Blue Rose Code and his 8-piece Big Caley Soul Band will be headlining the Lake Stage on Friday night, and Ross himself will do a solo slot earlier in the day on the Folk Stage

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"One of the greatest live acts around right now so if you get a chance to see them in any of their many guises do yourself a favour and go."

Americana UK

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Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code writes songs straight from – and to - the heart. They address universal themes in a deeply personal way and seamlessly blend folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique.

His fifth and most recent album, With Healings Of The Deepest Kind was released in 2020 to huge acclaim. Collectively, Blue Rose Code’s four previous albums have featured Ewan McGregor, Danny Thompson, Nashville gospel legends The McCrary Sisters, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis and Beth Nielsen Chapman. 2017’s The Water Of Leith was named by The Skinny magazine as their Scottish Album Of The Year and was nominated for both the SAY (Scottish Album Of The Year) award and SAMA (Scottish Alternative Music Awards).

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Ross was asked to co-write for Steve Knightley's forthcoming new record and their song was premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in April which was followed up by Steve joining Ross and band onstage in Portsmouth. 

 

Pre-pandemic, the band toured with Deacon Blue and Eddi Reader in the UK and Ireland, building a devoted fanbase rarely seen nowadays.

 

A magnetic performer who loves to connect with his audience, Ross and the brilliant musicians he works with are now firmly established as one of the UK’s most uplifting and powerful live bands.

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“Healings is ravishingly beautiful, a burnished blaze of Caledonian Soul, muted jazz and poetic recitation…A bruised peach of a record."

Uncut 8/10

 

“Ten Years Grace - One of the most inspired and compelling album releases of 2023.”

Louder Than War

 

“Having had Blue Rose Code recommended to me for years but never managed to see them live, I can now more than see what the fuss is about.”

Portsmouth News, Apr 2023

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“An opening set of almost religious intensity and sincerity. Wilson makes widescreen soul in the spirit of Van Morrison, and was full of the holy fire of live performance.”

The Times, Jan 2023