Comandante, Hugo Chávez's Venezuela Rory Carroll

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra has long been known for championing British contemporary music and, following two albums entirely dedicated to Thomas Wilson, the orchestra now turns to other leading composers of the contemporary scene. Devised by conductor Rory Macdonald, the programme includes works that share the themes of loss, love and life: Jay Capperauld’s Our Gilded Veins takes centre-stage, alongside Within Her Arms , Anna Clyne’s ‘fragile elegy’ ( The New Yorker ), James MacMillan’s legend-based The Death of Oscar and the commemorative For Zoe , Martin Suckling’s Meditation (after Donne) – which features church bells from across Scotland – and Peter Maxwell Davies’s Farewell to Stromness (in an arrangement for strings by Rosemary Furniss), which arguably features the composer’s most recognisable tune.

Karen Carroll has plenty of opportunity to strut her stuff on her debut, Had My Fun. Unlike many contemporary blues albums, which are highly polished blasts of blues-rock, Had My Fun takes its time. Many of the songs are torchy slow blues or down and dirty Chicago blues – either way, they sound natural, never forced. That's appropriate, since Carroll sings like a natural, caressing the ballads and growling the nastier numbers. Best of all, there's actual grit in the production – four of the songs were recorded live – and that allows Carroll to achieve her full potential on this impressive debut.

Erik Chisholm is a Scottish-born composer and friend of Bartók whose music has experienced a substantial revival. It's not quite correct to call him a Scottish composer, for the last two decades of his life were spent outside Scotland (mostly in South Africa), and Scottish nationalism is only one of the unique mix of influences in his music. It's not that he's "eclectic" in the modern sense.

Hailing from New York and Boston, Hugo’s VOYAGE is a dynamic AOR rock band with soaring melodies and anthemic soundscapes. With their irresistible blend of powerful vocals, melodic keyboards, hard-hitting guitars and captivating lyrics, they evoke a nostalgic spirit reminiscent of the legendary band, Journey. No surprise as Hugo’s VOYAGE was formed in 2005 as a Journey tribute band and have been the most successful touring Journey tribute band in the US, attracting a dedicated following of fans who are deeply moved by the music.Featuring former Valentine and Open Skyz singer Hugo, Robby Hoffman (guitar), Greg Smith (bass), Dana Spellman (drums) and Lance Millard (keyboards)— Hugo’s VOYAGE have now set out on a musical journey of their own, crafting a signature sound of original music on their debut album ‘Inception’ that pays homage to their influences while carving out a unique and vibrant identity.

As a piano player, Sandy Carroll is energetic and earthy, drawing from blues and early rock 'n roll influences to create a soulful and distinctly Southern sound. Her mastery over the keys and passionate vocal delivery have earned her the title the "Boogie Woogie Queen Of Memphis". In May of 1997, her second CD Memphis Rain was released on the Inside Sounds/Inside Memphis label. Produced by blues guitarist James Solberg with a little help from producer Jim Gaines, Memphis Rain has received critical acclaim throughout the United States and Europe.