ON THE EDGE: A MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH DAVE BAINBRIDGE
In this episode of Big Blend Radio, musician and composer Dave Bainbridge discusses his powerful new solo album, On the Edge (of what could be). Dave shares insights on the themes behind the album—spirituality, connection, nature, hope, and collaboration—and reflects on how music serves as a bridge in a divided world. The conversation also explores nostalgia in music, the significance of the title track, and the vital role of community support for independent artists.
Dave Bainbridge’s 5th solo album ‘On the Edge (of what could be)’ is perhaps his most ambitious yet. Bringing together all the elements that have characterized his music since he co-founded the band Iona, ‘On the Edge’ brings 83 minutes of new atmospheric, spiritual and powerful music to the listener that defies genre (a bold claim perhaps, but how else do you describe music that truly merges folk, rock, progressive, jazz and modern classical elements with vocals in both Scottish and Irish Gaelic as well as English?
‘On the Edge (of what could be)’ features a stellar cast of musicians including world renowned drum master Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Toto, The Who, Mike Oldfield, Protocol, Hiromi and many more), Uilleann pipes and whistle maestro Troy Donockley (solo artist, Nightwish, Iona, Auri, The Enid, Midge Ure, Maddy Prior etc), Sally Minnear (Lord of the Dance, Pendragon, Celestial Fire etc), Iain Hornal (solo artist, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, 10CC etc), Randy McStine (solo artist, Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree), Ebony Buckle (solo artist, Solstice), Jon Poole (Cardiacs, The Wildhearts, Lifesigns), David Fitzgerald (Iona co-founder), Frank van Essen (Iona, Martin Garrix, Within Temptation, Auri, Barbara Dickson etc), Rachel Walker (renowned singer of Scottish Gaelic folk music) and more.
Exploring themes such as the thin veil between this earthly life and the heavenly, mysterious stories of ancient Celtic saints, the wonder and glory of the natural world, Dave cleverly interweaves these with present day concerns such as climate change and deep societal divisions. However instead of pointing fingers, ‘On the Edge’ encapsulates a deep sense of the sacred and of hope. The hope of what could be in a world of turmoil and uncertainty. Possibly more now than at any point in history, the world needs the artistic community to bring us together and to show us, through great art, just how beautiful and precious this world is, and how much better the way of unity and of love and respect is.
With the combination of this cast of uniquely talented musicians and Dave’s trademark, soaring guitar lines, expressive keyboards and evocative compositions, here we have a glimpse of what could be, in a world that is truly on the edge.
📀 Watch the official album trailer: https://youtu.be/JMiFXkID9go?si=M876WSN4PpKiZLJ5
🌐 Learn more: http://www.davebainbridgemusic.com
