Alex Hodgson - Jeelie Jars 'n' Coalie Backies

(July 2010) 11 tracks: Jock o' Hazeldean * The Shearin * Willie's Gone Tae Melville Castle * As A Come In By Fisherrow * Isobelle * Inveresk * Mercat Fair Lass * The Fisherrow Belles * Blantyre * Witch Hunt * Mary Let Me Tak Ye Dancin.

Alex Hodgson is a folk singer and songwriter from Prestonpans, East Lothian, one of a number of artists from the local East Lothian community signed by Greentrax Recordings. He carries on the fine tradition of Prestonpans songwriting from the late Davy Steele.

He has written seven of the songs and his love of the Lothians, in particular, but Scotland in general, are etched in the lyrics - 'jeelie jars' are jam or fruit preserve jars, and 'coalie backies' means to carry someone on your back, usually a child.

Alex was a finalist at the Burnsong contest in 2005 and 2009, and is well known for his work in amateur theatre productions, where his effervescent personality makes him very popular. His fine voice, combined with his songwriting talent and arrangements by producer Kenny Hutchinson make this an outstanding album.

In 2009 Alex sang for members of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, along with other Burnsong finalists, and has sung at The Queen's Ghillie Ball at Balmoral, The Waterside Theatre in Capetown, South Africa, and The Caledonian Society Ball in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His interest in storytelling has seen him appearing at Newton Mearns Storytelling Festival.

Alex has appeared live on the BBC Radio Scotland Hogmanay Show, and on Robbie Shepherd's popular programme Take The Floor. He has presented The Sunday Gaitherin' on Radio Borders and appears regularly on the Forth 2 Radio programme The Best of Scottish (presented by Kenny Hutchison), performing a new song live each week.

Featuring Kenny Hutchinson (piano, organ, accordion), Calais Brown (guitars, mandolin), Jim McDermott (drums, percussion), David Paton (bass guitar), Kevin McGuire (double bass), Tony Kime (violin), Jennifer Leitch (backing vocals) and James Mackintosh (ukulele). Some of these session musicians have recorded or toured with famous artists including The Mavericks, Eddi Reader, Simple Minds, Gun, Deacon Blue, The Silencers, Del Amitri, Pilot, Elton John and Paul McCartney.

Comment on this CD