Festa: Alan Reid & Rob Van Sante at Montrose Folk Club

Festa: Alan Reid & Rob Van Sante at Montrose Folk Club

Alan was a vital member of Battlefield Band from its inception in 1969 till his departure in 2010. In that time he toured all over the world and made almost 30 recordings with the band, working with such artists as Garrison Keillor, Van Morrison and Mike Oldfield. They won awards in Germany, Britain and the U.S. and throughout Alan was at the heart of the band, his keyboards underpinning the bagpipes and the fiddle. In being the first to use keyboards as an integral part of a traditional folk band Alan’s contribution to the band’s story has ensured it’s stature in Scottish culture as well as its influence on many of today's Celtic musicians.

Alan’s singing has long been respected by his peers, illustrated when he was invited to participate in the Linn Recordings series on the omplete works of Robert Burns. Moreover his song writing has grown in stature ever since the 1980s when his songs first appeared in the band repertoire, lyrical songs steeped in history , strong in storytelling and rich in melody.

His first solo album 'The Sunlit Eye' featuring new songs and tunes was released in 1998 and was followed up with a song and tune book Martyrs, Rogues and Worthies' in 2001. Later that decade he recorded two albums "Under the Blue" and "The Rise and Fall o' Charlie" both of which showcase many of his works.

2012 has seen the release of the duo's album on the life of Scots born mariner John Paul Jones, a long term project for which Alan composed the music. Commissioned by Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival and the duo performed a musical drama based on the story with script written by Alan.


Dutch born Rob is a guitarist of skill and subtlety. His mother was a child prodigy on piano so it is no surprise that music has played an important part in his life. During the 1970's, 80's and 90's he toured extensively throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
He has worked with such stalwarts of the British Folk and Jazz scene as Danny Thompson, Jon Strong, Tom Napper, Tom McConville, Kate Rusby, John McCusker, Gordon Tyrrall, Tim Wood, Patsy Matheson and many more.

Rob has worked for Battlefield Band for 13 years as their sound engineer for both live and recorded work. He accompanied them on all their tours as their 'fifth' member until he left the band in 2010. When Rob is not on the road, he can be found at work in his recording studio in his adopted home town of Leeds, recording and producing albums for local, national and inter-national musicians.

Rob has appeared on many albums displaying his virtuoso vocal ability both as a lead and harmony singer, also showcasing his undoubted
instrumental skills to a variety of projects. All these strands come together to make a perfect foil to Alan and his music.

http://www.reidvansante.com/

£7.50