Vicky Gray – Atlaness (Stitch Records, 2021)
Atlaness is the delightful Celtic-flavored debut EP by highly talented fiddler and composer Vicky Gray, from the Shetland Islands in the UK. Gray combines her deep traditional roots with contemporary production techniques. She has toured extensively in the UK and Canada, performing at major music festivals such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Glastonbury, and Heb Celt.
This solo release partially reworks cherished tunes learned from her late grandfather, Gilbert (Gibby) Gray, a notable tradition-bearer and fiddler. The EP received support from The Skinny and Scotland on Sunday, and her music has been playlisted on BBC Radio 6 Music.
Of the record, she says: “I still love listening to the old recordings of my Grandad Gray playing the fiddle and am fascinated by the history of the old tunes and the stories that go with them. He was a great storyteller and had an infectious rhythm to his playing.
“My friend (visual artist) Jenny Deschenes’ family gave me an old recording of her great grandad, Glybie, playing some wedding tunes and talking about the old traditions that went with them. His playing is beautifully ornamented and full of character. Jenny is also an incredible artist, and created the artwork for the EP.”
“By making a new recording of these tunes, I didn’t want to try to replicate them, but retell them. The four track EP moves from a fiddle-only arrangement, to the last track (Tief on the Lum) which has no fiddle on it at all.”
Author: Sonia Keller
