Old Blind Dogs bring Scotland sounds to O.C.

There are few folk troupes as bold as Scotland’s Old Blind Dogs. Indeed, the celebrated ensemble was named “Folk Band of the Year” at the prestigious Scots Trad Music Awards in 2004.
Old Blind Dogs will perform at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library on Saturday, celebrating the release of the group’s tenth full-length CD, “Four on the Floor” (released by Compass Records on July 17).

“Four on the Floor” is a 12-track collection that finds the Scottish quartet deftly expanding the reaches of its sonic universe. Tracks range from the rhythm-defying “Harris Dance” and beautiful, fiddle-anchored cover of Davie Robertson’s “Star O’ the Bar” to the aptly titled “Jigs” and haunting “Gaelic Song.”

Old Blind Dogs boasts plenty of musical firepower thanks to the talents of Jonny Hardie (fiddle, mandolin, guitar and vocals), Aaron Jones (bass, Bouzouki, guitar and vocals), Rory Campbell (pipes, whistles and vocals) and Fraser Stone (drums, percussion). And while many folk groups are reluctant to explore new ground 15 years into their careers, the members of Old Blind Dogs challenge themselves with each new recording and at every performance. In April 2007, Old Blind Dogs performed two special shows in the group’s hometown of Aberdeen marking the 15th anniversary of the band that were filmed for a special DVD release that should be available later this year.

In addition to the excellent “Four on the Floor,” recommended recordings from Old Blind Dogs include “Play Live” (recorded during the group’s 2004 tour in the U.S.), “The Gab o Mey” (2003), “The World’s Room” (1999) and “Five” (1997).
Old Blind Dogs will perform at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, Sept. 8.
Tickets are $10 ($5 for children under 12).
Information: 949-493-3984.