Saltfishforty

From their island home in Britain’s far north, the powerhouse partnership of Douglas Montgomery (fiddle/viola) and Brian Cromarty (songs/guitar/mandola), jointly known as Saltfishforty, have won a devoted following throughout the UK and beyond, brilliantly transcending the duo format’s conventional confines. Linchpin figures in the currently flourishing revival of Orkney’s traditional music, they unite these deep-rooted sources with an exhilarating breadth of influence and expertise, catalysed by a creative empathy born from decades of friendship.

Saltfishforty first ignited back in 2002 – more by accident than design, as Cromarty recalls: “We’d known each other since primary school, and played together loads in sessions and various bands, but then we were booked in a four-piece for a charity gig, and only us two turned up. We decided to go on and just make as much noise as two people possibly could – which is kind of how it’s been ever since.”

A dozen years later, Saltfishforty have delighted audiences at many of the world’s top folk festivals including Celtic Connections, Cambridge, HebCelt, Shetland, Lorient in Brittany and Canada’s Celtic Colours, as well as touring to the US and throughout Europe. Their focus on Orkney music takes in traditional, contemporary and original material, boldly cross-fertilised with influences from Americana to East European folk, plus a high-octane whiff of heavy metal. The duo’s superb musicianship continues to expand in range and contrast, matching melodic opulence with terrific rhythmic dexterity and Cromarty’s earthily compelling vocals.

“Outstanding musicianship. . . their mix of traditional, contemporary and original tunes and songs, stirred together with Scottish, country, blues, Balkan and rockabilly influences, deliver a wealth of lyricism and finesse” (The Scotsman)

“A brilliance and drive that makes them the envy of many a larger ensemble, coupled with a real sense of exuberance and joy in execution” (NetRhythms)

“A fresh and hugely exciting live act” (Folking.com)

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