Session A9 with Citadels of the Sun

Over the last 20 years, Session A9 have earned their reputation as one of the best live bands in the country, adored by fellow artists and the wider public alike. It is no wonder they are frequently described as a “Scottish Supergroup “. They are celebrating the release of their long awaited CD The Magic Roundabout. 

Citadels of the Sun is a two-part creative collaboration emerging from the many folk and historical connections between India and Ireland, from the origins of the Irish and Indian fiddle to their shared colonial past. The initial collaboration in 2019 was commissioned by Earagail Arts Festival and culminated at Jodhpur RIFF that year. But the artists continued their engagement after sharing and developing their music online throughout the lockdown returning to Jodhpur RIFF mainstage 2022. Now, this collaboration of warm, yet exquisite music feels complete and features some of the best musicians from Donegal and Rajasthan: Martin Coyle (bouzouki), Paul Cutliffe (uilleann pipes, whistles), Sarah E Cullen (Donegal fiddle, vocals), Asin Khan Langa (Sindhi sarangi and vocals), Sawai Khan Manganiyar (dholak, morchang, bhapang, khartal and vocals).

​Sharing common themes and stories that connect the cultures of the two regions, ‘Citadels of the Sun’ refers to a recurring edifice in both cultures: Mehrangarh fort (fort of the sun) in Rajasthan, and Grianán of Aileach, Donegal’s own fort of the sun. Bridging these two iconic locations a world apart, Citadels of the Sun is a coming together of diverse but connected voices, the result of which is a sound that transcends and braves new territories in music. 

Credits: Divya Bhatia, Jodhpur RIFF (producer), Paul Brown, Earagail Arts Festival (producer)