In June 2007 acclaimed Dundee singer songwriter Michael Marra spent a week at An Tobar – The Tobermory Arts Centre, Isle of Mull, to record a new CD-EP.

Featuring 5 songs about 5 musicians, played and sung by 5 musicians and recorded in 5 days, Quintet, will be his first release since Silence in 2003.

The songs are dedicated to Martin Carthy, Dr John and two Shetland musicians: country singer Thomas Fraser and jazz guitarist Peerie Willie Johnson who sadly passed away a few weeks before the record was made. There is also a song for saxophonist Peter McGlone which was recorded by Kiki Dee (Don’t Go Breaking My Heart with Elton John) in 1979.

Michael Marra has had a long varied career and has worked hard at avoiding the music business after an early foray to London with Polydor Records. He regularly appears with poet Liz Lochead in their duo show In Flagrant Delicht and was musical director for the successful TV series Your Cheatin’ Heart.

The musicians on the record are Steve Kettley (Salsa Celtica) on tenor and soprano saxophones, Dick Lee (Swing 07) on clarinet and bass clarinet, Aidan O’Rourke (Blazin’ Fiddles and Lau) on fiddle and Gordon Maclean (Sorren Maclean Band) on double bass with Michael Marra on piano, guitar, mandolin and vocals.

The band launched the album at the end of August with an intimate tour of venues on Mull, Iona and Easdale Island. They will return to An Tobar on Tuesday 9th October for a Live Broadcast of BBC Radio Scotland’s Global Gathering and play The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour on Wednesday 10th October.

The CD is now available from independent record stores around Scotland.