The Modern Scottish Classic Award, presented by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), is annually selected by the 20 artists on The SAY Award Longlist. All 20 artists submit their top 5 Scottish albums, which pre-date the inception of The SAY Award (2011), and continue to inspire to this day.
Martyn Bennett’s final studio album ‘Grit’ is the fourth recipient of the Modern Scottish Classic Award. A record which is widely credited with starting the musical evolution of Celtic fusion, it features tracks including ‘Blackbird’, ‘Chanter’ and ‘Move’, where Martyn expertly blended Scottish traditional music and singers with cutting edge electronica and dance beats.
His fifth album, ‘Grit’ featured the traditional singers, largely travellers, that Martyn was raised on, showcasing the astonishing purity of the past whilst basking in modern dance culture. Martyn battled with Hodgkins Lymphoma throughout the making of the album, undergoing extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as a bone marrow transplant. No longer able to play instruments himself, ‘Grit’ was his sole artistic outlet. Martyn Bennett passed away 15 months after the release of ‘Grit’, in January 2005 at 33 years old, following a short but extraordinary career that has left a stunning musical legacy, not only in Scotland, but around the world.
BJ Stewart, one of the founding members of the Martyn Bennett Trust and Martyn’s close friend and photographer, said: “The Martyn Bennett Trust is deeply honoured that Grit has been awarded the 2024 Modern Scottish Classic Award. This recognition is especially meaningful coming from fellow artists across Scotland’s diverse music scene, reflecting the enduring impact of Martyn’s work.
“‘Grit’ unites ancient and modern sounds, blending traditions with contemporary influences and championing marginalised voices. We are thrilled that ‘Grit’ continues to inspire and influence musicians from so many different genres and backgrounds, much as Martyn himself sought to unite those elements in his work.
“This award reaffirms his vision of music as a force for connection and unity, as relevant today as it was in 2003. We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish Music Industry Association, The SAY Award nominees, and everyone who continues to celebrate Martyn’s music. Thank you.”
2024’s SAY Award Shortlist, Modern Scottish Classic Award winner and Sound of Young Scotland finalists will be celebrated at this year’s Ceremony, culminating in a celebration of Scottish music past, present and future. One of the biggest nights in Scottish music, the Ceremony takes place in the heart of Scotland at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Thursday 24th October.
