Trying to describe the musical wonder that is Derek Urquhart is like trying to reproduce the empire state building with mud and dry pasta. All you can hope for is a crude facsimile which, ultimately, will never convey the full splendour of the original artefact. But here goes…
The shadow of Derek Urquhart looms large over the landscape of contemporary Scottish Highland Music, where he is much sought after for his formidable talents as a Drummer, Guitarist and Vocalist. Though he is not (yet!) a house hold name, his sonic skills, melodious manifestations and harmonic presence has been an admirable addition to a multitude of musical outfits and the cornerstone of many. It’s a dizzying list…
He was a key player in Blazing Fiddles “With Strings Attached” song writers’ project. He was, and is, a driving force behind bands such as Abagail Grey, Fiona Mackenzie, Dorec a Belle, the Davy Cowan Band, Ashley and the Cosmonauts, Woodentooth and Saulius Petreikus. Did I mention he was part of the highland musical cult that was The Lush Rollers? He was!
It’s difficult not to feel faint with admiration for his musical multiplicity, dexterity and virility, but he continues shapeshifting and merging with many assorted incredible outfits, soaking up as many influences as possible in order to concoct a collection of self penned material, all delivered in the fashion of the journeyman he is.
And now, after many years, it is finally here! The distillation of a lifetime in music refined and compressed into a singular album. Playing acoustic and amplified guitars, bass, percussion, and drums on songs he wrote and sang himself, at last Derek Urquhart steps out of the shadows and lets the sound of his sun shine…