Band history

From Robert Burns to Led Zeppelin, from fiddle reels to improvised jazz, from klezmer-tinged folk to psychedelic blues... seven-piece collective Jacob's Pillow are renowned for their breathtaking blend of traditional and modern styles.

With an electrifying line-up featuring fiddle, mandolin, jazz guitar and keys alongside a rock rhythm section, the Edinburgh based band have been going from strength to strength since their formation in 2004. Already their path has taken them all over Scotland, showcasing their innovative take on modern Celtic fusion at some of the biggest folk festivals and venues in the country, including Knockengorroch World Music Festival, the Sound of Rum festival and the Danny Kyle open stage at Glasgow's Celtic Connections.

The secret to the band's striking sound lies in the talents of the individual members, as founding member Tam Ferguson explains. "We definitely benefit from having a real mix of different musicians in the band. Everyone comes at the music from a different direction, whether it's folk or classical or rock or jazz, and I think that helps to give us a really unique sound." This combination of musical backgrounds certainly comes across on 'Pathfinder', the band's debut EP, which has been selling consistently and gaining widespread praise since its release in 2005.

Jacob's Pillow are currently in the studio recording their new album, due to be released in the summer of 2009. Already a host of guest musicians from the modern Scottish folk music scene have been confirmed to play on the album, including Adam Sutherland (Peatbog Faeries), Dougie Hudson (Salsa Celtica) and Greg Lawson (Moishe's Bagel). Certainly if the dedication and passion of this band is anything to go by, the success of Jacob's Pillow can only continue to grow.