In 1984, while still at school, Kathryn Tickell released her first album ‘On Kielder Side’.

40 years on she revisits some of those tunes and responds with new material specially composed for this anniversary release ‘Return to Kielderside’.

Kathryn says: “it is such a delight to take that old-school approach to recording an album – get a load of tunes together, and a group of good friends – play through the tunes…and go and record them. No studio trickery. No messing!”

Return to Kielderside is a gentle return to a more traditional sound for Kathryn. The album is a departure from the drums, samples and heavy bass beats of Kathryn’s current touring band ‘The Darkening’ although three tracks do feature The Darkening’s Amy Thatcher on accordion. Other contributors include melodeon player Julian Sutton, who played on several of Kathryn’s earlier albums, guitarist Ian Stephenson who last recorded with Kathryn back in 2007 and pianist Andy May (who also played Northumbrian pipes on Kathryn’s 2002 album ‘Back to the Hills’). Alongside these long-time friends and musical collaborators Kathryn is pleased to welcome young fiddle player Jem Quilley, making his recording debut.

Return to Kielderside contains old tunes like ‘Kielder Castle’ interspersed with contemporary tunes in traditional style such as the waltz Yearning Law and the rollicking accordion and pipes duet ‘Roman Wall Rambo’, composed for one of Kathryn’s relatives. The evocative air ‘Border Spirit’ is one of several tunes making a return from the original ‘On Kielder Side’ track list, all with new arrangements.

Return to Kielderside was recorded in Thropton, Northumberland in Summer 2024.