The late Scottish humourist, poet, philosopher and surrealist Ivor Cutler’s enduring legacy is celebrated once again in this crème-de-la-crème gathering of Scottish indie, folk, rock and pop talent, launching a new album tribute Return to Y’Hup, jointly masterminded by saxophonist/composer Raymond MacDonald (Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra), Matt Brennan (Citizen Bravo), Malcolm Benzie (eagleowl) and Andy Monaghan (Frightened Rabbit). As introduced on Cutler’s 1959 debut recording, Y’Hup is an imaginary lush, fertile island where its creator claimed citizenship, repopulated here by a host of brilliant Scottish artists including:
Rick Anthony (Phantom Band/Rick Redbeard), Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch, Kris Drever, Karine Polwart, ex-Delgado Emma Pollock, Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, James Yorkston, Adam Stafford, Duglas Stewart (BMX Bandits), Suse Bear (Tuff Love), avant-pop singer and multi-instrumentalist Kapil Seshasayee, Chris Thomson (The Bathers), Heather Leigh, Sarah Hayes (Admiral Fallow/You Tell Me) and ex-Maple Leaves singer Anna Miles. As well as reworking Ivor Cutler of Y’Hup in its entirety, material includes other related early compositions, alongside favourites from Cutler’s later catalogue.