Calum Ingram

With this innovative album made ??the Scottish cellist Calum Ingram already a remarkable debut . His strange music is catching on from the first ' Intro ' . First he is classically trained but also his jazz studies at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music ' in New York can be heard mixed with a certain exoticism and what Celtic echoes . All these influences , topped his highly personal vision , make this album an original compositional work that you could classify . Both fusion jazz and chamber music But cataloging seems like the last thing Calum it is in his head as he with electric cello , singing , sound patches , violent lash out , contrasting jazz show creates its own groove in which some of his eccentric personality shine through. Sometimes it seems like the Scot in the New York metropolis is hit in the morning mists of a freezing cold dawn from which raw than cello sounds resound , not so much melodic as well extremely emotionally entangled.



In the group of accompanying musicians saxophonist , bassist and drummer snuggle yet Jessie Arlen , who angelic keys add to the music of Calum , as to the dreamy instrumental ' Samson ' or even of the melancholy pervaded 'Smile' . Calum himself sings with the pain of a trapped wolf while barely distinguishable in his songs composition and improvisation . In the passionate 'Do not Mean To Harm ' , which he spits out the words , as it were , and the wailing ' chop ' the jazz elements accentuated by the beautiful sax solo by Peter Gasparov . Elsewhere hear you rock fragments . The mysterious atmosphere is never far away if urbanistic landscapes melt into the blurred vision of a stranded castaway .



The cellist not afraid to experiment but turns his instrument, which sometimes leans on guitar , right in the first place as a musical expression of all his tangled emotions . The absolute gem among the eight songs is the beautiful soul 'Going Home' , tar and poetic in its fragile beauty , as the formation of a flight of wild geese above a water surface . If a magician conjures songwriter Ingram with feelings , sounds and atmosphere . Last month, he won an award for its ' Sound Design ' musical contribution to a theater , which is not surprising because Ingram makes music and paints with the passion of an expressionist artist brush away his emotions with the bass lines of his bow . - RootsTime.BE

He plays the cello more like a guitar. And in the songs of the Scottish songwriter Calum Ingram meet modern chamber music to folk, Celtic Klännge and some blues. " Making It Possible" is the debut of this extraordinary musician.
To " Jock's Jook Joint" Calum Ingram still seemed like a foreign body , or at least not as exotic. Music like this normally you would not expect on a Blue sampler. Or only those from people who want to get scare Blue police.

Right from the beginning you have to instrumental sounds on the Blue " Making It Possible" looking very carefully. Clear: anyone who knows his music history , can see the connection to the freely flowing excursions in blues with Cream not only about the saxophone but also in the frenzied riff from songs like "Do not Mean To Harm " . But I hear here more declarations of love songwriters like Tom Waits, Tim and Jeff Buckley , and also the later Scott Walker recognize . Or jazz composer Carla Bley we , or the solo albums by Jack Bruce . This is music that makes the listener and it is never easy , you have to " work " as a listener . It's worth it : songs like " Going Home " or the already mentioned " Do not Mean No Harm " are movies for the ears in arthouse and quality widescreen .

" Making It Possible" is finally back an album full of energy and skill moves off the beaten track Blue . And I can understand why my British friends have recommended to me to occupy myself seriously with this cellist finally . Calum Ingram is a real find as a musician , composer and as a singer . Of his championship on the cello you have in the classical trained musicians do not talk only . ( Wood'N Heart Records) - Wasser-Prawda Magazine (Germany)

Like its Autumnally colour-saturated packaging this album vibrates with textures and hues - tempest tossed in a crucible of experimental mellow-cello led esoteric eccentricity. Classically trained Ingram hails from Glasgow where carrying a cello case on Saturday night public transport must be worth a thousand fliers alone –plus potential body armour. Having a guest-slot for fellow homeboy, Jack Bruce, probably guarantees seat-stealing immunity.

Stereotypes aside, this infuriatingly compulsive Curate's egg of curiosity bubbling in a witch's cauldron of eclectic trail blazing is so left field the pitch is in another dimension. You want Blues, you want uber-cool Jazz and alt Folk/Celtic airs? Form a disorderly cue (sic). Going Home is an affectionate hybrid of Americana Road-Romanticism and Nick Drake charged vulnerability. One for lovers to make amends to. Trust me on this one! However, that Ingram uses a tungsten barbed-wire bow on Game is open to muso late night conjecture. That it mutates magnificently from the moment Jessie Arlen's flanger/freak-out vocals bleed in to climactic psychedelic cello wah-wah abandon is a joy formidable. Cello? Psychedelia? – Yes, you read here. Netrhytmns ever burns the midnight lamp for those who choose the less-trodden paths. Not to be damned with false praise – it’s a brief album of eight tracks and the better for it. No fluff or indulgence – pared and bared down and utterly bad to the bone. (Tracks mastered by Gene Paul, son of Les – no less).

Closing track Butterfly gets pizzicato Sly Stone/Lalo Schifrin funky in a groove-Blues kind of way. Think Black Keys/White Stripes rhythm-flayed minimalism. This is an album you have to go out on one for. Go on – crack open that Curate’s egg and dunk your soldiers of Fortune.

John Kennedy, October 2013 - Net Rhythyms UK

Is it jazz, roots or its own genre? I needed to listen to the album a few times to get a handle on it, a very different musical experience. It perhaps is not to everyone’s taste, but the more you listen , the more you can appreciate the musicianship.
Calum Ingram is a classically trained cellist, but has created his own unique style of presentation. Combining this with other talented musicians, he has produced a totally individual style of music on this very interesting album.
The ‘Intro’ on this album was just cello and basic percussion, simple, but cool. This led straight into ‘Smile’, with the use of plucked cello and glockenspiel with Calum on vocals, moving to bowed cello and the introduction of female vocalist Jessie Arlen, a great voice. A very atmospheric track.
‘Don’t Mean No Harm’ raised the tempo with full drum kit and an interesting use of the cello. A very jazz orientated track especially with the sax. The next track ‘Chop’ was perhaps my favourite on the album. With bowed cello leading into a great sax solo and with the female vocalist again. A real bluesy/jazzy number.
Next a ‘rootsy’ track, ‘Going Home’, with nice harmonies and good use of brushes on the drums. I think it reminded me of a Paul Simon number. On the much more bluesy ‘Game’, I loved the bowed cello playing. It also gave the opportunity to show the female vocalists amazing range before heading off into electrification and ending up as a rocky number …was that the cello sounding like an electric guitar?
The last two tracks provided a different take. ‘Samson’ was a slow haunting number with some great sounds created by the cello, not unlike a sitar. The final track was a bit more funky/jazz with wah wah on the keys. A beautifully done solo on the bowed cello and a fitting end to the album.
All in all an interesting album of contemporary music.

ROSY GREER – Lancashire Blues Archive - Blues In The North West

First time was a washout due to the hurricane; second time was an excellent if intimate gathering despite the lack of subway service. The third week of the new Sunday Salon series at Zirzamin was the best yet, with contributions from both the new and established vanguard of New York songwriters and players. As he did the previous week, cellist Calum Ingram kicked things off, this time with a trio, playing his raw, high-energy blend of blues and funk, this time beginning with an intriguing jazz waltz groove. - NEW YORK MUSIC DAILY

First time was a washout due to the hurricane; second time was an excellent if intimate gathering despite the lack of subway service. The third week of the new Sunday Salon series at Zirzamin was the best yet, with contributions from both the new and established vanguard of New York songwriters and players. As he did the previous week, cellist Calum Ingram kicked things off, this time with a trio, playing his raw, high-energy blend of blues and funk, this time beginning with an intriguing jazz waltz groove. - NEW YORK MUSIC DAILY

This past weekend’s debut Sunday Salon at Zirzamin got off to a slow but promising start. Slow because there was only one subway line running between Manhattan and Brooklyn, promising because the playing was inspired. Cellist Calum Ingram saved the early part of the evening from being a total wash. Blues played on the cello always sounds good, but this guy’s blues are more funky than most. It’s obvious that he’s at least had an exposure to cello jazz, as well, as he and his cajon player spun through slinky polyrhythms and biting washes of microtones. - NEW YORK MUSIC DAILY

Glasgowmusic.co.uk - Blog : "Pronto Mama, The Lotus Project, Calum Ingram live at the Black Sparrow this Thursday"

www.glasgowmusic.co.uk is proud to announce another series of live stripped back, acoustic and electro shows at the Black Sparrow on Charing Cross on weekly Thursday nights.

The aim of the nights is to show off the best up and coming talent that Glasgow has to offer and prove how strong the cities music scene is. There will also be a number of quality acts from other towns drafted in too.

This weeks line up then…


Pronto Mama
Indie Math Rock band Pronto Mama are playing a very rare acoustic set this Thursday. The band were really busy in 2011 and this year promises to be even busier for them as their fan base is growing at a steady rate due to support of many blogs and radio presenters!
http://www.facebook.com/prontomama

Calum Ingram
New York resident Calum returns to the Sparra’ to showcase his bluesy Cello playing. Sets he played last year were very well received. You need to come and see him!
www.facebook.com/pages/Calum-Ingram/147543695260232?sk=info

The Lotus Project
All Girl 2 piece creating much intrigue with their dark indie tunes. Marie Claire from the band has previously played in the venue with Engine 7 and her voice was incredible. Come see this lot in a small venue before they really take off!
http://thelotusproject.co.uk


www.glasgowmusic.co.uk / www.theblacksparrow.co.uk - Craig McGee From Glasgowmusic.co.uk

CALUM Ingram remembers his childhood days when a visit to a music store would result in him heading straight for the drums to make a noise.
That was 15 years ago but, tonight, the talented string player’s presence will be just as evident when he takes to the stage to support legendary bluesman Jack Bruce.
And the Paisley man can’t think of a better 21st birthday present.
Calum is appearing alongside the ex-Cream star at the Queen’s Hall as part of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I don’t really think it gets much better than sharing a stage with Jack Bruce.
“I’m based in New York these days but when I was asked to play the festival and support Jack, I couldn’t quite believe it and obviously had no hesitation in accepting.
“The gig coincides with my 21st birthday – but I’m afraid the party will have to wait!”
Calum, who was born in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and brought up in Stanely, re-located to New York two years ago and is enjoying being a part of the thriving music scene Stateside.
He said: “I’m fully settled there now and just love the buzz of the city. The music scene is definitely one of the main reasons for me being there.
“But I always love coming home to Paisley to see my family and friends. There’s no place quite like home.
“My brother, Mark, a talented hockey player, is out in Boston at the moment and he plays a bit of guitar. So he’s pretty close to me in New York.”
Calum, a classically trained cellist and singer/songwriter, has been studying at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in his new home city.
He has a unique way of playing the cello that gives the instrument an almost guitar-like quality.
It weaves through Celtic Folk and Blues music and he has been influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jack Bruce himself.
While in the Big Apple, Calum has been playing with and working alongside musicians such as Ritchie Cannata, Billy Joel’s sax player, Alan Nimmo, a Blues guitarist, Chicago songstress Jessie Arlen and talented New York guitarist Jon Paris.
Calum is currently working on his debut EP and has recently been playing live shows in New York.
He said: “First and foremost, I suppose, I’m a cellist, but I can usually get a feeling for any stringed instrument, and would mark down bass guitar as my second instrument.
“I like to pick up little bits and pieces as I go along. It’s a great way to learn.
“I was playing cello at nine and ever since then, music has been everything to me.
“That’s why getting up there and playing on the same bill as Jack Bruce will be amazing.
“Of course I’ll be nervous but I’ll channel the nerves in a positive way and just try and enjoy the moment.
“Because let’s be honest, how many others will be celebrating their 21st birthday with a music icon?”
- Paisley Daily Express

CALUM Ingram remembers his childhood days when a visit to a music store would result in him heading straight for the drums to make a noise.
That was 15 years ago but, tonight, the talented string player’s presence will be just as evident when he takes to the stage to support legendary bluesman Jack Bruce.
And the Paisley man can’t think of a better 21st birthday present.
Calum is appearing alongside the ex-Cream star at the Queen’s Hall as part of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I don’t really think it gets much better than sharing a stage with Jack Bruce.
“I’m based in New York these days but when I was asked to play the festival and support Jack, I couldn’t quite believe it and obviously had no hesitation in accepting.
“The gig coincides with my 21st birthday – but I’m afraid the party will have to wait!”
Calum, who was born in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and brought up in Stanely, re-located to New York two years ago and is enjoying being a part of the thriving music scene Stateside.
He said: “I’m fully settled there now and just love the buzz of the city. The music scene is definitely one of the main reasons for me being there.
“But I always love coming home to Paisley to see my family and friends. There’s no place quite like home.
“My brother, Mark, a talented hockey player, is out in Boston at the moment and he plays a bit of guitar. So he’s pretty close to me in New York.”
Calum, a classically trained cellist and singer/songwriter, has been studying at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in his new home city.
He has a unique way of playing the cello that gives the instrument an almost guitar-like quality.
It weaves through Celtic Folk and Blues music and he has been influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jack Bruce himself.
While in the Big Apple, Calum has been playing with and working alongside musicians such as Ritchie Cannata, Billy Joel’s sax player, Alan Nimmo, a Blues guitarist, Chicago songstress Jessie Arlen and talented New York guitarist Jon Paris.
Calum is currently working on his debut EP and has recently been playing live shows in New York.
He said: “First and foremost, I suppose, I’m a cellist, but I can usually get a feeling for any stringed instrument, and would mark down bass guitar as my second instrument.
“I like to pick up little bits and pieces as I go along. It’s a great way to learn.
“I was playing cello at nine and ever since then, music has been everything to me.
“That’s why getting up there and playing on the same bill as Jack Bruce will be amazing.
“Of course I’ll be nervous but I’ll channel the nerves in a positive way and just try and enjoy the moment.
“Because let’s be honest, how many others will be celebrating their 21st birthday with a music icon?”
- Paisley Daily Express