“…It’s intense, joyous, rugged music…” – The New York Times

“A lute and drum kit doesn’t sound like a combination that should really work, but in this post-genre age almost anything goes. And, when the musicians in question are veritable virtuosos, as is the case with Cretan laouto player George Xylouris and Australian-born, New York-based drummer Jim White, then the results are nothing short of spectacular.” – The Thin Air

Xylouris White is George Xylouris playing Cretan lute and Jim White playing drums. They first met in Melbourne, coming from different musical backgrounds yet with much in common which is evident when they get together and play live or record in the studio. George comes from a lively tradition and Jim, now based in New York has been playing in his own unmistakable style for decades with Venom P. Stinger, Dirty Three, The Double, Springtime, Bill Callahan and Marisa Anderson to name a few. They work closely with Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto as producer of all their albums: Goats, Black Peak, Mother, The Sisypheans and 2023’s The Forest In Me.

Jim White

There are drummers and there are drummers. And then there is Jim White. Having first commanded international attention in the mid-1990s with the acclaimed Australian instrumental trio Dirty Three, the New York-based virtuoso is now the go-to guy for alt-A-list vocalists with collaboration in mind. Those who’ve worked with him – and all those he’s mesmerized as he plays – testify to his deft way with a rhythm, a downbeat, a jazz-fuelled wig out.

His is a unique playing style forged in the then isolated Melbourne; a style that can sound like a full band one moment, and something stark and beautiful the next.

PJ Harvey has said there is ballet in White’s light, precise touch. Will Oldham once remarked on White’s ability to dismantle a song, bit by bit, and rebuild it with his parts incorporated. The likes of Smog, Nick Cave, White Magic, Bonnie Prince Billy and Cat Power all know that there’s more to White’s drumming than mere accompaniment. His intuitive beats and singular approach have complimented the repertoire of the iconic Cretan lyra player, Psarantonis, and created sparks in his collaborations with the Cretan lute player George Xylouris. Whoever White is playing with, he is right there, present in the most inspirational sense.

George Xylouris

George Xylouris grew up in a musical village in Crete. He is self taught and learnt playing with friends from a young age in the village square, starting with mandolin and progressing to lyra and lute. He accompanied his father, Psarandonis, from the age of 11 at festivals, weddings and venues around Greece and Europe and further abroad. At that time he started working with Labyrinth, a musical organisation established by Ross Daly, based in music of the Eastern Mediterranean, and continues teaching lute with Labyrinth running workshops and joins for performances from time to time.

He lived in Melbourne for eight years where he formed the band ‘Xylouris Ensemble’ with musicians from diverse backgrounds who created a sound of varied origins. During that time they had an enthusiastic diverse following. He also took part in the local scene with the likes of ‘Dirty Three’, eventually leading to the formation of Xylouris White.

He moved back to Crete where he returned to working in his traditional setting. Throughout that time he also played and recorded with musicians from all over Greece such as Ross Daly, Giannis Aggelakas, Nikos Veliotis, Stelios Petrakis, Achilleas Persidis and others. He has developed his characteristically versatile style over many years and has an all age diverse faithful following. His sound whilst traditional suits many contexts. He has been an inspiration to a younger generation of Cretan lute players.

Brighde Chaimbeul

“music as invigorating and new as anything currently being produced in either folk or contemporary avant-garde circles ” — FRUK

“this is music to take you away” — Songlines

“some of the most satisfying and complete music to be found anywhere on these islands ” — The Quietus

Brìghde Chaimbeul (Bree-chu CHaym-bul) is a leading purveyor of experimental Celtic music and of the Scottish smallpipes; a bellows-powered set of bagpipes with a double-note drone. She has devised a completely unique way of arranging for pipe music that emphasises the rich textural drones of the instrument; the constancy of sound that creates a trance-like atmosphere, played with enticing virtuosic liquidity.

Brìghde’s mesmerizing musicianship has earned her global recognition, including a BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award, and in 2021 performed to world leaders at the opening cemerony of COP 26.

Her style is rooted in her native Gaelic language but continues to push the boundaries of her instrument and her sound. Her most recent album ‘Carry them With Us’ featuring renowned artist Colin Stetson has been widely acclaimed and has been most recently profiled in The Guardian, The Irish Times, Stereogum and Dazed & Confused. She has also been featured on Caroline Polacheck’s ground-breaking album ‘Desire, I Want To Turn Into You.’

Brìghde has also collaborated with highly respected musicians from across Scotland, Ireland and beyond including Colin Stetson, Aidan O’Rourke, Radie Peat (Lankum), Gruff Rhys, Carlos Nunez, Ross Ainslie, Cormac Begley.

Brìghde’s pipes are made by renowned makers Fin Moore and Hamish Moore.