NOTES FROM AN ISLAND       By Ivan Drever           Attic CD 077

Available on line from www.ivandreverband.co.uk

Ivan Drever hails from Orkney in Scotland. Now resident in Norway, he has recorded a host of albums both solo and with other performers.

His newest album, “Notes From an Island”, out now on Attic records, is a reflection on his Orcadian heritage. 

Ivan says: “I started writing the songs for this album almost two years ago and, having completed about six songs, realised there was a

common thread amongst them, i.e. Orkney. 

“It was then I realised it might be nice to complete the record on that theme. What you have then, is a few songs and tunes that reflect where I come from, and what it means to me. Given the history between Orkney, where I’m from, and Norway, where I live, it seemed ironic that most of the album was written in the land of the Norseman, then taken back home for recording.

“It had also been at the back of my mind for some time to do the album with Owen Tierney, back in his studio in Finstown, twenty five years after we first worked together. Again, it wasn’t intentional, but pretty much everyone who worked with me on the project is from Orkney which is special.”

The album features a group of excellent Orcadian musicians including Seona Dunsmuir, Stuart Shearer, Graham Simpson, Dawn Stout and Tina Wood plus the Kirkwall City Pipe band.  The 12 songs and tunes were all written by Ivan Drever and the album marks 25 years of recording for Owen Tierney’s Attic Records.

Ivan is currently working with ex-Wolfstone guitarist Andy Murray, bassist Finlay Wells and Percussionist Iain Coates on a new project: The Ivan Drever Band.  An EP “Every Beat of the Heart was released last year and a new album is due in the autumn.

Having worked with the “Knowe O' Deil” and as a solo artist, Ivan joined Wolfstone in 1990, their work saw them perform worldwide. Ivan’s songs and tunes have been recorded by an impressive list of artists and indeed one, which was co-written with fiddle player, Duncan Chisholm was featured in the Robin Williams film "Good Will Hunting ".

Ivan also tours Europe frequently with Duncan Chisholm, their duo album "The Lewis Blue" was released on Iona Records.  The DVD & CD release of "Long December Nights" captured the duo in the relaxed setting of Duncan’s front room. The current Ivan and Duncan Tour features songs from Ivan’s new album “Notes From An Island”.

Ivan composed the songs and music and performed for the Californian Dance Based Company "Celtic Fusion" which saw him working for the early part of   2001 in the States, touring with the Company throughout March on the East coast of the U.S.  

Ivan’s career has been long and fruitful and “Notes from an Island” shows that this is set fair to continue.