The Clutha

The Clutha were a traditional Scottish band.

Early years

In 1957 Norman Buchan was a teacher at Rutherglen Academy. He formed a Ballads Club. Among the pupils who joined up were Gordeanna McCulloch. Gordeanna fell in lovewith singing and travelled to London to attend one of
Ewan MacColl's weekend seminars at his home in Beckenham, Kent. She sang briefly with the Clydesiders a group formed at school and in 1964joined The Clutha. The name is the old Scot's word for theriver now called the Clyde. They played traditional Scottish tunes and sang songs in an uncompromising regional accent.

The Small Pipes

The idea of singing with a bagpipe accompaniment seems absurdbut when the instrument is as quiet and sweet as the lowlandScottish bagpipes, the effect is enchanting. Another type ofsmall pipe, the better-known Northumbrian bagpipe had never really died out. When the Cluntha added Jimmy Anderson on the lowland pipes on "Bonnie Mill Dams" (1977) they were pioneers. The instrument had rarely been heard for 100 yearsand not previously recorded. They won the Peter Cooke Cup for Scots ceilidh bands in 1971, 72 and 73. Although they did not record again until 2001, they have continued to host ceilidh dances. In 2001, the Clutha have released an album entitled "In the Braes" with Ronnie Alexander (vocals, guitar), Erlend Voy (fiddle, concertina, vocals), Callum Allan (fiddle), Gordeanna McCulloch (vocals) and Tom Johnstone (pipes).

Gordeanna solo

Back in 1965 Gordeanna had appeared on a compilationalbum on Topic. In 1978 she had a whole album, "Sheath andKnife". Spurning the well-known songs, she had unearthed obscure Scottish songs. Since then she has appeared on sixcompilation albums and recorded another solo album. MeanwhileNorman Buchan became a labour member of parliament and was theorganiser of the Edinburgh Folk Festival for several years.Archie Fisher became a successful solo folk singer.

Discography

The Clutha

Scotia! (1971)The Streets of Glasgow (1973)Scots Ballads Songs & Dance Tunes (1974)Bonnie Mill Dams (1977)On The Braes (2001)

Gordeanna McCulloch

New Voices From Scotland (1965)Sheath and Knife (1978)In Freenship's Name (1999)