A’ the way to Galloway is an album of traditional songs and tunes from a part of Scotland whose music deserves wider recognition. Singer and fiddler Jo Miller leads a group of fine musicians with close connections to the area: Dalry fiddler Amy Geddes, Wigtownshire singer Robyn Stapleton, Jo’s son Neil Sutcliffe on piano, concertina and accordion, and her husband Steve Sutcliffe on bass concertina. 

Together, they perform older repertoire including Braes o Galloway – thought to be the source of the well-known Gallowa Hills – along with more recent compositions such as Buchts o Knockreoch about a local sheep clipping. This music has thrived in intimate environments like homes, rural schools and small halls, and the musical arrangements and performances on the album recreate that intimacy.

Jo Miller is well-known for her work in community-based traditional music, formal education, and academic research. This recording draws on her research in the uplands of the Glenkens where she grew up, interviewing local residents and investigating historical sources. 

Jo says: “I’m delighted to be sharing these songs and tunes which all have a personal association for me. You will also hear the spoken word, birdsong and singing for dancing – an aural landscape which not only evokes the former life of the Glenkens and its people, but also points toward its lively music culture in the present”. 

The album was supported by Creative Scotland and recorded and mastered by Garry Boyle of Slate Room Studio.

Available from jomiller.bandcamp.com and Birnam CD