Bùrach

Taking their name from a Gaelic word that literally means "a delving in the earth" (although, less formally, it's understood as "a mess"), the Scottish act Burach was one of myriad acts in the '90s to combine more traditional music (in this case, Scottish) with more conventional aspects of rock and pop. The group includes lead singer Ali Cherry (a one-time producer for BBC Scotland); classically trained guitarist Doug Anderson on banjo and mandolin; bass player Roy Waterston; accordionist Sandy Brechin; fiddle player Greg Borland; and percussionist Eoghain Anderson. Coming together in late 1994, the group quickly made a name for itself by winning the Scottish Folk Group Competition. They have toured extensively, including stints with acts like the Waterboys, Big Country, and Sharon Shannon, while earning critical acclaim for their blend of traditional and contemporary music that also includes incorporating jazz and blues. Among Burach's releases are The Weird Set (1995), Born Tired (1997), and Deeper (2000).