Landskein

Lauren MacColl is one of Scotland’s finest fiddlers. Her latest album’s title, Landskein, loosely means ‘Thread’ and it is in this theme of binding – in terms of people, places and music across miles and time – that is the heart of this enchanting album. Fundamentally a solo recording, the only accompaniment on Landskein is James Ross on piano. The selection of tunes are traditional with an aura of history sieved through. There is a real sense of time, place and past lives sifting throughout the recording. Legends and folklore trace the album’s terrain, while the mountains, sea and Highland landscape of Scotland provide the album’s colour and atmosphere. It’s hard to pick favourites from such a charming release but ‘Mrs McIntosh of Raigmore’ is a beautiful, redolent and tender interpretation of the traditional tune. ‘MacGregor of Roro’s Lament’ is a fine, warm air on grief, while ‘Là Dhomh’s Mi Dìreadh Bealaich’ (One Day as I Climbed the Hill), which closes the album is a gentle, considered affair. Beautifully produced and recorded, with MacColl’s superb musicianship rightly at the forefront, Landskein is a handsome, haunting and emotive recording – immerse yourself in its elemental magic.