Program Recap: Stories Behind the Songs: Music as History, Memory & Connection with Gnoss
Friday’s program, Stories Behind the Songs: Music as History, Memory & Connection, offered a fun and engaging lunchtime with the acclaimed folk band Gnoss. Marking their first-ever performance in the United States, the group brought both their music and their stories to life for an enthusiastic audience.
Having played together for nine years, Gnoss shared how their journey began in Glasgow, where they first met. While the city’s vibrant music scene helped shape their sound, much of their musical identity is deeply rooted in the Orkney Isles. The band performed a range of songs, including “Hjop,” weaving in stories about the landscapes, histories, and personal connections behind each piece.
In addition to discussing the broader music scene across Glasgow and the British Isles, Gnoss offered insight into their instrumentation. They introduced audience members to distinctive elements of their sound, including the bodhrán and the electric tenor guitar, explaining how these instruments contribute to their unique musical style.
Many thanks to the Anchorage Concert Association for bringing Gnoss to Anchorage and partnering with AK World to put on this special event. Additional thanks to the Alaska Scottish Club’s Cathy Steen for moderating the fun discussion.
About the Band
Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character.
Triple Scots Trad Music Awards nominees, the band have built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival.
Their 2019 release, Drawn From Deep Water was met with widespread praise (“a refreshing blast” – RnR) for its exemplary interplay, nakedly emotional playing, and well chosen material. Their follow up album, The Light of The Moon continued to demonstrate Gnoss’ dedication to their craft that places them firmly at the fore of what’s happening in Scottish folk and earned them a nomination for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards.
With the release of their third album, 2023’s Stretching Skyward, Gnoss reignite their collaboration with producer and engineer, Scott Wood (Skerryvore), further exploring their acoustic roots whilst incorporating new, electronic elements.
Gnoss combines the talents of;
Aidan Moodie (Guitar/Vocals)
Graham Rorie (Fiddle/Mandolin/Electric Tenor Guitar)
Connor Sinclair (Flute/Whistles/Vocals)
Craig Baxter (Bodhran/Percussion)
