GLASGOW, Scotland, February 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Leading Scottish ale Caledonia Best has brought together folk icon Dougie MacLean and rising Dundee band Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher (AMWWF) to record a new version of the iconic Caledonia.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130215/594856 )
The collaboration came after AMWWF recorded its own version of the 'unofficial' Scottish anthem for Caledonia Best's first TV advertising campaign which was launched in December. The recording has proven popular and Caledonia Best brought Dougie and the band together for a session.
Caledonia Best, which was launched by Tennent Caledonia in 2011, is made from 100% Scottish barley and has built a strong position in the Scottish ale market.
Paul Condron, Marketing Director at Tennent Caledonian, said:
"For many Scots, Caledonia has become an unofficial national anthem and its lyrics evoke a great feeling of pride - Caledonia Best truly is an ale for Scotland and the song was a natural fit for our ad. We've been overwhelmed by the positive response to Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher's version of the song for the ad, and it has been an honour to be able to bring the band together with Dougie MacLean. It's great to be able to share the results of what was a fantastic session involving such talented artists, and I know this new recording will prove incredibly popular with music fans."
Dougie MacLean OBE is one of the country's most influential and celebrated artists and AMWWF has been widely hailed by critics as a band to watch in 2013.
Dougie MacLean said:
"I was really impressed with the band's version of Caledonia, and when Caledonia Best contacted me and suggested we meet up, it seemed only natural that we get together and play some music. The guys came to visit me at my home near Dunkeld, and we had a great time recording a new version of the song. They're very talented musicians and I think they've really put their stamp on the song - it was great to work with them."
Dave Webster of AMWWF added:
"I've yet to meet a single person from Scotland who isn't familiar with the song Caledonia. Often people are put off by the idea of 'cover versions,' especially when it's such a well known song because there's the risk you could upset a lot of people if you get it wrong. Since recording the Caledonia Best advert I've met a lot of people with their own story attached to the song and the feedback they've given our version has generally been great. During the recording process it did play on our mind a wee bit what Dougie would think as we've a lot of respect for him and his music but the very fact he agreed to have us collaborate with him was a huge compliment and a wonderful experience."
Highlights from the session were captured on film, with the song Caledonia now available for streaming online on Caledonia Best's YouTube channel. Check out http://www.YouTube.com/CaledoniaBest and join the conversation on twitter with #caledoniabest
Notes to Editors:
About Dougie MacLean
About Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher
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