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Mairi McGillivray – In My Mind

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Released on the 15th of January, In My Mind is the debut EP from Mairi McGillivray. A native of Islay, this four-track collection is as captivating as the island from which she hails.

Opening song Tha Fadachd orm Fhìn is a traditional Gaelic waulking tune.  The beauty of McGillivray’s voice and the poetic Gaelic lyrics are a perfect fit and is as good an introduction as you could ask for.

Kelvin’s Purling Stream, a traditional song dating back to the 1850s, tells the wistful tale of a young Irish emigrant to Glasgow as he thinks of the girl he left behind.  It’s a cleverly chosen song, one sure to echo the emotions felt by many who made the move to the big city at a young age.

Tàladh na Beinne Guirme, a poignant lullaby, recounts the experience of Gaelic settlers in Canada. Special mention must be given to the backing  musicians backing here.  Barely a note is wasted as they provide the perfect accompaniment, adding subtle texture that allows McGillivray’s voice to shine brightly.

The self-penned Sea of Men tells the story of HMS Otranto, a troopship which was lost off the rocky shores of Islay leaving over four hundred dead. It was a tragedy which reached all the way across the Atlantic to the American homeland of the victims. The lyrics capture the horror of ‘a sea of men’ fighting for their lives as well as the sense of helplessness of those on the shore who found their ability to help limited by the raging seas. Mairi McGillivray’s honest delivery packs a powerful emotional punch whilst Paul Mckenna’s restrained backing vocals on the chorus provides a suitably haunting reminder of the souls that were lost.

In My Mind surely heralds the start of a long career. On the evidence of these four tracks Mairi McGillivray must be one to watch.

To buy In My Mind head to Bandcamp.

Learn more at mairimcgillivray.com

Credits

Mairi McGillivray – Vocals
Seán Gray – Guitar
Charlie Stewart – Double Bass
Isla Callister – Fiddle
Graham Rorie – Mandolin
Paul McKenna – Backing Vocals

Engineered by Mike Vass & Graham Rorie
Mastered by Scott Wood

 

 

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Findlay Napier’s Latest Release – Glasgow

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Findlay Napier moved from his childhood home of Grantown-on Spey to the city of his birth, twenty years ago.  His latest release, Glasgow, pays tribute to the place which has become home.  With its mix of finely crafted originals and astutely chosen cover songs Napier has managed to capture the timeless essence of one of the world’s great Cities.

The opening track, ‘Young Goths in the Necropolis’ is the perfect introduction to Napier’s slightly skewed storytelling style. Opening with an affectionate nod towards the ‘weirdo’s’ who hang about Glasgow’s own city of the dead, the vivid imagery will stay with you long after the song has ended.

It’s a strong start and what follows does not disappoint. Whether it is tales of the homeless (Wire Burners) or poignant stories of days gone by at the dancing (The Locarno, Sauchiehall Street 1928), Glasgow repeatedly hits the mark.  On ‘There’s More to Building Ships’ Napier reminds us of the human cost behind the romantic images of long gone ships being launched on to the Clyde.  The singers carefully controlled anger makes it all the more powerful.

No album about Glasgow would be complete without a healthy dose of humour and Napier’s cover of Michael Marra’s ‘King Kong’s Visit to Glasgow’ provides plenty. The final track, ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a love song set in the city centre chippy of that name. If you are going to fall in love in Glasgow I really couldn’t think of a more perfect place.

Glasgow is available to buy here and at all the usual outlets.

For more info visit www.findlaynapier.com