The title song was inspired in part by Ewan MacColl’s brilliant song, Freeborn Man and the title Go the Road is a phrase borrowed from Frank Delaney’s magical book Ireland. The term describes the life of an itinerant storyteller who wanders the countryside, staying with people who will feed him and give shelter in exchange for telling stories.
The story mirrors in many ways, my own. Having left home at an early age, I made my way by busking on the streets of Vancouver, Canada. Since that time, I’ve literally gone the road, performing, touring, recording and always, always writing. Now, after more than three decades of pursuit, I’ve found my voice in the Roots Music genre.

Scotland has entirely captured my fancy, the North East in particular. The beauty, the culture and the genuine warmth of character you find throughout. What really stands out (besides the single malt) is the power and beauty of the music.

Losing myself completely in all things Scottish, I sought to express myself. A Minstrel in Moray is an attempt to find my own progressive voice within Scots-Celtic Music.

In A River So Wide, Tiller’s Folly revisit early acoustic rock music influences. The listener will be reminded of the innovative work of 1970s rock visionaries like Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, John Fogerty, Blind Faith, Beatles, Eagles, etc. Acoustic driven pop music with a nostalgic twist. The lyrics in A River So Wide are increasingly more introspective rather than biographical, lending a new dynamic to the Tiller’s Folly pallet.

Unlike previous recordings, A River So Wide was written and arranged on the road, and the songs have been tested in a variety of live performance situations. Arrangements have evolved through a process of trial, error, and repetition. A River So Wide will feature a five-piece Tiller’s lineup, which includes long-time friend and drummer, Chris Nordquist.

A River So Wide is co-produced between Tiller’s bassist Laurence Knight (who produced Tiller’s first four albums) and Steven Drake, (The Odds), a Juno Award winning producer renowned for his nostalgic (1960s – 70s) production sensibilities.

All songs, music & lyrics by Bruce Coughlan (SOCAN) except: The Ballad of John Rae by Bruce Coughlan & Jim Smith (SOCAN)

All tracks produced by Laurence Knight except: Laurence Knight & Steven Drake (15, 23) Joby Baker (4, 21, 24) Bruce Coughlan (6, 14, 20) Mastered & re-mastered by Joby Baker Thank-you to our families, friends and fans for all your support and inspiration!!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our Kickstarter Stirring Up Ghosts initiative. Special thanks to Rob Armstrong, Katharine Barrett, Bob Chenoweth and the Lexvolds. Special thanks again to Dave & Paula Reed who’s initial contribution made this project possible.

I’ve always felt a strong affinity for Scottish music. The intensity, expressiveness, and wild beauty flow throughout its timeless words and melodies has inspired and shaped my musical perspective since before I can remember.

From my parents’ old Andy Stewart (The Scottish Soldier) recordings, to the time I discovered The Corries, Archie Fisher, The Tannahill Weavers, Silly Wizard, et al. I wasn’t fully aware of the extent of their influence, until Tiller’s Folly was invited to visit the Northeast of Scotland in the summer of 2004. There, surrounded by a collection of the finest Celtic musicians in the world, we watched, and listened, jammed, performed, and socialized to our heart’s content.

Naturally, we were anxious to lend our own perspective to this vibrant music. This “coming together” of influences is essentially the inspiration behind Buchan Bluegrass. We sincerely hope you enjoy this recording as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.

“Ripple in Time” has received the top CD of 2001-2003 award in the Acoustic Ensemble Category from the Indie Acoustic Project!

“Grounded and influenced by Celtic Music, the mists of Canadian history, and decades of musical experience between them, Tiller’s Folly’s new album “A Ripple in Time” is an extraordinary effort by an exceptional group. In this age of fastfood music, even in the folk field, thank goodness for the music of Tiller’s Folly…songs written with respect for tradition and history, played with virtuosity and gusto, that are both fun and thoughtful.”
– Tom May Producer/host “River City Folk”
WFMT Fine Arts Radio Network, Chicago