriter, USA)
"Strong yet subtle, hauntingly evocative yet contemporary in feel, this music demands listening to over and over again." (
Time Out, UK)
“... his is a name that certainly deserves to be even more widely known. And when Dougie MacLean came to the Lobero Theatre last Saturday he ensured that his name – just like his heart rending music – won’t easily be forgotten.” (
Independent, Santa Barbara CA)
And of The Dougie MacLean Band (performing during Celtic Connections Festival 09 on Jan 25th) ...
“The vibe was dripping from the place...they were practically taking off their shoes and dancing! ... Dougie Maclean really casts a spell!” (
The Red Alert, San Diego CA)
“... it’s the music that pulls you in, a brilliant weave of sensitivity, a solid worldview and lively instrumental playing” (
Vision Magazine, USA)
Recent news
Dougie has just been announced the winner of a prestigious 2008
Tartan Clef Award… along with (Beecake, The Almighty, Sharleen Spiteri, Eddi Reader and The Fratellis.)
The Dougie MacLean Band 20-date tour in the USA in 2007 (performing at prestigious venues and festivals including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Kate Wolf Festival, Interlochen Festival and Britt Festival...) was such a success, that a 2009 tour is being planned.
Dougie MacLean is touring in Australia in Dec 08/Jan 09, including the immense Woodford Festival ... with a potential audience of 140,000!
Dougie MacLean’s melody The Gael (also used in the 20th C Fox film (The Last of the Mohicans) has been used in a Nike advert in the USA that has had over a million views on YouTube!
The Essential Dougie MacLean, a double-disc compilation spanning 25 years, has had remarkable sales in the UK and is planned for North American release in February 09.
Perthshire Amber - The Dougie MacLean Festival, now in its 4th year, has grown to a 10 day event. With enthusiasts for the music from all over the world flocking to Perthshire in the autumn, the festival is now an integral part of Scotland’s musical calendar and supported by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Perth & Kinross Council and Scottish Enterprise….and in 2009 has been chosen as one of the featured Homecoming Scotland events.
MacLean’s music regularly features on over 300 radio stations in the USA NPR award winning “Thistle & Shamrock” hosted by Fiona Ritchie ... where MacLean was voted best male performer.