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Between shows, Ross, a prolific writer, historian and storyteller, sat down with the Daily Herald and explained what Albannach is all about — bringing real Scottish history and drumming to Americans in a real, up-close and personal way.
Ross has published eight books and is currently working on his ninth. His books have been best sellers in Scotland because he writes about history from a different perspective, that of a storyteller. What his books can’t possibly capture is Ross’ wonderful Scottish brogue and a body in constant motion as he makes his stories come alive for listeners.
“I don’t write from a school perspective,” Ross said. “I would like to think that people can read my books and absorb them. They’re not meant to blind people with rocket science. I didn’t want to do that. I want to write something that people can read and it’s a rattlin’ good job.” That is Ross’ unique way of saying his books are people-friendly.
While he is a bestseller in his native Scotland, Ross has found his books sell particularly well here in the U.S. “There are 22 million people of Scottish descent here in the States,” Ross said, “There are only 5 million people in Scotland.”
“Every time I go before an audience here and ask how many people are present with Scottish blood in their veins, huge amounts of hands go up in the air. Of course most everyone here in America is from somewhere else, most Americans seem to be aware of where they are from.”
Once on-stage, Ross immediately grabbed everyone’s attention dressed in his very special kilt and plain white shirt. He began with the story about why the kilt makes perfect sense in his native land.
His stories are humorous and informative, and the story of the kilt is a perfect example. “Have you ever heard the phrase ‘the whole nine yards?” he asked. “That is what the kilt is made of, nine yards of material and that is how the phrase came about.”
The story took listeners to the terrain of Scotland, which Ross explained goes from sea level to 4,000 feet in a very short time. “A Scot could cover that type of terrain easily dressed like this, while no one else could. Once you get where you’re going, you take it off, wrap yourself up in it and go to sleep. It’s like carrying a sleeping bag, coat and many other things, but you’re wearing it instead of carrying it.”
Ross’s second speaking interlude demonstrated and explained Scottish military items, which he held, swung and colorfully described, in purpose and results. He also picked up his guitar and performed a song about Scottish hero Sir William Wallace, who is one of his favorite subjects.
Between Ross’ stories, the colorfully dressed drummers and piper of Albannach pounded out native Scottish songs, which date back many centuries. They are mostly militaristic and campfire type rhythms with shouts by lead drummer Kyle (Albannach prefers to use only first names) at just the right moment, spicing things up or finishing things up.
The powerful drumming occasionally gave way to sweet Scottish songs performed by Jacquie, an accomplished drummer herself who also imparts stories of her own to describe her songs, the drums or even the individual band members around her.
Albannach and Ross took several breaks where they mingled with the audience and explained things in much greater detail. Ross’ books and Albannach’s CDs and DVDs were on sale and lines formed as people had them autographed and personalized by Ross and the band members.
This tour by Albannach and Ross takes them from Florida to Pennsylvania, where they will finish up the tour at the Mid-Winter Scottish-Irish Music Festival in King of Prussia, Penn., so it was fortunate the Halifax County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Preservation Halifax were able to secure Wednesday night’s date before the group had to be in King of Prussia on Thursday.
Ross said he was pleased to have been able to stop in the Carolinas because there is a huge population of people with Scottish heritage here. “It’s one of the largest groups of people with Scottish blood,” Ross said. “The largest gathering in the world happens right here at Grandfather Mountain each year and we’ll probably be back for that. This will be the 54th year and it runs from July 9th through the 12th, so we will be back.”
As Albannach finished up their final powerful song, members of the audience took to isles and danced along with the pounding beats and pipes. It was a night and experience few will forget.
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