Various Artists – Songs of Separation
Various Artists – Songs of Separation (Navigator Records, 2016)
Songs of Separation is a fascinating project featuring 10 of the leading female folk musicians from Scotland and England. In September of 2014, Scottish residents were given the option of regaining independence from the UK. Although the no vote won, 44.7% of Scots voted in favor of independence. Set in this post-referendum context, these talented artists have recorded a set of original and traditional songs that revolve around the subject of separation.
Songs of Separation was recorded in the fabulous setting of the Isle of Eigg (in the Scottish Inner Hebrides). The process of cultivating the music was revealed to audiences each day, through a series of videos. The songs highlight the connections and differentiation in the musical traditions, language and cultural heritage of England and Scotland.
The impressive “dream team” of musicians includes Eliza Carthy and Karine Polwart, two of the UK’s most celebrated vocalists; Mary Macmaster and Kate Young, two groundbreaking Scottish singers and instrumentalists; Hannah James, Hazel Askew and Rowan Rheingans, from the award winning English ensemble Lady Maisery; Jenn Butterworth and Jenny Hill, gifted musicians who have worked in both English and Scottish traditional music; and Hannah Read, a New York-based musician who spent much of her infancy on the Isle of Eigg.
Highlights include the memorable opening track “Echo Mocks the Corncrake”, “Poor Man’s Lamentation” , “’S muladach mi ‘s mi air m’aineoil (Sad Am I and in a Strange Place)”, “Sea King”, and the delightful Celtic beat of “Over the Border: The Withering / Flowers of the Forest / Blue Bonnets Over the Border / Hope Lies Over the Border.”
The lineup on the album includes Hazel Askew on lead and backing vocals, flute, harp, melodeon; Jenn Butterworth on vocals, guitar; Eliza Carthy on lead vocals and backing vocals, fiddle, Indian harmonium, percussion; Hannah James on lead and backing vocals, percussion, piano accordion; Jenny Hill, double bass, backing vocals; Mary Macmaster lead and backing vocals, clarsach (Celtic harp), wire harp; Karine Polwart on lead and backing vocals, Indian harmonium, percussion, tenor guitar; Hannah Read on lead and backing vocals, fiddle, guitar; Rowan Rheingans on lead and backing vocals, banjo, fiddle, percussion, viola; Kate Young on lead and backing vocals, fiddle.
Songs of Separation showcases a wonderful set of exceptionally expressive vocals from Scotland and England enhanced by beautifully crafted arrangements.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
