Transatlantic Sessions

Transatlantic Sessions returns for 2025, marking 30 years since the original TV series first aired and continuing to explore and celebrate the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. An annual focal point of Celtic Connections, the exclusive line-up combines guest singers and the celebrated house band, inviting them to interweave original material with age-old tunes and songs as they explore shared roots and find new common ground.

For the past fifty-four years, Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career as one of our most original singer-songwriters, releasing over thirty albums, winning a Grammy, acting in films and TV shows (including MASH and resident artist on BBC TV’s Carrott Confidential), and has had his songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Mose Allison, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Bonnie Raitt, and his own son, Rufus Wainwright. In 2015 LWIII won the Lifetime Achievement Award on BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. 

Hailing from the Outer Hebrides and now based in the Highlands, Julie Fowlis (perhaps best known for her work with the Disney Pixar movie Brave) is widely heralded for championing traditional Gaelic. Her music is deeply influenced by the Hebridean islands where she grew up and by the Highland landscapes where she now resides.

Acclaimed Americana musicians Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams bring their deep-rooted songs and instrumental virtuosity to the Transatlantic Sessions stage, honed by years of touring (both together and separately) with a who’s-who of American music: Bob Dylan, kd lang, Levon Helm, Sheryl Crow, John Prine, Keith Richards, and Emmylou Harris to name a few.

Born on Clare Island, Co.Mayo, Niall McCabe grew up in the family-run pub awash with strong musical influences from traditional Irish and folk to rock and soul. Having earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest singers and songwriters, he has performed extensively across Ireland, Europe and the USA. 

The show's seasoned house band, guided as ever by Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, features renowned Celtic and Americana roots musicians Phil Cunningham, John Doyle, Michael McGoldrick, Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot, John McCusker, Donald Shaw, James Mackintosh and Daniel Kimbro.