Masters of the tricky art of innovating within a musical tradition while remaining true to its essence, Old Blind Dogs have stood on the cutting edge of Scotland's roots revival since forming in 1990. With a repertoire that includes high-octane instrumentals and traditional songs (including a truly great rendition of Robert Burns' "A Man's a Man for A' That"), it's always a joy to hear the Dogs' dynamic fusion of delicately phrased melodies from Scottish tradition with world music, jazz, and rock undercurrents.

Founding member, Jonny Hardie (fiddle and mandolin), hails from Aberdeenshire on Scotland's northeast coast, an area steeped in traditional songs and fiddle tunes. African-flavored percussion and bluesy harmonica take the music in unexpected directions, with Jim Malcolm's soulful vocals, Jonny's fiddle, and Rory Campbell's superb piping tying the music back to its roots. Aaron Jones' bass and bouzouki and Fraser Stone's drumming round out the roster of this supergroup, who were named Folk Band of the Year at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards (Jim won Songwriter of the Year at the same event). Old Blind Dogs' latest release is The Gab O Mey.