This is an excellent
album, genuinely distinguished by its six original Gaelic songs (some
extraordinarily beautiful) and a great range of instrumental tunes. 'The
Blue Men Of The Minch' follows Meantime's earlier release 'The Natives
Are Friendly'. These four talented musicians still have careers outside
music - David MacLennan (guitars/vocal) makes sculptures out of scrap
metal on the Isle of Lewis; his striking interpretation of one of the
'Blue Men' adorns the sleeve! The remaining band members work in Gaelic
education in the Highlands: box player Malcolm Munro teaches primary school
Gaelic in Lochaber; David Boag works for Feisean nan Gaidheal in Inverness
when he's not playing fiddle, moothie, or singing; and multi-instrumentalist
Norman MacArthur teaches Gaelic at Dingwall Academy. He plays pipes, bass,
guitar, jaws harp and provides vocals on this album.
The new Gaelic songs are excellent. With almost 'anthemic' choruses, reminiscent
of Runrig's 'gentler' days, songs such as Le Cheile (featuring the wonderful
voices of the Back Gaelic Choir) and An Iatha As Teotha As T-samhradh
make a powerful impact on the listener; really stunning. Most captivating
of all is the Seo Seinn award-winning Grimsay Boat Day, one of the most
beautiful songs in ANY language I have listened to in recent years. McLennan's
emotive vocal delivery genuinely communicates, making translation unnecessary.
Thugainn Dhachaigh, with its excellent use of electric guitar/flute and
male/female voices, is another fine song.
Several of the instrumentals, many of them originals composed by the band
members, have a joyful, playful feel about them - the closest comparison
I can draw is McKerron/Shaw's instrumental soundtrack to BBC Alba's excellent
drama serial Gruth Is Uachdar. Mull Reels, with jaunty jaws harp, accordion,
and rhythm guitar, or Rough House and Off To The Mod, with banjo, fiddle
and jaws harp bring this musical association sharply to mind. Both Highland
and small pipes feature prominently too - could those Scottish small pipes
of title track Sruth Nam Fear Gorma have helped rescue boats sailing between
the Shiants and Lewis from certain peril with their 'rhyme, riddle and
wit?' Tunes like Gay Gordons and Jumping Bean Set all add to the lively
ambience, too.
A very rewarding and enjoyable CD, with several aces up its sleeve: the
wonderful new Gaelic songs, and the superb range of original instrumentals.
Debbie Koritsas
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