A HIT album released in early September and mastered at Forth Valley College, has already been praised by Scottish superstar Rod Stewart.

Popular Irish folk musician Liam McGrandles enlisted the help of his childhood friend Barry Frame – a FVC Sound Production Lecturer – and the College’s Stirling Campus recording studios, to put together his latest 16-track record, which reached number one on the singer-songwriter chart and peaked at number five on the iTunes listings.

The album – The Place You Call Home – was officially released on September 5 and received its final mix and master on August 21 at FVC, under the watchful eye of Barry who also played guitar on some tracks and recorded, produced and mixed the songs at his home studio.

Liam, who has had some success with two previous albums, has some really famous fans including iconic Scottish rockstar Rod Stewart, who he has duetted with.

Rod has already been in touch with Liam to tell him how much he loved the songs, in particularly a song called The Big Cup. A-list Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, is also a big fan, and even booked Liam to play at his wedding.

The folk musician also has a strong connection with Celtic FC and has played on the pitch several times at Parkhead before major games, is a regular part of entertainment functions held at the stadium and has also played at other Celtic fan events, in places such as New York.

Barry said: “I’ve known Liam for years and years as we grew up together in Denny.

"Liam has had great success with two earlier albums and was planning to record a third; however, due to the Coronavirus lockdown he struggled to get anything done.

"Liam and I did a couple of duets for online entertainment during lockdown and it was during our reunion, where we thought we could record an album.

“The idea for the album was for it to be a stripped back acoustic album with me playing some guitar. We ended up recording a 16-track album and I recorded, produced and mixed it all in my home studio.

"The final master mix took place at FVC Stirling. I wrote and performed all the lead guitar work on the album as well, and came up with full orchestra arrangements and percussion.

"It really was a wonderful experience to work with Liam and we have both been overwhelmed by the reaction to the album’s release.

“Rod Stewart even got in touch with to praise the album, which has already sold more than 700 physical copies since its release and it has done very well since going live on digital streaming sites."

Liam, added: “Barry and myself have spoken for years about working together, but due to work and gigging commitments for the two of us, it never happened.

"I had planned on recording a new album this year, but when lockdown happened, it seemed that I wouldn’t get the chance.

“Barry contacted me about doing a video together for Facebook and it went down a storm.

"It was then I put the idea to him for potentially recording and mixing my album for me.

"He very kindly agreed and within a week, we had the vast bulk of the tracks recorded – live from the rock and roll surroundings of Barry’s bedroom, then mixed in his loft.

“Barry went above and beyond by adding guitar and string arrangements to many of the songs and the sound he has created is unbelievable.

"The last part of the process was the final mix and mastering at Forth Valley College. The end product has gone way beyond my expectations.”

A CD of The Place You Call Home can be bought direct from Liam via his Facebook page www.facebook.com/liam.mcgrandles.9 and is also available on Apple Music and Spotify.