Ruth Keggin Explained

Ruth Keggin
Birth Date:1989
Birth Place:Isle of Man
Genre:Folk, Celtic
Occupation:musician
Instrument:vocals, piano, flautist, whistle[1]
Years Active:2011-present
Label:Purt Sheearan Records
Associated Acts:Aon Teanga – Un Çhengey, Nish As Rish

Ruth Keggin is a Manx Gaelic singer-songwriter.[2] She holds degrees from the University of York and the University of Cambridge.[3]

Career

In 2011, as a member of Nish As Rish, Keggin won in the Best Newcomers category at the 2011 Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France.[4]

Keggin was awarded a grant by Culture Vannin to produce her 2014 debut solo album, Sheear ("Westward"), a collection of traditional and contemporary Manx songs praised as "bringing new life into the language with her music."[5] [6] Keggin's album has held popularity in the Celtic genre, becoming album of the week on Celtic Music Radio[7] and listed as number one in Japan’s ‘Top 10’.[8]

Keggin released her second solo album, Turrys ("Journey"), in 2016. Critic Neil McFadyen, writing for the journal Folk Radio UK, praised the album and called her voice "clear, precise and a joy to hear."[9]

In September 2020 Keggin became the Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, a foundation established by the government of the Isle of Man to promote Manx culture.[3]

In March 2021, Keggin and Scottish harpist Rachel Hair launched a joint crowdfunding campaign to produce a debut duo album to consist primarily of songs in the Manx language. These will include both traditional songs and songs by contemporary Manx musicians. They reached their target goal of £5,000 within 12 hours of launching the campaign and achieved a stretch goal of £10,000 after 48 hours. Some matching funds were provided by Creative Scotland. The album has also received funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council.[10]

Current and Former Collaborators

Discography

TitleRelease
Sheear (‘Westward’)[12] 2014
Turrys[13] 2016

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ruth Keggin. Manx Music.
  2. Web site: Celtic Family Magazine Summer Issue 2015. celticfamilymagazine.com. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095715/http://ruthkeggin.websmyth.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/165474_385997101598024_1407062975290500357_n.jpg. 2016-03-04.
  3. Web site: Ruth Keggin Gell. 25 March 2021. Culture Vannin.
  4. News: Isle of Man folk group wins Celtic festival competition. BBC News. 22 August 2011 .
  5. Web site: Ruth Keggin solo album - Sheear. culturevannin.im.
  6. News: Singer Ruth Keggin 'breathes life' into ancient language. BBC News. 15 February 2014 .
  7. Web site: Album of the Week: Ruth Keggin with 'Sheear'. celticmusicradio.net.
  8. Web site: TOP 10 June 2014 » Irish Music Magazine. irishmusicmagazine.com.
  9. News: McFadyen . Neil . RUTH KEGGIN: TURRYS . 2021-03-25 . Folk Radio UK . 2016-08-10.
  10. Web site: Rachel and Ruth - a debut duo album! . Crowdfunder . 2021-03-25.
  11. Web site: Ruth Keggin – CD Album Launch at the Centenary Centre - Isle of Man News :: isleofman.com. isleofman.com.
  12. Web site: Living Tradition CD review of RUTH KEGGIN - Sheear. livingtradition.co.uk.
  13. Web site: Robert McMillen . Trad/roots: Adventures in Manx with Ruth Keggin's album Turrys . The Irish News . 3 February 2017. 2017-06-21.