Eddi Reader on song to celebrate Bard’s birthday

Dec 19 2008 Irvine Herald

IRVINE songstress Eddi Reader is to re-release the album of Robert Burns songs she recorded to coincide with the 250th anniversary of his birth.

Eddi, 49, a long-time fan of the Scottish bard, will re-release The Songs of Robert Burns in a special deluxe edition CD along with extra tracks in January.

The singer will launch the CD as part of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival on Sunday, January 18, accompanied by the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

And on Friday and Saturday, she joins pianist Jools Holland for his shows at Glasgow’s Clyde Auditorium.

Eddi’s passion for Burns was brought home during her Marymass gig at Irvine’s Magnum Leisure Centre as she spoke of her love for his poetry and songs before performing, My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose for the packed theatre.

She is also appearing on the television advert for Homecoming 2009, alongside Sir Sean Connery, Chris Hoy and Lulu.

Persuaded by the organisers of Homecoming 2009, Eddi returned to the recording studio and added Green Grow The Rashes O, Comin’ Through The Rye, Dram Behind The Curtain, Ye Banks And Braes O’ Bonnie Doon, Aye Waukin-O, Dainty Dave, Leezie Lindsay and Of A’ The Airts to the original 12 tracks.

Eddi Reader Sings The Songs of Robert Burns will be released on Monday, January 12.